KZN Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) Bursary

Who can apply

• You must be a South African citizen
• You must reside within the KwaZulu-Natal province
• You must be from a disadvantaged background
• You must be between 15 and 34 years old
• You must be currently in Matric or have completed Matric
• You must be studying or intend on studying towards an undergraduate qualification, within one of the Engineering field listed above
• You must be studying or have been accepted to study at the University of Witwatersrand or University of Pretoria
• You must have a strong academic record

How to apply

Applications are submitted directly to KZN Department Economic Development, - we do not collect applications. Read the eligibility criteria, prepare your supporting documents, then complete your application on the official page.

Full details

KZN Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) Bursary South Africa 2027

WHAT FIELDS OF STUDY DOES THE KZN EDTEA BURSARY COVER?

The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government through the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), is inviting students to apply for their bursary programme, for the 2027 academic year.

Bursaries will be awarded to students residing within the KwaZulu-Natal province, for studies at the University of Witwatersrand (WITS) or University of Pretoria (UP), within the following fields:

• Aeronautical Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering

WHAT EXPENSES DOES THE KZN EDTEA BURSARY COVER?

Each year, 6 bursaries are awarded to youth from disadvantaged backgrounds, residing in KZN.

The bursary will provide cover for the following expenses: registration fees, tuition fees, accommodation, prescribed books and other study material, meals and a monthly allowance.

The bursary is awarded for 1 academic year at a time, and is renewable each year based on satisfactory academic performance.

WHAT IS THE SELECTION PROCESS FOR THE KZN EDTEA BURSARY?

Shortlisted applicants will be contacted. If you do not receive any feedback, please consider your application unsuccessful.

WHAT IS THE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR THE KZN EDTEA BURSARY?

Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying (please note that failure to satisfy all the requirements will lead to your application not being considered):

HOW CAN I APPLY FOR THE KZN EDTEA BURSARY?

Download and complete the KZN EDTEA Bursary Application Form 2027 (.pdf)

Enter “www.zabursaries.co.za” in the field asking how you heard about the KZN EDTEA Bursary.

Applications must be submitted in either of the following ways:

• Post: Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Private Bag X 9152, Pietermaritzburg, 3200 (Attention: Aeronautical Engineering-Bursary Programme | Mr Mbuyiseni Zwane).
• Hand delivered to the Head Office: Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, 270 Jabu Ndlovu Street, Pietermaritzburg 3201.
• Hand delivered to the KZN EDTEA district offices (addresses can be found on the application form).

Note: applications submitted via email will NOT be accepted.

WHAT DOCUMENTS MUST I SUBMIT FOR THE KZN EDTEA BURSARY?

Submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation along with your completed application form (the submission of these documents is compulsory - if any items are missing, your application may be disqualified):

• ID document (certified copy)
• Matric June results, if currently in Matric (Matric final results/ certificate to be emailed as soon as received) (certified copy)
• Matric certificate, if completed Matric (certified copy)
• Full academic record, if currently studying (on university letterhead)
• Proof of acceptance letter at WITS or UP, if available
• Motivational letter to support your application and state why you should be awarded the bursary (1 page (read our tips on how to write a motivational letter for your bursary application)
• Proof of residence in KwaZulu-Natal (municipal rates account statement, Police Affidavit, letter from traditional authority or local councillor)
• Parents or guardians ID documents (certified copies)
• Proof of guardianship, if applicable
• Parents or guardians proof of income (latest payslips if employed, affidavit if unemployed)
• Parents or guardians income and expense statement

WHEN IS THE CLOSING DATE FOR THE KZN EDTEA BURSARY?

30 October 2026 (at 16:00).

(Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted - please apply before the closing date to ensure your application is considered.)

HOW CAN I CONTACT THE BURSARY PROVIDER?

For any queries related to this bursary programme, please contact the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) directly:

• Contact Person: Mr Mbuyiseni Zwane
• Tel: 060 565 3728
• Email: [email protected]
• (Reference: Aeronautical Engineering-Bursary Programme | Attention: Mr Mbuyiseni Zwane)

WHAT DOES THE KZN EDTEA DO?

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) is responsible for driving socio-economic development and transformation across KwaZulu-Natal. The department develops and implements initiatives aimed at supporting economic growth, investment, enterprise development, tourism, skills development and environmental management.

As part of its economic development mandate, EDTEA also supports initiatives linked to the Durban Aerotropolis and aviation sector, including skills development and transformation. The department has identified the development of specialist skills as an important component of building KwaZulu-Natal’s aviation and Aerotropolis economy.

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