The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) is inviting Grade 12 learners or those accepted to mainstream South African Institutions of Higher Learning for water-related qualifications to apply for available bursaries.

Applications, which opened on June 1, will close on October 31, and will be allocated on outstanding academic performance, financial need and the relevant skills in the water and sanitation sector.

“Bursary applications for students with an interest in science and engineering disciplines are currently open. We urge Grade 12 learners, particularly, to apply as we are in dire need of young and innovative minds to join the sector,” said DWS spokesperson Sputnik Ratau.

The bursaries are comprehensive and cover full tuition fees, accommodation and food as per university guidance, books and stationary allowance and a monthly stipend.

“Through the bursaries offered to students, the department then provides employment contracts during which the bursars get relevant workplace exposure and additional training until they are ready to register as professionals with their relevant professional bodies,” he continued.

The bursaries mainly target previously disadvantaged and impoverished persons from rural communities.

“We are also encouraging students with disabilities to make use of this opportunity and send through their applications,” Ratau said.

For 2022, the department will consider applications for first and second year of study only for the qualifications of BSc/BEng and BSc (Hons) in civil, mechanical and electrical; BSc and BSc (Hons) in hydrology, geohydrology, environmental management, project management, environmental sciences and environmental and water sciences; and National Diploma/BEng Tech in civil engineering, mechanical engineering and electrical engineering (Heavy Current); and National Diploma in water care and environmental management and biochemistry.