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KZN Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs Bursary 2027

🟢 EDTEA BURSARY 2027 STATUS: OPEN
Applications for the current Engineering Bursary Programme close on 30 October 2026 at 16:00.

WHAT IS THE EDTEA BURSARY?

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) Bursary is a provincial government funding programme that supports qualifying students from KwaZulu-Natal who are pursuing selected engineering qualifications.

The current 2027 programme provides six bursaries for Grade 12 learners and undergraduate students from disadvantaged backgrounds who intend to study approved engineering programmes at the University of the Witwatersrand or the University of Pretoria.

The programme is therefore not a general bursary for all fields of study. The current intake is specifically focused on three engineering disciplines.

WHAT FIELDS OF STUDY DOES THE EDTEA BURSARY COVER?

The current EDTEA Engineering Bursary Programme supports the following fields:

  • Aeronautical Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Civil Engineering

The approved studies must be pursued at either the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) or the University of Pretoria (UP). Applicants are responsible for applying for and securing admission to the university separately from the bursary application.

  • See Government Bursaries and Scholarships funding opportunities.
  • See General Bursaries South Africa for bursaries covering other fields of study.
  • See Bursaries Open for 2027 for current opportunities accepting applications.

WHAT ARE THE EDTEA BURSARY REQUIREMENTS?

To qualify for the current Engineering Bursary Programme, applicants must meet the programme’s provincial, academic and study requirements.

  • Be a resident of KwaZulu-Natal.
  • Come from a disadvantaged background.
  • Be between 15 and 34 years old.
  • Be a Grade 12 learner or undergraduate student pursuing one of the approved engineering fields.
  • Be accepted, or in the process of securing admission, to study the approved qualification at Wits University or the University of Pretoria.
  • Meet the Department’s academic and other requirements for the relevant bursary intake.

University admission is separate from bursary funding. Applying for the bursary does not itself secure a place at Wits or UP.

The current programme is specifically aimed at applicants from disadvantaged backgrounds in KwaZulu-Natal, so proof of residence and financial circumstances form part of the application documentation.

WHAT DOES THE EDTEA BURSARY COVER?

The current Engineering Bursary Programme provides financial support for the main costs associated with approved university study.

  • Registration fees
  • Tuition fees
  • Accommodation
  • Prescribed books and study materials
  • Meals
  • A monthly allowance, subject to the applicable Departmental Bursary Policy

The bursary can be renewed for subsequent years, subject to satisfactory academic performance and the applicable Departmental Bursary Policy.

HOW DO I APPLY FOR THE EDTEA BURSARY?

Applicants must download and complete the official KZN EDTEA Bursary Application Form 2027 (.pdf).

  1. Obtain the official bursary application form.
  2. Complete the form fully and accurately.
  3. Prepare the required supporting documents.
  4. Include a one-page motivation explaining your intended engineering career and why you should receive the bursary.
  5. Submit the complete application by post or hand delivery to the address specified for the current programme.

Email applications are not accepted for the initial bursary submission. The current application must be posted or hand delivered as specified in the bursary advertisement.

Applicants should also apply separately for admission to Wits University or the University of Pretoria. The bursary does not replace the university admission process.

WHAT DOCUMENTS ARE NEEDED FOR THE EDTEA BURSARY?

The current application requires supporting documents to verify the applicant’s identity, residence, academic position and financial circumstances.

  • Completed bursary application form
  • One-page motivation letter
  • Certified copy of the applicant’s ID
  • Proof of KwaZulu-Natal residence
  • Certified copy of the parent or guardian’s ID
  • Proof of parent or guardian income, or the required unemployment declaration where applicable
  • Grade 12 results for school learners, including the required mid-year results
  • Final Grade 12 results when they become available
  • University admission or acceptance documentation for Grade 12 applicants, where available
  • Academic record for applicants already studying at Wits or UP

Applicants should ensure that all documents required for the current intake are included. Incomplete applications may not be considered.

WHEN IS THE CLOSING DATE FOR THE EDTEA BURSARY?

30 October 2026 at 16:00.

Late applications will not be accepted.

HOW DO I CONTACT EDTEA ABOUT THE BURSARY?

For enquiries about the current Engineering Bursary Programme, applicants can contact:

  • Contact person: Mr Mbuyiseni Zwane
  • Telephone: 060 565 3728
  • Email: mbuyiseni.zwane@kznedtea.gov.za

For future intakes, applicants should use the contact details provided in the latest official EDTEA bursary advertisement.

ABOUT EDTEA

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs is a provincial government department responsible for areas including economic development, tourism and environmental affairs in KwaZulu-Natal.

Its engineering bursary programme forms part of the Department’s investment in technical skills development. The programme has historically supported engineering students, including students pursuing aeronautical and mechanical engineering, while the current 2027 intake also includes civil engineering.

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This bursary information was last updated in September 2026.

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