The MasakhiSizwe Bursary Program is a financial aid program designed to assist South African students attending Western Cape tertiary institutions full-time in particular fields of study. Students pursuing degrees in engineering, transport and the built environment are the target audience for this grant. The Western Cape government provides aid to needy students through this program, giving preference to members of under-represented categories like female students, those with impairments, and those from low-income backgrounds.
Requirements for the MasakhiSizwe Bursary
To apply for the MasakhiSizwe Bursary Programme, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- South African Citizenship: Applicants must be South African citizens.
- Tertiary Institution Acceptance: The bursary is only applicable to students who have been accepted at one of the following Western Cape institutions:
- Stellenbosch University
- University of Cape Town
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Field of Study: The bursary covers degree or diploma studies in specific fields within transport, engineering, and the built environment, including:
- Transport
- Civil Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Architecture
- Quantity Surveying
- Property Studies
- City and Regional Planning
- Geographic Focus: Only students studying at institutions in the Western Cape are eligible.
- Preference Criteria: Preference will be given to:
- Students with disabilities
- Financially disadvantaged individuals
- Female learners
- Applicants from the Western Cape region
Bursary Coverage
The MasakhiSizwe Bursary covers several expenses, making it an attractive option for students in need of financial assistance. The bursary provides the following support:
- Tuition Fees: Full coverage of tuition fees at the eligible institutions.
- Books and Materials: Coverage for all prescribed books and study materials.
- Accommodation and Meals: Students who are not residing at home will receive support for accommodation and meals. Alternatively, transport costs will be covered for students who live at home but study at the university.
- Support Programmes: The bursary also includes access to support programmes to help students succeed academically and professionally.
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How to Apply
To apply for the bursary, students need to follow a structured process:
- Eligibility Check: Before applying, ensure that you meet the basic eligibility criteria outlined above.
- Document Submission: Applicants must submit a variety of supporting documents as part of the application. These include:
- A certified copy of the applicant’s ID
- A certified copy of the parent/guardian’s ID
- A certified copy of the Matric certificate or latest results
- A certified copy of the academic record from the current Higher Education Institution
- A full course outline or prospectus from the institution
- Proof of registration or application at the institution
- Salary slips of both parents/guardians or an affidavit supporting financial status
- Proof of address
- A motivation letter explaining why the applicant deserves the bursary
- Additional documents, such as proof of financial aid or medical proof of disability, if applicable.
- Submission Deadline: Applications for the 2026 academic year must be submitted by 31 August 2025. Late applications will not be accepted.
- Await Feedback: Applicants should expect to receive feedback by 13 February 2026. If no response is received, the application is considered unsuccessful.
Post-Graduation Requirements
Upon completing their studies, bursary recipients will be required to participate in a Professional Development Training Programme provided by the Department of Infrastructure. This programme is aimed at helping students acquire professional registration, which is crucial for their future careers in the transport, engineering, and built environment sectors.
Important Notes
- Applicants must ensure they have applied for acceptance at one of the partner institutions (Stellenbosch University, University of Cape Town, or Cape Peninsula University of Technology).
- If applying for more than one institution or study discipline, separate applications must be submitted.
- Students who do not live at home are advised to apply for on-campus accommodation for the 2026 academic year.
- Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Contact Information
For any questions regarding the MasakhiSizwe Bursary, applicants can contact the bursary office directly:
- Phone: 021 483 0964 / 021 483 9545
- Email: DoIBursary@westerncape.gov.za
- Address: 23rd floor, 9 Lower Burg Street, The Box, Cape Town, 8001
The MasakhiSizwe Bursary Programme is a valuable opportunity for South African students in the Western Cape who are pursuing studies in the transport, engineering, and built environment fields. With financial support covering tuition, accommodation, and other academic needs, the programme aims to empower students, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, to pursue their education without the burden of financial stress.
