Indalo Education Bursary 2026

## About the Provider iNdalo Water Technologies (Pty) Ltd is a South African environmental engineering company focused on sustainable water and wastewater treatment. The name iNdalo means "nature" or "environment" in isiXhosa and isiZulu, and reflects the company's deep commitment to protecting natural resources through innovative, environmentally friendly technologies. From its base in South Africa, the business designs, builds and operates treatment systems for potable water, wastewater, cooling water and boiler feed water across mining, manufacturing, agriculture, hospitality and municipal sectors. With a team of qualified engineers and technical experts, iNdalo Water Technologies delivers solutions that improve water quality, reduce consumption, lower costs and support environmental compliance. The company combines proven engineering practice with new approaches in membrane technology, biological treatment, automation and intelligent control systems. As water scarcity, regulatory pressure and the cost of poor water management continue to rise, iNdalo's work has become particularly important for industries that rely heavily on water for their operations. The Indalo Education Fund was established by the iNdalo Water Technologies (Pty) Ltd Foundation as a way to extend this commitment beyond engineering. The Fund supports education and skills development initiatives that empower young South Africans, helping to build the next generation of leaders in sustainability, engineering, environmental management and the water sector more broadly. The Foundation believes that solving South Africa's water and environmental challenges requires far more than technology; it requires a steady pipeline of capable, motivated young people who understand the issues and are committed to working on them throughout their careers. Through its bursary programme, the Fund supports both undergraduate and postgraduate students whose studies and research align with the water sector. The programme is structured to match the realities of how careers in this field develop. Undergraduate students need core academic support, mentorship and exposure to working facilities. Postgraduate students often need help covering research costs, attending conferences and accessing the equipment, networks and supervision that make high-quality research possible. The bursary is designed to address all these needs in a single, integrated package. For learners who are passionate about water, sustainability and environmental impact, the Indalo Education Bursary is one of the most direct ways to combine financial support with strong industry exposure in South Africa. By choosing to apply, you are not only seeking funding for your studies; you are entering a community of students, researchers and practitioners working on some of the country's most important long-term challenges.

## About the Program The Indalo Education Bursary is offered for the **2026 academic year** and supports students at both undergraduate and postgraduate level who want to build careers connected to the water sector. Unlike many bursaries that focus on a single discipline, this programme is structured around the broader theme of **water and sustainability**, allowing students from engineering, environmental science, business, public health and related disciplines to apply, provided they are passionate about contributing to the sector. The undergraduate stream is aimed at school-leavers and students already enrolled in qualifications relevant to the water and sustainability industry. Successful applicants receive **full tuition for the duration of their studies**, plus an allowance for **books and equipment**. They also gain access to an **industry mentorship programme** and the opportunity to complete internships at water treatment facilities. This combination of academic and practical exposure is intended to produce graduates who are workplace-ready and well connected to potential employers from early in their careers. The postgraduate stream is aimed at students pursuing **Honours, Master's or PhD** qualifications. The package is more research-focused: in addition to **full tuition**, recipients receive support for **research costs and a living allowance**, plus access to laboratories, specialist equipment and research networks. Students can also receive **funding for conference attendance and journal publications**, which is critical for building a strong academic and professional profile early in a research career. Industry placement opportunities at iNdalo Water Technologies and partner organisations help research students translate their work into real-world impact. A distinctive feature of the postgraduate stream is its requirement that applicants submit a **research proposal** relevant to the water sector, in any discipline. This means that students need not only academic potential, but also a clear sense of the questions they want to investigate and how their work could contribute to South Africa's water challenges. Supervisors at South African universities should be involved at the proposal stage to ensure feasibility and alignment with the bursary's goals. The Fund prioritises strong academic performers with proven financial need at undergraduate level, and high-achieving students with a credible research focus at postgraduate level. Both streams require commitment to the water sector, which can be demonstrated through your motivational content, work or volunteer experience, and chosen modules or research themes.

## Bursary Benefits The Indalo Education Bursary is structured as a comprehensive package, with slightly different cover for the undergraduate and postgraduate streams. **Undergraduate stream:** - **Full tuition fees** for the duration of your studies. - **Books and equipment allowance** to cover prescribed textbooks and basic study tools. - **Industry mentorship programme** that connects you with experienced professionals working in the water sector. - **Internships at water facilities**, giving practical exposure to real treatment systems and operational environments. **Postgraduate stream:** - **Full tuition fees** for Honours, Master's or PhD studies. - **Research costs**, supporting laboratory work, fieldwork and consumables required for your research project. - **Living allowance** to help cover day-to-day costs while you focus on research. - **Access to equipment, laboratories and research networks** through the iNdalo Water Technologies group and its partners. - **Funding for conference attendance and journal publications**, which is essential for building a strong research profile. - **Industry placement opportunities** that help you connect your research to real-world water sector challenges. Across both streams, bursars also benefit from a clear pathway into the water and sustainability sector. The Fund's connection to a working environmental engineering company means that bursars are exposed not only to academic learning, but also to the practical challenges of running treatment systems, designing water solutions and supporting clients across various industries.

## Eligibility Criteria All applicants must meet every requirement in their relevant stream. Failure to meet any single requirement will result in disqualification. **Undergraduate Bursary:** - You must be a **South African citizen** or permanent resident in South Africa. - You must have completed Matric. - You must be studying or intending to study towards an undergraduate qualification in a field relevant to the water sector. - You must have an **interest in the water sector** and be passionate about contributing to it. - You must have a strong academic record with a minimum overall average of **60%**. - You must demonstrate **proven financial need**. **Postgraduate Bursary:** - You must be studying towards an **Honours, Master's or PhD** qualification in a field relevant to the water sector. - You must have a strong academic record with a minimum overall average of **65%**. - You must be studying or enrolled at a recognised university in South Africa. - You must be committed to contributing to the water sector through your career or research work. - You must have a **research proposal** that is relevant to the water sector, in any discipline. Applicants who can show clear engagement with water-related issues, such as relevant modules, volunteer work, research projects or community involvement, will have a stronger application. Postgraduate applicants should ensure that their research proposal has been reviewed by their supervisor before they submit.

## Required Documents Submit clear, certified copies of all the documents below as part of your online application. Incomplete applications are typically rejected at screening. - Certified copy of your South African ID document. - Undergraduate students: certified copy of your Matric certificate. - Undergraduate students: full academic record if currently studying, certified copy. - Postgraduate students: full academic record, certified copy. - Postgraduate students: a research proposal relevant to the water sector. - Proof of university enrolment or registration. Where appropriate, also include a brief CV and any supporting documents such as letters of recommendation, proof of financial need or evidence of involvement in water-related activities. Make sure that scans are clear, complete and not password protected.

## How to Apply 1. Confirm whether you are applying for the **undergraduate** or **postgraduate** stream and review the corresponding eligibility criteria carefully. 2. Visit the official Indalo Education website and locate the relevant bursary application page for your stream. 3. Create an applicant account using a working email address that you check often, and set a strong password. 4. Log in and complete the online application form in full, paying close attention to questions about your academic record, financial need and interest in the water sector. 5. Postgraduate applicants must prepare a clear, well-structured **research proposal** relevant to the water sector and discuss it with their supervisor before submitting. 6. Compile certified copies of your South African ID, Matric certificate (undergraduates), full academic record (postgraduates), proof of registration and your research proposal where applicable. 7. Upload all supporting documents to the portal, ensuring that scans are clear and that file names are descriptive (for example: "Surname_ID.pdf"). 8. Review every section of your application before submission, checking for spelling errors and incorrect details. 9. Submit your application before the **closing date of 1 March 2026**. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted. 10. After submission, monitor your email and the application portal regularly for follow-up requests from the Indalo Education team. Respond promptly to any questions to keep your application active.

## Tips for Success Sector-specific bursaries reward applicants who can show genuine, ongoing interest in the field. Use these tips to make your Indalo Education application stronger: - **Tailor your application to the water sector.** Reference your favourite modules, projects, books, podcasts, internships or community work that involve water, sustainability or environmental science. Generic applications rarely impress sector-focused funders. - **Build evidence of commitment.** If you are still in Matric or undergraduate years, look for opportunities to volunteer with environmental NGOs, attend water-related events or take on relevant school projects before you apply. - **Be specific about financial need.** For undergraduate applicants, include certified payslips, an affidavit for unemployed parents or a SASSA letter. The clearer your evidence, the easier it is for the Fund to assess your situation fairly. - **Choose a focused research topic.** Postgraduate applicants should avoid vague proposals such as "water issues in South Africa". Pick a specific question, methodology and case study, and explain why it matters. - **Engage your supervisor early.** Postgraduate applicants need an active, supportive supervisor. Discuss your proposal with them well before the deadline so they can refine it and write supporting letters where required. - **Highlight technical skills.** Mention software you can use, such as GIS, MATLAB, R, Python, hydrological modelling tools or laboratory techniques. Even basic skills are useful, particularly when paired with a clear willingness to learn. - **Show willingness to do field and lab work.** Many water-sector careers involve working at treatment plants, in catchments, on sites or in laboratories. Indicate that you are comfortable with practical work. - **Apply early.** The 1 March 2026 deadline is firm. Aim to submit at least one to two weeks beforehand so you have time to fix any issues. - **Keep your communication professional.** Use a clear, professional email address and respond promptly to any messages from the Fund. This signals that you take the opportunity seriously. - **Plan for backup funding.** Apply for NSFAS, university financial aid and other water-sector bursaries in parallel. A strong portfolio of funding applications gives you the best chance of starting or continuing your studies on time.

## Career Prospects Water is one of the most pressing development challenges in South Africa, and graduates who specialise in this field will find their skills in strong demand for decades to come. Indalo Education bursars typically pursue careers across several closely related areas. Engineering graduates can specialise in **water and wastewater treatment, hydraulic design, civil and environmental engineering, and process engineering**. Many work for consulting engineering firms, municipalities, water utilities and large industrial clients. With time, they progress into senior roles such as project engineer, design lead, technical manager and eventually principal engineer or director. The growth of decentralised treatment, recycling and water reuse projects creates additional opportunities for engineers who can innovate. Environmental scientists and natural resource specialists work in **catchment management, biodiversity, environmental impact assessment, mine water management and ecosystem restoration**. They often join consulting firms, NGOs, government departments such as the Department of Water and Sanitation, water boards and large mining or industrial groups. These roles combine fieldwork, technical analysis and stakeholder engagement, and offer pathways into senior environmental management and sustainability positions. Graduates with a chemistry or microbiology background can pursue careers in **water quality testing, laboratory analysis, treatment chemical development and process optimisation**. Many work for laboratories, water utilities, food and beverage companies, mining houses or pharmaceutical firms, where water quality is critical. With experience, they move into laboratory management, R&D leadership and consulting roles. For business, finance and policy-oriented graduates, the water sector offers careers in **infrastructure financing, public-private partnerships, water economics, regulation and policy development**. International donors, development banks and government agencies all need professionals who understand water's economic, social and environmental dimensions. Some bursars also move into ESG and sustainability roles within corporates that need to manage water as a strategic resource. Research-focused bursars often pursue academic careers, contributing to research councils such as the Water Research Commission, university departments and global research networks. PhD-level graduates can lead research groups, advise governments and drive innovation in areas such as desalination, membrane technology, water reuse and climate adaptation. Entrepreneurial bursars can build start-ups in **water technology, smart metering, leak detection, off-grid sanitation and water-saving products**. South Africa's water shortages, ageing infrastructure and growing demand for sustainable solutions create real space for innovative businesses, and bursars who combine technical knowledge with commercial skills are well placed to build them. The Indalo Education Bursary therefore funds not only individual careers, but also a pipeline of professionals capable of tackling some of South Africa's most urgent challenges.

## Frequently Asked Questions ## Who can apply for the Indalo Education Bursary? Undergraduate applicants must be South African citizens or permanent residents with completed Matric, a minimum 60% average and proven financial need. Postgraduate applicants must be enrolled in Honours, Master's or PhD studies at a South African university, with a minimum 65% average and a research proposal relevant to the water sector. ## Are there separate streams for undergraduate and postgraduate students? Yes. The undergraduate and postgraduate streams have different eligibility criteria, different benefits and different application links. ## What does the bursary cover for undergraduate students? Full tuition for the duration of your studies, books and equipment allowance, an industry mentorship programme and internships at water facilities. ## What does the bursary cover for postgraduate students? Full tuition, research costs, a living allowance, access to laboratories, equipment and research networks, funding for conference attendance and journal publications, and industry placement opportunities. ## Do I need a research proposal as an undergraduate? No. A research proposal is required only for postgraduate applicants. Undergraduates need to demonstrate strong academics and a clear interest in the water sector. ## What kinds of qualifications are eligible? Qualifications relevant to the water sector, including engineering, environmental science, chemistry, microbiology, public health, water resource management and related fields. ## When do applications close? Applications close on **1 March 2026**. Late submissions will not be considered. ## How do I apply? Visit the Indalo Education website, choose the undergraduate or postgraduate stream, create an account, complete the online form and upload all required supporting documents. ## Can I apply if I am studying outside South Africa? The bursary is targeted at students who are studying or intending to study at a recognised university in South Africa. ## What if I have not yet decided on my research topic? If you are applying for the postgraduate stream, you should have at least a clear research focus and an outline proposal. Speak to your supervisor early in the year to refine your topic well before the closing date.

## Applications Closing Applications close on **1 March 2026**. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered, so submit early.

## About the Organization Indalo Education Email: applications@indaloeducation.co.za