KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA)Fully funded
KZN EDTEA Aeronautical, Mechanical and Civil Engineering Bursary
KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), South Africa
Scholarship overview
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) runs the Aeronautical/Mechanical/Civil Engineering Bursary Programme, giving financial help to KwaZulu-Natal Grade 12 pupils and undergraduate students from disadvantaged backgrounds who are studying Aeronautical, Mechanical or Civil Engineering at the University of the Witwatersrand or the University of Pretoria.
For the 2026/27 cycle the Department is offering six bursaries to academically deserving, qualifying students domiciled in KwaZulu-Natal. The bursary runs for the standard duration of the chosen engineering degree and is renewed each year subject to the student's academic performance and the Department's approved Bursary Policy, which lets EDTEA review, suspend, reinstate or extend an award at any time.
Award Information
- Resident of KwaZulu-Natal.
- From a disadvantaged background.
- Aged between 15 and 34 years.
- Accepted by Wits University or the University of Pretoria to study Aeronautical, Mechanical or Civil Engineering; securing admission is the applicant's own responsibility.
- Grade 12 learner or undergraduate student.
- Must not have been convicted of a criminal offence, dismissed from employment, or asked to resign (the form requires disclosure if so).
- Must disclose any other bursary, scholarship or financial aid already held and whether its obligations were completed.
- Registration and tuition fees.
- Accommodation.
- Prescribed books and other study material.
- Meals and a monthly allowance.
- Renewable every year, subject to the student's academic performance and the Departmental Bursary Policy.
Applications for the 2026/27 intake close strictly on 30 October 2026 at 16:00; no late applications are accepted. Grade 12 applicants submit their June results with the application and email their final Grade 12 results once released.
- Download the EDTEA Aeronautical/Mechanical/Civil Engineering bursary application form from the Learning Programmes page.
- Complete every section: personal particulars, qualifications, current studies, and parent/guardian details, and clearly state that you are applying for the Aeronautical Engineering Bursary Programme and name your specific engineering discipline.
- Attach a one-page motivation letter and all required supporting documents.
- Have the applicant (and a parent or guardian, if a minor) sign the declaration.
- Post the form to Attention: Aeronautical Engineering-Bursary Programme, Mr Mbuyiseni Zwane, Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Private Bag X9152, Pietermaritzburg, 3200; or hand it in at the Head Office (270 Jabu Ndlovu Street, Pietermaritzburg, 3201) or any EDTEA district office (for example Durban, Dundee, Newcastle, Ladysmith, Vryheid, Richards Bay, Ixopo, Port Shepstone, Jozini, Mtubatuba or Ulundi). Emailed and faxed applications are not accepted.
- Direct enquiries to [email protected] or 060 565 3728; only selected candidates are contacted.
Official links
Documents you will need
- Original certified copy of the applicant's ID.
- Mid-year Grade 12 results (certified), with final Grade 12 results or matric certificate submitted once available; current undergraduates submit their latest academic record instead.
- Acceptance letter from Wits or UP for the intended course, if available (or emailed once received).
- Proof of residence in KwaZulu-Natal (municipal account, traditional authority or ward councillor letter, or a police affidavit).
- Original certified copy of the parent's or guardian's ID.
- Letter of guardianship, where applicable.
- Proof of parent/guardian income (payslips, bank statements) or an affidavit confirming unemployment.
- One-page letter of motivation explaining why the bursary should be awarded.
- Any other supporting document relevant to the application, such as a death certificate or medical proof.
How selection works
A completed application is first recommended by an EDTEA business unit official, then considered by the Department's Human Resource Development Committee, before the Head of Department gives final approval or rejection. Only candidates selected for a bursary are contacted; the Department reserves the right to review, suspend, reinstate or extend any awarded bursary.
