Inkomati-Usuthu Catchment Management Agency (IUCMA) Bursaries 2026

IUCMA 2026: External Bursary Programme for the 2026 academic year

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The Inkomati-Usuthu Catchment Management Agency (IUCMA) has officially opened applications for its External Bursary Programme for the 2026 academic year.

This bursary supports South African students residing in Mpumalanga who wish to pursue studies in water, environmental, and natural science fields aligned with sustainable water resource management within the Inkomati-Usuthu Water Management Area (WMA).

 Closing Date: 6 February 2026 at 16:00

Fields of Study Covered

IUCMA bursaries are strictly limited to the following qualifications:

  • BSc / Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science
  • BSc Hydrology / Water Resource Management
  • BSc Chemistry, Biochemistry, or Microbiology
  • BSc Geohydrology, Geomorphology, or Botany

Only applicants studying within these priority fields should apply.

Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)

Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

  • South African citizen
  • Residing in Mpumalanga Province within the IUCMA Water Management Area
  • Submit a certified copy of a valid South African ID
  • Matric applicants:
    • Minimum 65% average, and
    • Proof of admission or provisional acceptance at a recognised institution
  • Currently registered students:
    • Certified academic record with a minimum 60% average
  • Proof of residence (Local Municipality letter or confirmation signed by a Headman/Chief)
  • Proof of household income supported by a SAPS affidavit
  • Must not be receiving any other bursary or funding

 Female applicants and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

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What the IUCMA Bursary Covers

The bursary provides financial support in line with the IUCMA External Bursary Policy, covering:

  • Registration fees
  • Tuition and examination fees
  • Accommodation
  • Meals
  • Prescribed study material
  • Monthly stipend

📌 Successful applicants will be required to sign a bursary contract with IUCMA.

How to Apply

Bursary application forms are available:

  • At IUCMA offices in Nelspruit, Bushbuckridge, and Piet Retief
  • Online (download option available)

 Download the IUCMA External Bursary Application Form for 2026

Submission Method

📧 Email completed applications to:
Bursaries@iucma.co.za

⚠️ Important Application Rules:

  • Hand-delivered or posted applications will NOT be accepted
  • Ensure all supporting documents are attached
  • Incomplete applications may be disqualified

Closing Date

 6 February 2026 at 16:00

If you do not receive communication within one month after the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.

Enquiries

For more information, contact:

  • Ms D. Malumane
  • Ms Z. Tibane
    Tel: 013 753 9000

Why This Bursary Matters

The IUCMA Bursary Programme plays a vital role in:

  • Developing scarce skills in water and environmental sciences
  • Supporting students from Mpumalanga communities
  • Promoting sustainable and equitable water management
  • Building future professionals for South Africa’s water sector

If you are passionate about environmental sustainability and water resources, this bursary offers meaningful academic and career support for 2026.

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