Masakh’iSizwe (Department of Transport and Public Works) Bursary 2025-2026
About the Department of Infrastructure:
The Department of Infrastructure oversees various aspects of infrastructure development, including public works infrastructure, transport infrastructure, human settlements, and community-based programs, including the Expanded Public Works Program (EPWP). As part of its commitment to addressing skills shortages and empowering youth, the Western Cape Government established the Masakh’iSizwe (MiS) Bursary Programme in 2006. This program aims to provide opportunities for tertiary education to youth in the Western Cape and address critical skills shortages in the region.
About the Masakh’iSizwe Bursary Programme:
The Masakh’iSizwe Bursary Programme, initiated by the Western Cape Government’s Department of Infrastructure, offers bursaries to students pursuing studies in fields related to the transport, engineering, and built environment sectors. These bursaries are awarded to students studying at higher education institutions in the Western Cape Province. The program’s primary goal is to provide financial support to students pursuing degrees or diplomas in specific fields while addressing skills shortages in critical sectors.
Fields Covered by the Masakh’iSizwe Bursary Programme:
The Masakh’iSizwe Bursary Programme covers studies in the following fields:
- Architecture
- Civil Engineering
- Construction Management
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- Geomatics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mechatronics
- Property Studies
- Quantity Surveying
- Town/City and Regional Planning
- Transport Economics
- Transportation Engineering
Bursaries may also be awarded for studies in disciplines deemed scarce and critical by the Department of Infrastructure.
Expenses Covered and Selection Criteria:
The bursary covers various expenses, including tuition fees, prescribed textbooks, study materials, and costs related to food, transport, and accommodation in residence. Additionally, bursary recipients receive support services, internship opportunities, and employment opportunities upon graduation. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted, and successful applicants will be required to present a paper at the biennial SASMT National Conference.
Obligations and Service Contract:
Bursary recipients may be required to attend workshops, events, meetings, academic experiential training, and outreach programs during their studies. Upon graduation, students are required to work back the bursary by serving in the public sector for a specified period. The service obligation typically involves one year of work for every year of bursary funding received.
Eligibility Criteria:
To be eligible for the Masakh’iSizwe Bursary Programme, applicants must meet these minimum requirements:
- South African citizenship
- Current matriculation or completion of matriculation
- Full-time enrollment in a degree or diploma program related to the specified fields in 2025-2026
- Registration at one of the following Western Cape universities: University of Cape Town, University of Stellenbosch, or Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Preference is given to financially disadvantaged students, female students, students with disabilities, and students from the Western Cape.
How to Apply:
Applicants can submit their applications online by following the steps outlined on the Masakh’iSizwe Bursary System or manually by downloading and completing the application form. Clear copies of required documents should be submitted along with the application.
Closing Date:
The closing date for applications for the Masakh’iSizwe Bursary is 31 August. It’s essential to submit your application before this date to be considered.
Contact Information:
For any inquiries related to the Masakh’iSizwe Bursary Programme, please contact the Department of Infrastructure Masakh’iSizwe Office directly:
- Tel: 021 483 0964 / 021 483 9545
- Email: DoIBursary@westerncape.gov.za
- Read the Masakh’iSizwe Bursary FAQ’s before submitting an inquiry.
