The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government has officially opened its 2026 Bursary Programme, offering fully funded bursaries to eligible students who want to pursue tertiary qualifications in critical and scarce skills fields. This bursary window runs from 31 December 2025 until 15 February 2026, and it covers multiple provincial departments.
- Check if you Qualify for this Bursary before you Apply
- Track your Daily Career Score Here
- Create and Download your CV for this Bursary Application here
- Create a Motivational Letter for this Bursary Application here
- Check if you also Qualify for NSFAS Funding here
- Check if you Qualify for TVET College Enrolment here
- View more 2026 Bursaries here
This isn’t just about paying fees — it’s about building the future workforce of KZN and closing skills gaps in key sectors like Engineering, Agriculture, Finance, Transport, Human Settlements, and Veterinary Sciences.
Quick Overview
Bursary Name: KwaZulu-Natal Government Bursary Programme 2026
Closing Date: 15 February 2026
Province: KwaZulu-Natal
Who Can Apply: KZN residents aged 18–35
Study Level: Undergraduate (1st year & continuing students)
Funding Covers: Tuition, accommodation, meals, prescribed textbooks, and allowances
Departments Involved:
- Human Settlements
- Agriculture & Rural Development
- Provincial Treasury
- Transport
Fields of Study Funded
One of the strengths of this bursary is that it is department-specific, meaning your qualification links directly to real government jobs.
Department of Human Settlements
- Construction Studies
Where to apply:
Director: Organisational Development
Private Bag X54367, Durban, 4000
or hand-deliver to Eagle Building, 353–363 Dr Pixley Kaseme Street, Durban
Department of Agriculture & Rural Development
- BVSc (Veterinary Services)
- BSc Agricultural Engineering
- ND: Industrial Engineering
- Bachelor of Veterinary Science
- BSc Agricultural Entomology
Applications submitted to:
Human Resource Development
P/B X9059, Pietermaritzburg, 3200
Department of KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Treasury
- Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting
Persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply
Applications to:
Bursary Unit, KZN Provincial Treasury
P.O. Box 3613, Pietermaritzburg, 3200
Department of Transport
- BSc Civil Engineering
- BCom Transport & Logistics
- BCom Honours: Transport Economics
- Bachelor’s Degree in Maritime Studies
- Degree in Urban & Regional Planning
Applications to:
The Bursary Section
Private Bag X9043, Pietermaritzburg, 3200
Who Can Apply?
You qualify to apply if:
- You are a South African citizen
- You are a resident of KwaZulu-Natal
- You are between 18 and 35 years old
- You have Grade 12 / Matric
- You already have admission or provisional acceptance from a recognised public institution
- You are studying (or intend to study) one of the listed fields
- You come from a financially needy household
Important: Preference is given to students studying within KZN institutions.
Required Documents (VERY Important)
Attach certified copies of the following:
- South African ID (applicant)
- Parent/Guardian ID (or death certificate if deceased)
- Matric certificate OR latest academic results
- Proof of household income (payslips / SASSA / affidavit)
- Proof of unemployment (Department of Labour or affidavit)
- Admission / acceptance letter from institution
- Proof of residence (ward councillor letter)
- Proof of CAO application (if applicable)
Missing documents = automatic disqualification
Where to Get the Application Form
Bursary forms are available at:
- Operation Sukuma Sakhe War Rooms
- Department of Education District Offices
- Student Funding Offices at universities & TVET colleges
- Local Municipal Offices
- Libraries
- Provincial Department websites
- KZN Provincial Government Facebook pages
Important Conditions You Must Know
Before applying, understand this clearly:
- The bursary covers full-time study only
- Successful students must sign a service contract
- You will be required to work for the KZN Government after completing your studies
- Funding is limited — not all applicants will be successful
- Only successful candidates will be contacted (within ±4 months after closing)
How Edupstairs Helps You Prepare
At Edupstairs, we don’t just post opportunities—we help you win them.
Recommended Tools:
- Edupstairs Internship / Learnership Eligibility Checker
- Edupstairs Financial Literacy Mini-School
- Grow your Confidence – 30-day Challenge
- SA Bursary Probability Checker
- Edupstairs Simple CV Builder Tool
- Edupstairs AI Cover Letter Generator Tool
- Edupstairs Learnership Application Checklist Tool
- Edupstairs Internship Application Checklist Tool
- Edupstairs Interview Q & A Coach Tool
- SA Youth Apprenticeship Readiness Quiz
- Edupstairs Learnership Stipend Calculator Tool
- NSFAS Funding Eligibility Checker Tool
- Edupstairs Qualification-to-Career Pathways Tool
- South African Salary Explorer Tool
- TVET College Enrolment Eligibility Checker Tool
- Edupstairs Career Personality Tool
- Daily Career Score Tracker
- Learnership and Internship Readiness Quiz
Edupstairs Advice (Read This Carefully)
At Edupstairs, we’ve seen thousands of students miss out because of small mistakes.
Here’s how to increase your chances:
- Apply early — don’t wait for February
- Double-check certifications (not older than 3 months)
- Make sure your field of study exactly matches the advert
- Use a clear file or envelope, neatly labelled
- Keep copies of everything you submit
Career Growth Path After This Bursary
This bursary is more than funding — it’s a career pipeline.
After graduation, beneficiaries typically move into:
- Government internships
- Entry-level professional posts
- Graduate development programmes
- Permanent roles within provincial departments
Fields like Engineering, Accounting, Veterinary Science, Transport Planning, and Agriculture are long-term scarce skills, meaning strong job security and growth potential.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Is this bursary the same as NSFAS?
No. This is a provincial government bursary, separate from NSFAS.
- Can I apply if I’m already studying?
Yes, as long as your qualification matches the listed fields.
- Do I need university admission first?
Yes — acceptance or provisional acceptance is required.
- Will I have to pay the money back?
No, but you must work for the KZN Government after graduating.
- Can students with disabilities apply?
Absolutely. They are strongly encouraged to apply.
CLOSING DATE: 15 FEBRUARY 2026
You can also:
- View latest Internships
- View latest Learnerships
- View Latest Bursaries
- View latest Government jobs
- View latest Company Vacancies
- View latest Municipality vacancies
- Visit the Edupstairs blog for daily updates
Disclaimer
Edupstairs is not affiliated with the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government. We share verified public opportunities to help youth access funding and education. Always confirm details with official departmental offices.
EDUPSTAIRS IS A REGISTERED NON-PROFIT ORGANISATION NPO No: 232 – 182, PUBLIC BENEFIT ORGANISATION (PBO): 930066984. EDUPSTAIRS DOES NOT, IN ANY WAY OR FORM, SOLICIT MONEY OR CV’S FROM PEOPLE FOR JOBS. PLEASE BE AWARE OF PHONY JOB POSTINGS AND RECRUITMENT FRAUD. FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT OUR SCAM/FRAUD ALERT PAGE HERE