Magalies Water Bursary 2026: Who Qualified, What Was Required, and How to Prepare for the Next Intake
Magalies Water opened its External Bursary programme for the 2026 academic year, offering funding for young South Africans in engineering, water care, science and accounting. Applications closed on 31 October 2025, but the requirements give a clear picture of what to prepare for the next call.
About the bursary
Magalies Water runs the bursary as part of its youth development initiative. It was open to young South Africans aged 18 to 35 who were eligible to study at an accredited and registered South African institution of higher learning.
Fields of study and available bursaries
Two bursaries were offered in each of the following fields:
- Mechanical Engineering (N4 to N6, Diploma at NQF6, or B Degree)
- Electrical Engineering (N4 to N6, Diploma at NQF6, or B Degree)
- Civil Engineering (N4 to N6, Diploma at NQF6, or B Degree)
- Water Care (Diploma at NQF6 or Advanced Diploma)
- Chemistry or Analytical Chemistry (Diploma at NQF6 or B Degree)
- Biotechnology or Microbiology (Diploma at NQF6 or B Degree)
- Financial Accounting (B Degree)
Who got preference
Final selection gave preference to previously disadvantaged individuals, people with disabilities, females and South African citizens. The bursary was open to South African citizens who achieved an average of at least 65% in Grade 12.
Documents required
Applicants needed to prepare:
- A South African identity document
- Grade 11 and Matric results, for those currently in Matric
- A Matric certificate, for those who had completed Matric
- The latest academic transcript or record on an official letterhead or with an institutional logo, for those already at a tertiary institution
- A provisional acceptance letter from the university
The first four documents had to be certified copies.
The application form
The External Bursary Application Form had six sections:
- Section A: Personal details, including identity number, citizenship, disability status and contact information
- Section B: High school attended, with proof of the latest results
- Section C: Post-matric qualifications, with proof of academic results or transcripts
- Section D: Intended study for the new academic year, including the estimated course fee and whether the applicant was receiving any other bursary or loan
- Section E: Details of a parent, guardian or next of kin
- Section F: Declaration and signature
The form set out firm rules. Applicants had to complete it in full and sign it. Incomplete or incorrect information could lead to disqualification. The bursary also could not be used to pay existing loans or debts, and late applications would not be considered.
How to apply
Applicants scanned all documents together with the completed form and emailed them to [email protected]. Incomplete applications were rejected. Queries went to the HR Department on 014 597 4636. Application forms were available at magalieswater.co.za/bursaries.
Magalies Water also stated that applicants who had not received correspondence within 60 days of the closing date should treat their application as unsuccessful.
Click Here to Apply Online
How to prepare for the next intake
The 2026 window has closed, but bursary programmes like this tend to return yearly. To be ready:
- Get your documents certified early. Certified copies of your ID, results and transcripts take time to arrange, and they are the first thing an incomplete application lacks.
- Protect your marks. A 65% Grade 12 average was the minimum, so strong results matter long before you apply.
- Secure a provisional acceptance letter. Apply to your institution early so the letter is ready when the advert appears.
- Check every field on the form. Incorrect information leads to disqualification, so have someone review it before you sign.
- Watch the official page. Check magalieswater.co.za/bursaries regularly for the next advert and closing date.
