The KwaZulu‑Natal Provincial Government is opening a new bursary program for 2026.
If you’re a South African living in KwaZulu‑Natal, between 18 and 35, and you’re ready to start or continue a university course in a field that the government says is “critical and scarce,” this scholarship might be the perfect way to pay all of your tuition, books, and living costs. The application window is from 31 December 2025 to 15 February 2026.
What the Bursary Covers
The program pays for everything you need to study full‑time:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation (room and board)
- Daily meals
- Official textbooks
- A small allowance for supplies
You’ll also be given a contract that asks you to work for one of the KZN departments after you finish your degree. The money is not a loan; it’s a way to build the province’s future workforce.
Who Can Apply?
- South African citizen
- Resident of KwaZulu‑Natal
- 18‑35 years old
- Holds a Grade 12 or matric certificate
- Has a place in a public university or TVET college (accepted or still waiting for confirmation)
- Enrolled in or planning to enroll in one of the approved subjects
- Comes from a family that needs financial help
Students studying in a KZN institution get a little extra consideration.
Subjects That Get Funded
The bursary is tied to real jobs in the provincial government. The subjects that qualify are:
Human Settlements
- (Apply by visiting the office in Durban – see the address below)
Agriculture & Rural Development
- BVSc – Veterinary Services
- BSc Agricultural Engineering
- ND – Industrial Engineering
- BSc Agricultural Entomology
- Bachelor of Veterinary Science
Provincial Treasury
- Bachelor’s in Accounting
Transport
- BSc Civil Engineering
- BCom Transport & Logistics
- BCom Honours in Transport Economics
- Bachelor’s in Maritime Studies
- Degree in Urban & Regional Planning
Disabled students are especially encouraged to apply.
Where to Get the Form
You can pick up a paper application at any of these places:
- Operation Sukuma Sakhe War Rooms
- Department of Education district offices
- Student funding offices at universities and TVET colleges
- Local municipal offices
- Public libraries
- The official KZN provincial website
You can also check the KZN provincial Facebook pages for updates.
What You Need to Submit
Bring certified copies of these documents:
- South African ID (your own)
- Parent or guardian ID (or death certificate if they’re no longer alive)
- Matric certificate or most recent exam results
- Proof that your family is low‑income – payslips, SASSA letters, or a signed affidavit
- Proof of unemployment for any other family members (Labour Department letter or affidavit)
- Your admission or acceptance letter from the university or college you want to attend
- Proof of where you live – a letter from the ward councillor is fine
- Proof that you’ve applied through the Central Admission Office, if you’re using that route
If any of these papers are missing, your application will be rejected right away.
Important Things to Remember
- The bursary is for full‑time students only.
- If you win, you’ll sign a service contract and must work for a KZN department after you finish.
- Funding is limited, so not every applicant will get it.
- The government will only contact successful candidates, usually within about four months of the deadline.
How Edupstairs Can Help
We don’t just share job and scholarship news. We also give you a quick checklist so you won’t miss a step:
- Submit your application early – waiting until the last day can cause delays.
- Make sure all copies of your documents are newer than three months.
- Double‑check that the subject you’re applying for matches one on the list exactly.
- Keep the application in a clean, clearly labelled folder or envelope.
- Store copies of every piece you send, so you can refer back if anything goes wrong.
What Happens After the Bursary
If you’re chosen, you’ll finish your degree with the help of the KZN government. Afterward you can expect to find:
- Internship opportunities in provincial offices
- Entry‑level jobs within the department you studied for
- Graduate development programmes that keep you on the path to higher roles
- Long‑term positions in fields that have a high demand and job security
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this bursary the same as NSFAS?
No, this is a separate program run by the provincial government.Can I apply if I’m already studying?
Yes, as long as the course matches one of the listed subjects.Do I need to be accepted to university first?
Yes, you need an acceptance or provisional admission letter.Do I have to pay back the money?
No. You only need to work for the KZN government after you graduate.Can people with disabilities apply?
Yes – they are strongly encouraged to apply.
Final Note
The closing date is 15 February 2026. Make sure to finish your application before then.
For more details and to download the form, visit the official KZN Provincial Government site.
If you have any questions, call or email the bursary unit at the Provincial Treasury.
EduPstairs is not connected with the KwaZulu‑Natal Provincial Government. We share only verified opportunities to help students find funding and study options. Always check with the official department before sending any personal information.
