The Masakh’isizwe Bursary Programme offers full financial support to South African students who want to build careers in engineering and the built environment. It is one of the Western Cape Government’s key initiatives to address critical skills shortages while supporting youth education and development.
If you are planning to study in fields like civil engineering, architecture, or construction management, this bursary could cover your full study journey.
What You Need Before Applying
Prepare the following documents early to avoid delays:
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Matric certificate or latest academic results
- Proof of university application or registration
- Full academic record (if currently studying)
- Proof of household income or affidavit
- Proof of residence
- Motivation letter
- Estimated study cost breakdown
Additional documents (if applicable):
- Disability medical report
- Proof of financial aid or debt
- Police clearance certificate
What Is the Masakh’isizwe Bursary Programme?
The Masakh’isizwe Bursary Programme, launched in 2006 by the Western Cape Government, means “Let’s Build the Nation.”
It focuses on:
- Developing scarce engineering skills
- Supporting disadvantaged students
- Creating a pipeline of future infrastructure professionals
- Strengthening South Africa’s built environment sector
The programme supports full-time studies at selected universities in the Western Cape.
Fields Covered by the Bursary
The bursary funds high-demand careers in infrastructure and development.
Engineering Fields
- Civil Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
Built Environment Fields
- Construction Management
- Quantity Surveying
- Architecture
- Property Studies
- Geomatics
- City and Regional Planning
These fields are prioritised due to South Africa’s ongoing infrastructure and development needs.
Who Can Apply?
To qualify for the Masakh’isizwe Bursary 2027, you must meet the following:
Basic Requirements
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must study or intend to study full-time
- Must be accepted at a partner university
- Must pursue an approved field of study
Preferred Applicants
- Students from disadvantaged backgrounds
- Women in engineering
- Persons with disabilities
- Students from rural Western Cape communities
Partner Universities
The bursary is only available at selected institutions:
- Stellenbosch University
- University of Cape Town (UCT)
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)
You must first secure admission before applying for the bursary.
You Can Also Explore
If you are interested in similar opportunities, you can also check:
- Internships in South Africa
- Bursaries for 2026
- Learnership programmes
- Apprenticeships
- Jobs for youth
- Student guides and resources
- Scholarships and funding options
- Fellowship opportunities
What the Bursary Covers
The Masakh’isizwe Bursary provides full financial support, including:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation or transport
- Meals support (where applicable)
- Books and study materials
- Academic support programmes
Additional benefits include:
- Internship opportunities
- Workplace exposure
- Possible employment pathways after graduation
Application Dates for 2027
- Opening Date: 1 April 2026
- Closing Date: 31 August 2026
Late applications are not accepted.
If you do not receive feedback by 12 February 2027, your application should be considered unsuccessful.
Important Application Rules
To avoid disqualification, make sure you:
- Apply through the correct online portal
- Submit certified and valid documents
- Apply to a partner university first
- Complete all sections of the application form
Successful applicants must also:
- Attend bursary workshops
- Participate in outreach activities
- Complete experiential training
After graduation, students may enter a Professional Development Training Programme.
How to Apply for the Masakh’isizwe Bursary
Follow these steps:
- Apply to a partner university
- Prepare all required documents
- Complete the online bursary application
- Upload certified documents
- Submit before 31 August 2026
Applications are submitted via the Western Cape Government bursary portal.
Expert Insight
A major mistake many applicants make is applying for the bursary without first securing university admission. This immediately leads to rejection, even if the academic profile is strong.
Pro Tip
To improve your chances:
- Apply to your chosen university as early as possible
- Write a clear motivation letter explaining your engineering goals
- Highlight maths and science performance improvements
- Show commitment to solving South Africa’s infrastructure challenges
Selection panels often prioritise students who show both academic potential and long-term career commitment.
Contact Details
For enquiries:
- Tel: 021 483 0964 / 021 483 9545
- Email: DoIBursary@westerncape.gov.za
- Address: 23rd Floor, 9 Lower Burg Street, Cape Town
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the bursary cover everything?
Yes. It covers tuition, accommodation, books, and support services.
Can I apply without university acceptance?
No. You must first be accepted at a partner university.
Is it available outside the Western Cape?
No. It only applies to selected Western Cape institutions.
Mbalizuke Nkosi is the editorial voice behind YouthScope.co.za, a South African youth-focused platform dedicated to providing reliable information on opportunities, education, and career development. The platform serves students, graduates, job seekers, and young professionals by delivering accurate, timely, and easy-to-understand content.
With a strong commitment to youth empowerment and skills development, Mbalizuke Nkosi oversees the publication of valuable resources covering learnerships, internships, bursaries, scholarships, employment opportunities, and study guidance across South Africa.
Through informative and professionally curated content, YouthScope.co.za aims to equip young people with the knowledge and resources needed to make informed decisions about their education and future careers.
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