Bursaries: Bursary applications at Department of Water and Sanitation (2016)

Young South Africans who want to pursue careers that are in line with the Department of Water and Sanitation’s core business are urged to apply for its bursary scheme programme for the 2016 academic year.

The department provides bursaries annually, through its Learning Academy external bursary scheme, to stem the shortage of skills in the water and sanitation sector.

The external bursary scheme aims to attract exceptional young and innovative talent to the department.

The bursary covers the following fields of study: analytic chemistry, aquatic sciences, biochemistry, biological sciences, cartography, civil/electrical/mechanical engineering, environmental law/management/ science, geo-chemistry, geographical information systems, geo-hydrology, geology, hydrology, limnology, microbiology, surveying, water and sanitation, water care, water resource management, and water utilisation.

The learning academy, which is committed to the effective administration of the programme, is aimed at forestalling a skills shortage within the department that will arise from the retirement of senior engineering and technical management personnel.

Currently, the departmental bursaries for the full time pre- and post-graduate studies are granted on an annual basis to learners at these South African universities: University of Pretoria, University of KwaZulu-Natal, University of the Free State, University of Cape Town, University of Stellenbosch, University of the Western Cape, University of Limpopo, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Walter Sisulu University, Tshwane University of Technology, Durban University of Technology, Central University of Technology, Cape Peninsula of University of Technology, Vaal University of Technology, University of Venda, University of Witwatersrand, University of Johannesburg and University of Zululand.

Bursaries will be allocated on the basis of a balanced consideration of academic performance, race and gender, financial need, need of the department in reference to the specific qualification, and an interview schedule.

Assistance will be provided on a year-to-year basis and bursaries will be renewed only if performance of bursars is satisfactory.

The department will require bursars who obtain their qualifications to join its Learning Academy on a fixed term contract for a maximum of five years but not less than three years.

The department’s bursary scheme boasts an all-inclusive package, which is highly competitive. Successful applicants will receive full tertiary registration and tuition costs, residence and meal fees, book allowance and an annual personal allowance.