The Magalies Water Bursary 2027 is now open to young South Africans who need financial assistance to pursue studies in engineering, water care, science and information and communication technology. A total of 14 bursary opportunities are available across seven fields of study for the 2027 academic year.
The External Bursary Programme is aimed at South African citizens between the ages of 18 and 35 who are eligible to study at an accredited and registered South African institution of higher learning. Applicants need an overall Grade 12 average of at least 65% to be considered.
Unlike bursaries that are limited to traditional university degrees, some of the Magalies Water opportunities also support N4–N6 and Diploma studies. This makes the programme relevant to qualifying students pursuing different educational pathways in technical fields.
Applications close on 23 October 2026.
Magalies Water Bursary 2027 Overview
| Bursary Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Magalies Water |
| Programme | External Bursary Programme |
| Academic Year | 2027 |
| Number of Opportunities | 14 |
| Age Requirement | 18–35 years |
| Minimum Academic Requirement | 65% Grade 12 average |
| Study Levels | N4–N6, Diploma, Advanced Diploma and Bachelor’s Degree, depending on the field |
| Study Institution | Accredited and registered South African institution of higher learning |
| Application Method | |
| Closing Date | 23 October 2026 |
The 14 opportunities are divided across seven study areas, with two bursaries advertised for each field.
Fields of Study Funded
The programme focuses on technical and scientific qualifications connected to areas such as engineering, water services, laboratory sciences and technology.
The available opportunities are:
| Field of Study | Supported Qualification Level | Opportunities |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineering | N4–N6, Diploma/NQF 6 or Bachelor’s Degree | 2 |
| Electrical Engineering | N4–N6, Diploma/NQF 6 or Bachelor’s Degree | 2 |
| Civil Engineering | N4–N6, Diploma/NQF 6 or Bachelor’s Degree | 2 |
| Water Care | Diploma/NQF 6 or Advanced Diploma | 2 |
| Chemistry / Analytical Chemistry | Diploma/NQF 6 or Bachelor’s Degree | 2 |
| Biotechnology / Microbiology | Diploma/NQF 6 or Bachelor’s Degree | 2 |
| Information and Communication Technology (ICT) | Bachelor’s Degree | 2 |
Applicants should pay attention to the qualification level listed for their field. For example, the three engineering fields include N4–N6 pathways, while ICT is advertised specifically at Bachelor’s Degree level.
Who Can Apply for the Magalies Water Bursary?
The programme is intended for young South Africans who meet the academic and study requirements for the advertised fields.
Applicants must:
- be South African citizens;
- be between 18 and 35 years old;
- have achieved an overall average of at least 65% in Grade 12;
- be eligible to study at an accredited and registered South African institution of higher learning; and
- intend to study in one of the fields included in the bursary programme.
The 2027 bursary information also identifies previously disadvantaged individuals, women and people with disabilities among the groups given preference during the selection process.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not automatically guarantee funding. There are only two advertised opportunities in each field, and applications remain subject to Magalies Water’s selection process.
Can Current Matric Learners Apply?
The supporting-document requirements specifically make provision for applicants who are currently completing Matric. These applicants are required to provide their Grade 11 final results together with their latest available Matric results.
Applicants who have already completed Grade 12 should instead provide their National Senior Certificate or Matric certificate, while students who are already studying at tertiary level need to provide their latest academic record or transcript.
This means the programme can accommodate applicants at different stages of their education, provided the qualification they intend to pursue is included in the advertised fields and they satisfy the other requirements.
Documents Required
Applicants should prepare all supporting documents before submitting their application. The bursary information warns that incomplete applications will be rejected, so missing documentation could prevent an otherwise eligible applicant from being considered.
Depending on the applicant’s current education level, the required documents include:
- South African ID document;
- Grade 11 final results and latest Matric results for applicants currently in Matric;
- National Senior Certificate/Matric certificate for applicants who have completed Grade 12;
- latest academic transcript or academic record for applicants already studying at tertiary level; and
- provisional acceptance letter from the relevant institution.
For existing tertiary students, the academic record should be issued on the institution’s official letterhead or display the institution’s logo. The bursary instructions also specify certification requirements for the relevant supporting documents.
Applicants should make sure that certified copies are clear and readable before scanning them for submission.
How to Apply for the Magalies Water Bursary 2027
Applications are submitted by email rather than through a conventional online recruitment form.
The application process is:
- Obtain and complete the Magalies Water External Bursary Application Form.
- Check that all required sections of the form have been completed accurately.
- Prepare the supporting documents applicable to your education level.
- Certify the documents that require certification.
- Scan the completed application form and supporting documents clearly.
- Email the complete application to bursaries@magalieswater.co.za.
- Keep a copy of the sent email and attachments for your records.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
There is an important point applicants should know before downloading a form. At the time of checking, Magalies Water’s official bursary webpage still displays the 2026 academic-year bursary advert and 2026 application form in its indexed version.
Applicants should therefore check the official page for an updated 2027 form rather than assuming that an older form is automatically valid for the new application cycle.
What Does the Magalies Water Bursary Cover?
Current reports on the 2027 programme indicate that the bursary provides financial assistance towards major study-related expenses, including tuition, textbooks, accommodation and allowances.
However, applicants should rely on the terms contained in their official bursary documentation or award agreement for the exact value and expenses covered. Funding arrangements can differ, and receiving a bursary does not necessarily mean that every personal or study-related expense will be paid without limits.
The programme can nevertheless provide significant assistance to successful students, particularly those pursuing technical qualifications that can otherwise involve substantial tuition, accommodation and study-material costs.
Why the Different Study Levels Matter
One of the useful features of the 2027 programme is that it does not treat a Bachelor’s Degree as the only route into a technical career.
Mechanical, Electrical and Civil Engineering applicants can be considered across N4–N6, Diploma/NQF 6 and Bachelor’s Degree pathways. Water Care includes Diploma and Advanced Diploma studies, while the Chemistry and Biotechnology categories accommodate Diploma and degree studies.
Applicants should therefore compare their exact qualification with the programme table rather than assuming they are excluded simply because they are not studying towards a university Bachelor’s Degree.
At the same time, applicants should not apply under a field merely because it sounds similar to their qualification. The qualification and level should correspond with one of the advertised categories.
Important Application Notes
Before emailing an application, check the complete package carefully. A strong academic result will not compensate for an incomplete application if compulsory documents are missing.
Applicants should make sure that:
- the application form is fully completed;
- the correct personal and contact details are provided;
- academic results are clear and readable;
- required copies have been certified;
- the appropriate academic record is included;
- proof of provisional acceptance is attached where required; and
- all attachments can be opened before the email is sent.
Applicants should also keep the original documents and a copy of everything submitted.
The bursary information states that candidates who do not receive correspondence from Magalies Water within 60 days after the closing date should consider their applications unsuccessful.
For enquiries about the bursary programme, applicants can contact the Magalies Water Human Resources Department on 014 597 4636.
Magalies Water Bursary 2027 Closing Date
Applications for the Magalies Water External Bursary Programme close on:
23 October 2026
Applicants should submit their completed application forms and supporting documents before the deadline rather than waiting until the final day.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Magalies Water bursaries are available for 2027?
There are 14 advertised opportunities across seven study areas, with two opportunities allocated to each field.
What academic average do I need?
Applicants need an overall Grade 12 average of at least 65%.
Can TVET students apply?
Some advertised fields support N4–N6 studies, particularly Mechanical, Electrical and Civil Engineering. Applicants should check that their exact qualification and level correspond with the programme’s listed study options.
Can university students apply?
Yes. Several of the supported fields include Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree studies. Current tertiary students are required to provide their latest academic transcript or record.
Can current Matric learners apply?
Yes. The application requirements make provision for current Matric learners, who need to submit their Grade 11 final results and latest Matric results.
Where do I submit my application?
Completed applications and supporting documents are submitted by email to bursaries@magalieswater.co.za.
When will applicants receive feedback?
Applicants who have not received correspondence within 60 days after the application deadline should consider their applications unsuccessful.
Apply for the Magalies Water Bursary 2027
The Magalies Water Bursary 2027 provides a valuable funding opportunity for young South Africans pursuing qualifications in engineering, water care, chemistry, biotechnology, microbiology and ICT. The inclusion of N4–N6, Diploma, Advanced Diploma and degree pathways also opens the programme to students following different routes into technical careers.
Eligible applicants should first confirm that their qualification appears among the supported fields, prepare the correct academic and identification documents and check the official bursary page for the appropriate application form. Once everything is complete, the application form and supporting documents can be submitted to bursaries@magalieswater.co.za before the closing date.