The Western Cape Department of Transport and Public Works invites prospective students to apply for the Masakh’iSizwe Bursary Programme for the 2026 academic year. The programme aims to develop scarce skills in the transport, engineering and built environment sectors by supporting students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Applications close on 31 August 2025.
Bursary sponsor – Western Cape Department of Transport & Public Works
The Masakh’iSizwe (MiS) programme is funded by the Western Cape Government’s Department of Transport and Public Works. The department provides bursaries, mentorship and employment opportunities to students studying transport, engineering and built environment disciplines at universities in the Western Cape. Graduates are often offered work-back contracts with the department to address critical skills shortages in public infrastructure and services.
What is this bursary programme?
The Masakh’iSizwe bursary covers tuition fees, prescribed textbooks and study materials. It also provides various forms of support such as academic and life-skills programmes, vacation work, access to mentors and study groups, and allowances for accommodation and meals at university residences or transport costs for commuters. In return, bursary recipients are required to undertake a period of work for the Department of Transport & Public Works or its partners after graduation.
Who can apply
To qualify for the Masakh’iSizwe bursary, applicants must:
– Be South African citizens with a strong academic record.
– Be currently in Grade 12 (Matric) or already enrolled in a relevant degree or diploma.
– Be accepted or intend to enrol at the University of Cape Town (UCT), Stellenbosch University or the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) for the 2026 academic year.
– Preferably reside in the Western Cape and come from previously disadvantaged backgrounds. Female applicants, students with disabilities and those from rural areas are encouraged to apply.
– Commit to a work-back period after completing their studies.
Eligible fields of study
The programme funds degrees or diplomas in transport, engineering and built environment disciplines, including:
- Architecture
- Construction Management
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical Engineering (Heavy Current)
- Geomatics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Property Studies
- Quantity Surveying
- Town/City & Regional Planning
- Transport Economics and related fields.
Closing date
Applications close on 31 August 2025.
How to apply
Applications are submitted online through the Western Cape Government’s Masakh’iSizwe bursary portal. Applicants must register an account, complete the application form and upload certified copies of their ID, Grade 12 results or latest academic transcript, proof of residence, and proof of acceptance at UCT, SU or CPUT. Shortlisted candidates may beThe Western Cape Department of Transport and Public Works invites prospective students to apply for the Masakh’iSizwe Bursary Programme for the 2026 academic year. The programme aims to develop scarce skills in the transport, engineering and built environment sectors by supporting students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Applications close on 31 August 2025.