KwaZulu-Natal Government Bursary 2026

The KwaZulu-Natal Government Bursary for the 2026 academic year is one of the most important funding opportunities available to students from the province. This bursary is aimed at developing scarce and critical skills needed within the KwaZulu-Natal public sector while giving financially deserving students the chance to complete their studies.

Students enrolled or planning to study at KwaZulu-Natal universities such as the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), Durban University of Technology (DUT), Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT), the University of Zululand (UNIZULU), as well as public TVET colleges in the province, are encouraged to apply. The bursary supports a wide range of fields and is especially relevant for students who are willing to work for the KZN Provincial Government after completing their studies. For many KZN students, this bursary makes higher education possible in the 2026 academic year.

• Bursary Name: KwaZulu-Natal Government Bursary
• Provider: KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
• Fields of Study: Multiple scarce and critical skills fields
• Study Level: Undergraduate and postgraduate
• Who Can Apply: KZN residents studying at KZN universities or TVET colleges
• Closing Date: 15 February 2026
• Funding Covered: Tuition fees, accommodation, prescribed books and allowances

This bursary is ideal for students from KwaZulu-Natal who want to study towards qualifications that are in demand within the provincial government. It is suitable for university and TVET college students, including those studying education, health sciences, engineering, ICT, finance and public administration. Both undergraduate and postgraduate students may apply, provided they are committed to working for the KZN Government once they complete their studies.

• Must be a South African citizen and a resident of KwaZulu-Natal
• Accepted or registered at a public university or TVET college in KwaZulu-Natal
• Studying towards a qualification in a scarce or critical skills field
• Demonstrate financial need
• Good academic performance in previous studies
• Willing to sign a work-back agreement with the KZN Provincial Government

• Education: Teaching qualifications in priority subjects
• Health Sciences: Nursing, Medicine, Allied Health professions
• Engineering & Built Environment: Civil, Electrical, Mechanical Engineering, Town and Regional Planning
• ICT & Technology: Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems
• Commerce & Administration: Accounting, Finance, Economics, Public Management, Supply Chain

• Confirm that your field of study is listed as a scarce or critical skill by the KZN Government.
• Prepare certified copies of your ID, academic transcripts and proof of residence.
• Obtain proof of registration or acceptance from your KZN university or TVET college.
• Gather proof of household income or an affidavit if applicable.
• Complete the official KwaZulu-Natal Government bursary application form.
• Submit the application with all required documents before the closing date.

Opening Date: Applications usually open in December 2025.
Closing Date: 15 February 2026 – applications close soon, do not delay.

• Can TVET students apply? Yes. TVET students studying approved programmes in KwaZulu-Natal may apply.
• Can KZN students studying outside KZN apply? Preference is given to students studying at institutions within KwaZulu-Natal.
• Is NSFAS allowed with this bursary? No. Applicants should not receive another full bursary at the same time.
• What documents are required? Certified ID, academic records, proof of registration, proof of residence and proof of income.
• What happens after applying? Shortlisted applicants may be interviewed and successful candidates will sign a bursary and work-back agreement.

Application forms may be collected from the following locations:

• Operation Sukuma Sakhe War Rooms
• Department of Education District Offices
• Student Funding Office at Institutions of higher learning
• Local Municipalities
• Libraries

Applications must be submitted to the following locations:
Department of Human Settlements:

• Post: The Director, Organisational Development, Department of Human Settlements, Private Bag X54367, Durban, 4000
• OR
• Hand delivery: The Director, Organisational Development, 14th Floor, Eagle Building, 353-363 Dr Pixley Kaseme Street, Durban

Department of Agriculture and Rural Development:

Student Loan Application

• Post: The Director, Human Resource Development, Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Private Bag X9059, Pietermaritsburg, 3200
• OR
• Hand delivery: R103 Cedara Off-Ramp, Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Pietermaritsburg

Department of Transport:

• Post: The Bursary Section, Private Bag X9043, Pietermaritsburg, 3200
• OR
• Hand delivery: Inkosi Mhlabunzima Maphumalo House, 172 Burger Street, Pietermaritsburg

Department of Provincial Treasury:

• Post: The Bursary Unit, Department of KZN Provincial Treasury, P.O. Box 3613, Pietermaritsburg, 3200
• OR
• Hand delivery: Treasury House, 145 Chief Albert Luthuli Road, Pietermaritsburg

You may also be interested in other 2026 bursaries for KZN students listed on KZN Uni Updates.