The Inkomati-Usuthu CMA is offering bursaries to eligible candidates pursuing studies in the Environmental Science, Hydrology / Water Resource Management, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Geohydrology, Geomorphology and Botany fields.
At a glance
- Who it’s for: South African citizens who reside in Mpumalanga (within IUCMA’s Water Management Area) and who intend to enrol or are currently enrolled in one of the approved fields of study.
- What it covers: The advert states the bursary covers registration, tuition and examination fees, accommodation, meals, prescribed material and a stipend in line with the IUCMA external bursary policy.
- Service obligation: Successful applicants must sign a bursary contract with IUCMA in accordance with the External Bursary Policy.
- Key dates: Closing date is 06 February 2026 at 16:00.
- Other notes: Applications must be submitted by email (hand-delivered or posted applications will not be accepted). Females and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Who’s offering this?
The Inkomati-Usuthu Catchment Management Agency (IUCMA) is a catchment management agency responsible for water resource management within its designated Water Management Area in Mpumalanga.
What’s on offer
IUCMA has published external bursary opportunities for the 2026 academic year for eligible students who intend to study (or are already studying) in specific science and water-related fields.
Fields of study covered
- BSc/B Degree in Environmental Science
- BSc Hydrology / Water Resource Management
- BSc Chemistry, Biochemistry and Microbiology
- BSc Geohydrology, Geomorphology and Botany
Eligibility checklist
- You are a South African citizen.
- You reside in Mpumalanga (within IUCMA’s Water Management Area) and can provide proof of residence (local municipality letter or signed by a Headman/Chief).
- If you are applying for first-year entry: you have a Matric average of at least 65% and proof of admission/provisional acceptance (or proof of enrolment) in one of the approved fields.
- If you are already registered: you can provide a satisfactory academic record with an average of at least 60% for your most recent year/level of study.
- You are not currently funded by another sponsor/bursary.
Documents to prepare
- Certified copy of your South African ID.
- Certified copy of Matric certificate (or certified academic record for current tertiary students).
- Proof of admission/provisional acceptance or proof of enrolment in an approved field.
- Proof of residence (as required).
- Proof of household income for parent(s)/guardian(s), plus an affidavit from SAPS (as stated in the advert and application form).
Key dates
Closing date: 06 February 2026 at 16:00.
How selection works
Applications are assessed against the stated eligibility criteria and the availability of bursary funding. Meeting the minimum criteria does not guarantee selection. Successful applicants will be required to sign a bursary contract with IUCMA.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Submitting after 16:00 on the closing date.
- Sending an incomplete application or missing certified documents.
- Not including acceptable proof of residence for Mpumalanga (within IUCMA’s Water Management Area).
- Applying while already funded by another bursary/sponsor (the advert states this disqualifies applicants).
- Hand-delivering or posting the application (the advert states these will not be accepted).
How to apply (step-by-step)
- Download the bursary advert and application form from the IUCMA website.
- Complete the application form in full (use block letters and black pen, as instructed on the form).
- Attach all required certified supporting documents (ID, academic records, proof of admission/enrolment, proof of residence, and household income proof/affidavit).
- Email your completed application to Bursaries@iucma.co.za before 06 February 2026 at 16:00.
- If you have questions, contact Ms D Malumane or Ms Z Tibane on 013 753 9000.