KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs is offering six bursaries for the 2027 academic year. This is a chance for Grade 12 learners and under‑graduates who want to study engineering to get full financial support.
What the bursary is
The KZN EDTEA Engineering Bursary Programme 2027 provides funding for students who will study Aeronautical, Mechanical or Civil Engineering at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) or the University of Pretoria (UP). The bursary covers registration, tuition, accommodation, prescribed books, meals and a monthly allowance.
Who can apply
- Resident of KwaZulu‑Natal.
- From a disadvantaged background.
- Age between 15 and 34 years.
- Accepted (or will be accepted) to study Aeronautical, Mechanical or Civil Engineering at Wits University or the University of Pretoria.
- Responsible for securing your own university admission.
What you will receive
- Registration fees.
- Tuition fees.
- Accommodation.
- Prescribed textbooks and study material.
- Meals.
- A monthly stipend.
The bursary can be renewed each year if you maintain good academic performance.
How to apply – step by step
- Download the official KZN EDTEA bursary application form from the department’s website.
- Complete the form in full. Incomplete forms will be rejected.
- Write a one‑page motivation letter explaining why you want to study engineering and how the bursary will help you.
- Gather the required documents (see list below).
- Package the completed form, motivation letter and all documents.
- Send the package by post or hand‑deliver it to one of the addresses listed below. Email applications are NOT accepted.
Submission addresses
Post or hand‑deliver to:
Attention: Aeronautical Engineering‑Bursary Programme | Mr Mbuyiseni Zwane
Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs
Private Bag X 9152
Pietermaritzburg, 3200
Alternatively, hand‑deliver to the head office:
KZN EDTEA Head Office
270 Jabu Ndlovu Street
Pietermaritzburg, 3201
District offices for hand‑delivery
| District | Local Municipality | Physical Address |
|---|---|---|
| iLembe | KwaDukuza | Albert House, Corner of Link Road and R102, Stanger |
| eThekwini | eThekwini | 9th Floor & part of 8th Floor, “The Marine”, 22 Dorothy Nyembe Street, Durban |
| eThekwini | eThekwini | 333 Anton Lembede Street, Durban |
| uMzinyathi | Endumeni | 26 Beaconsfield Street, Dundee |
| Amajuba | Newcastle | 50 Harding Street, Newcastle: Harding Office Park |
| uThukela | Alfred Duma | 73 Murchison Street, Ladysmith |
| Zululand | AbaQulusi | 241 Utrecht Street, Vryheid |
| King Cetshwayo | uMhlathuze | ERF 11637, Veldenvlei South Ext 3, 7 Aloe Loop Street, Richards Bay |
| Harry Gwala | Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma / Johannesburg Phumani Phungula | 1 Northway Drive, Ixopo |
| Ugu | Ray Nkonyeni | 38 Main Harding Road, Port Shepstone |
| uMgungundlovu | Msunduzi | ex‑Joshua Doore Centre, 270 Jabu Ndlovu Street, Pietermaritzburg |
| uMgungundlovu | Msunduzi | 217 Burger Street, Pietermaritzburg |
| uMgungundlovu | Msunduzi | 181 Berg Street, Pietermaritzburg |
| uMkhanyakude | Jozini | ERF 60 Mzolozolo Avenue, Umkhuze |
| uMkhanyakude | uMtubatuba | Lot 55D Kiepersol Street, Mtubatuba |
| Zululand | Ulundi | LA Building Unit B, Ulundi |
Required documents
- One‑page motivation letter.
- Completed bursary application form.
- Proof of KZN residence (e.g., municipal bill, police affidavit, or letter from a traditional authority).
- Certified copy of your ID.
- Certified copy of parent/guardian’s ID and proof of income (payslips or bank statements). If unemployed, an affidavit stating unemployment.
- June Grade 12 results.
- Final Grade 12 results (to be emailed after release).
- If you are already registered at Wits or UP, an academic record.
- For Grade 12 learners, a letter from the university confirming admission.
Tips to improve your chances
- Secure your university admission early – the bursary does not guarantee a place at the university.
- Write a clear motivation letter. Explain your engineering goal, financial need, and how you will give back.
- Double‑check that every required document is included and properly certified.
- Submit your application before the deadline – 30 October 2026 at 16:00. Late submissions are not accepted.
- Apply for other engineering bursaries as well, such as the Eskom Engineering Degree Bursary 2027, to increase your funding options.
Next steps
Start by downloading the application form and confirming your admission at Wits or UP. Gather your documents, write a strong motivation letter, and send your complete application to one of the addresses above before the deadline.
Contact
For any questions about the bursary, you can contact:
Mr Mbuyiseni Zwane
Email: mbuyiseni.zwane@kznedtea.gov.za
Phone: 060 565 3728
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many bursaries are available? Six bursaries for qualified KZN residents.
- Which engineering fields are covered? Aeronautical, Mechanical and Civil Engineering.
- Can I study at any university? No. You must be accepted at Wits University or the University of Pretoria.
- Can a TVET College student apply? The bursary requires university admission, so TVET qualifications alone do not meet this requirement.
- What is the age limit? Applicants must be between 15 and 34 years old.
- Is accommodation included? Yes, together with registration, tuition, books, meals and a monthly allowance.
- Is the bursary renewable? It can be renewed each year, subject to satisfactory academic performance.
- Can I email my application? No. Applications must be posted or hand‑delivered.
- When does the application close? 30 October 2026 at 16:00 – strict deadline.
