The government can play quite a significant role in ensuring that qualifying tertiary students receive funding assistance in pursuing their studies. The province of Kwa-Zulu also provides these bursaries, so if you reside in the province, here is how you can apply for a government bursary.
One of the bursaries offered by the provincial government is the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA).
The bursary is offered to unemployed youth from disadvantaged backgrounds who are residents of KwaZulu Natal Province and wish to pursue careers in the field of aeronautical/mechanical engineering.
Successful applicants will receive funding for tuition, housing, required books, food, and a monthly stipend. The student's academic achievement will determine whether the scholarship is renewed each year. However, prospective applicants must meet the following requirements to qualify for the bursary.
- Must be residents of KwaZulu-Natal Province;
- Must be from a disadvantaged background, preferably from rural areas;
- Must be been accepted to study Aeronautical/ Mechanical Engineering by either the University of Pretoria or the University of Witwatersrand;
- And Must be between the ages of 15 -34 years
Additionally, you will also have to fulfil the requirements listed below when submitting your bursary application:
- Completed Bursary Application Form (obtainable from www.kznedtea.gov.za);
- One-page motivation letter on why you should be given a bursary;
- Proof of residence in KwaZulu-Natal (e.g. Statement of Water, lights, Rates, Police Affidavit, a letter from traditional authority or local councillor);
- Parents/Guardian Certified copy of ID;
- Applicant certified copy of ID;
- Grade 12 results to be emailed immediately after they are announced;
- Letter or any communication from WITS or UP of acceptance for Grade 12 Learners;
- If already registered at WITS or UP, full academic record to be attached; and
- Parents or Guardians' Proof of Income documentation (Salary payslips, bank statements etc.) or a letter from the Department of Labour or an Affidavit from parent/s stating that they are unemployed.
You can get bursary application forms from the department's website: www.kznedtea.gov.za. Only applications that are filled out will be taken into consideration. Any of the aforementioned documents that are missing will result in the applicant's instant disqualification.
In addition to this, you must make it clear on your bursary application form that you are requesting funding through the aeronautical/mechanical engineering programme. Applications may be accepted or rejected by the department depending on its needs and specifications.
Only selected candidates will be contacted, and late applications will not be accepted.
