In South Africa, education is the key to unlocking a brighter future, and various bursary programmes exist to support talented students pursuing tertiary education. One such programme is the Masakh’iSizwe Bursary Programme, an initiative that offers financial assistance to students looking to further their education in engineering, transport, and the built environment fields.
This bursary programme is designed to support deserving South African youth who meet specific entry criteria and wish to study at selected higher education institutions in the Western Cape.
What is the Masakh’iSizwe Bursary Programme?
The Masakh’iSizwe Bursary Programme is an initiative led by the Western Cape Government, aiming to provide financial support to students pursuing degrees and diplomas in various fields related to the built environment. This includes disciplines such as civil engineering, architecture, quantity surveying, property studies, construction, mechanical engineering, and more.
By offering financial assistance, the programme seeks to alleviate the financial burden on students and foster academic success in essential sectors of South Africa’s economy.
Who Can Apply for the Masakh’iSizwe Bursary?
The Masakh’iSizwe Bursary Programme has clear eligibility criteria that all prospective applicants must meet before applying. These include:
- South African Citizenship: Applicants must be South African citizens to apply for the bursary.
- Full-time Studies: The bursary is applicable to students who are either already enrolled or intend to study full-time at any of the following institutions in the Western Cape:
- Stellenbosch University
- University of Cape Town
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)
- Eligible Fields of Study: The bursary is specifically available for students studying or intending to study in disciplines related to transport, engineering, and the built environment. These fields of study include, but are not limited to:
- Property Studies
- City and Regional Planning
- Quantity Surveying
- Architecture
- Civil Engineering
- Geomatics
- Electrical Engineering (Heavy Current)
- Mechanical Engineering
- Construction
- Preference Criteria: While all eligible applicants can apply, preference will be given to the following groups:
- Persons with disabilities
- Financially disadvantaged students
- Female learners
- Applicants residing in the Western Cape
This focus on marginalized groups ensures that the bursary programme contributes to fostering diversity and inclusion within the critical fields of transport, engineering, and the built environment.
What Does the Masakh’iSizwe Bursary Cover?
The Masakh’iSizwe Bursary Programme offers comprehensive financial support to ease the financial burden that students face while studying. The bursary covers the following expenses:
- Tuition Fees: The full cost of tuition for the eligible course is covered, ensuring that students are not burdened by these costs.
- Prescribed Books and Materials: All necessary books, study materials, and course-related expenses are covered to support academic success.
- Accommodation and Meals (or Transport Costs): The bursary covers accommodation and meal expenses or, if the student resides off-campus, transport costs.
- Support Programmes: In addition to financial assistance, students may have access to support programmes designed to enhance their academic performance and career readiness.
Where Can the Masakh’iSizwe Bursary Be Taken Up?
The Masakh’iSizwe Bursary Programme is exclusive to three well-regarded universities in the Western Cape. These institutions are:
- Stellenbosch University
- University of Cape Town
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Applicants must ensure that they apply for acceptance to one of these institutions before applying for the bursary, as the programme only applies to students who are enrolled at these universities.
Supporting Documents for Bursary Application
Applicants are required to submit several documents to support their bursary applications. The following compulsory documents are needed:
- Certified Copy of Applicant’s ID
- Certified Copy of Parent(s) or Guardian(s) ID
- Certified Copy of Matric Certificate or Latest Results
- Certified Copy of Academic Record at the Higher Education Institution (HEI)
- Full Course Outline or Prospectus
- Estimation of Study Cost
- Proof of Registration/Application at the HEI
- Salary Slips of Both Parents/Guardian/Spouse or Affidavit to Support Financial Status
- Proof of Address
- Letter of Motivation
Additionally, students may need to submit additional documents depending on their personal circumstances. These include:
- Proof of financial aid
- Proof of existing debt
- Medical proof of disability (if applicable)
- Criminal record (SAPS Police Clearance)
It’s crucial for applicants to submit all the necessary documents by the application deadline to avoid disqualification. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Important Notes for Applicants
- Separate Applications for Different Universities or Disciplines: If applicants are applying for multiple study disciplines at the same university or for different universities, separate applications must be submitted for each.
- Accommodation Applications: Students who will not be residing at home must apply for on-campus accommodation. This ensures that bursary recipients have a conducive environment for their studies.
- Additional Requirements During Studies: Bursary recipients must attend certain workshops, events, and meetings throughout their academic career. They will also be required to partake in outreach programmes and academic experiential training. These activities help ensure that students are well-prepared for their future careers in the built environment.
- Professional Development Programme: Upon graduation, bursary recipients employed by the Department of Infrastructure will be required to undergo a Professional Development Training Programme to acquire professional registration. This step is critical for those who wish to further their careers in their respective fields.
Application Deadline and Contact Details
The closing date for applications for the 2026 academic year is 31 August 2025. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications early, as no late applications will be accepted. Should applicants not receive feedback by 13 February 2026, they can consider their application unsuccessful.
For more information or to clarify any queries, applicants can contact the Department of Infrastructure’s Masakh’iSizwe Office at the following:
- Phone: 021 483 0964 / 021 483 9545
- Email: DoIBursary@westerncape.gov.za
- Office Address: 23rd Floor, 9 Lower Burg Street, The Box, Cape Town, 8001
For a detailed list of compulsory documents and the full bursary application process, applicants can visit the official website Masakh’iSizwe Bursary Programme.
The Masakh’iSizwe Bursary Programme represents an invaluable opportunity for South African students in the Western Cape who are interested in pursuing careers in transport, engineering, and the built environment. By providing comprehensive financial support, this initiative helps alleviate the financial challenges faced by students, ensuring they can focus on their academic success.
The programme’s commitment to diversity and inclusion also ensures that it provides opportunities for marginalized groups, contributing to a more inclusive and equitable South African workforce.
Check also: PSG Bursary Programme 2026