Rand Water Bursary 2026

About the Provider

Rand Water is Africa's largest water utility, a South African company founded in 1903 that supplies Gauteng and various other areas of the country with potable water. Previously known as the Rand Water Board, the organisation has grown into a critical piece of South Africa's infrastructure, providing purified water extracted from various sources to metropolitan municipalities, local municipalities, industries, and mines.

The scale of Rand Water's operations is remarkable. The company's distribution network includes over 3 000 kilometres of pipeline supplying 58 service reservoirs, with an average daily supply of more than 3 500 million litres of water. This infrastructure serves millions of South Africans and supports the economic activity of the country's most populous province.

Beyond water purification and distribution, Rand Water is also involved in wastewater sanitation, making it a comprehensive water services provider. The company's operations require expertise across a wide range of disciplines, from engineering and science to law, finance, and public health.

Rand Water's bursary programme reflects the company's commitment to developing the next generation of water sector professionals. By funding students in specific fields aligned with its operational needs, the company ensures a pipeline of skilled graduates who can contribute to maintaining and expanding South Africa's water infrastructure.

The company's Employment Equity objectives are reflected in its bursary selection criteria, with preference given to female students and those with disabilities. This approach ensures that the water sector becomes more representative of South Africa's demographics while addressing critical skills needs.

About the Program

The Rand Water Bursary Programme provides funding for undergraduate students pursuing qualifications in water sector-related fields at recognised South African tertiary institutions. For the 2026 academic year, the programme is awarding a limited number of bursaries across twelve specific qualifications, with each field having a set number of available positions and year-of-study requirements.

The programme is highly targeted, with specific bursary allocations per field: 4 bursaries for Electrical/Electronic Engineering, 3 for LLB, 2 for Civil Engineering, and 1 each for Accounting, Architecture, Chemistry, Geomatics, Mechanical Engineering, Microbiology, Public Health, Water Science and Sanitation, and Water Science and Technology.

Eligibility requirements include South African citizenship, being under 35 years old, a minimum 65% academic average, studying at a recognised institution, being from a previously disadvantaged background, and not receiving any other bursary or funding. The programme also requires applicants to be interested in working within the water sector and to commit to completing their qualification within the specified timeframe per the bursary agreement.

Preference is given to female students and students with disabilities, in line with Rand Water's Employment Equity objectives. This targeting ensures the programme contributes to transformation within the water sector.

The selection process requires applicants to register an account on the Rand Water recruitment portal before submitting their application online.

Bursary Benefits

• Comprehensive bursary funding for water sector-related qualifications
• Association with Africa's largest water utility — a stable, essential-services employer
• Career pathway into the water and sanitation sector
• Exposure to critical infrastructure serving millions of South Africans daily
• Support for transformation with preference given to female students and those with disabilities
• Structured qualification timeline ensuring focused academic progress

Eligibility Criteria

• You must be a South African citizen
• You must be under 35 years old
• You must have completed Matric or equivalent
• You must be studying full-time towards an undergraduate qualification in one of the approved fields
• You must be studying at a recognised and accredited tertiary institution in South Africa
• You must have achieved a minimum overall average of 65% and strong performance in your major subject
• You must be interested in working within the water sector
• You must be from a previously disadvantaged background
• You must NOT be receiving any other bursary awards or funding
• You must be self-motivated and results-driven
• You must have good written and verbal communication skills
• You must intend to complete your qualification within the specified timeframe per the bursary agreement
• Preference is given to female students and students with disabilities (in line with Rand Water's Employment Equity objectives)

Required Documents

• ID document (certified copy)
• Matric certificate (certified copy)
• Most recent academic record (on institutional letterhead)
• Proof of registration or acceptance letter (on institutional letterhead)

How to Apply

1. Confirm that you meet all eligibility requirements: South African citizen, under 35, minimum 65% average, studying in an approved field, from a previously disadvantaged background, and not receiving other funding.
2. Check which fields have bursaries available for your year of study — each field has specific year-of-study requirements.
3. Visit the Rand Water recruitment portal online.
4. Register an account on the portal to create your applicant profile.
5. Log in and search for the bursary vacancy (Reference: RAN260423-1).
6. Complete the online application form thoroughly.
7. Upload clear, legible copies of all required documents: certified ID, certified Matric certificate, most recent academic record on institutional letterhead, and proof of registration or acceptance letter.
8. Submit your application before the closing date of 7 May 2026.

Tips for Success

• Check which fields have bursaries for your year of study — each field has specific year requirements. Don't apply if your year of study doesn't match.
• Register on the portal early — you need to create an account before you can apply. Technical issues on deadline day could prevent submission.
• Ensure your academic record is on institutional letterhead — unofficial transcripts or screenshots will not be accepted.
• Highlight your interest in the water sector — the programme specifically seeks students who want to work in water services, not just those seeking any available funding.
• Confirm you are not receiving other funding — this is a strict requirement. NSFAS, other bursaries, or any financial aid disqualifies you.
• Female applicants and those with disabilities should note that preference is given to these groups.
• Maintain your 65% average — this is the minimum threshold, but stronger academic performance improves your chances.
• Get documents certified promptly — certified copies must be recent and from SAPS or the Post Office.
• Use the correct reference number (RAN260423-1) when searching for the vacancy on the portal.
• Apply before 7 May 2026 — late applications will not be accepted under any circumstances.

Career Prospects

Rand Water is Africa's largest water utility, supplying potable water to Gauteng and various other areas of South Africa. Founded in 1903, the company operates over 3 000 km of pipeline and 58 service reservoirs, supplying an average of 3 500 million litres of water per day. This massive operation creates diverse career opportunities for graduates across multiple disciplines.

Career paths for Rand Water bursary graduates include:

• Civil engineering — designing and maintaining water distribution infrastructure, pipelines, and reservoirs
• Electrical and electronic engineering — managing pumping stations, control systems, and power infrastructure
• Mechanical engineering — maintaining pumps, valves, and mechanical systems across the distribution network
• Water science — water treatment, purification processes, and quality management
• Chemistry and microbiology — laboratory testing, water quality monitoring, and research
• Architecture — designing water treatment facilities and infrastructure buildings
• Geomatics and surveying — mapping pipeline routes and infrastructure planning
• Law — water rights, environmental compliance, and regulatory affairs
• Accounting — financial management of one of South Africa's largest utilities
• Public health — ensuring water safety and managing health-related aspects of water supply

The water sector offers exceptional job security as water supply is an essential service that operates regardless of economic conditions. Rand Water's scale and importance to South Africa's economy means it offers stable, well-compensated careers with strong benefits and professional development opportunities.

Beyond Rand Water itself, graduates gain skills transferable to other water utilities, municipalities, consulting firms, and international water organisations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many bursaries are available?

A total of approximately 18 bursaries are available across 12 fields for 2026. The number varies per field, from 1 to 4 bursaries each.

Which year of study must I be in?

This varies by field. Some fields accept 1st year students, others require 2nd year or higher. Check the specific requirements for your qualification.

Can I apply if I receive NSFAS?

No. Applicants must not be receiving any other bursary awards or funding to be eligible.

What academic average do I need?

You need a minimum overall average of 65% and strong performance in your major subject.

Is there a work-back obligation?

The bursary requires you to complete your qualification within a specified timeframe per the bursary agreement. The source does not specify a formal work-back period, but interest in working in the water sector is required.

Who gets preference?

Preference is given to female students and students with disabilities, in line with Rand Water's Employment Equity objectives.

What is the age limit?

Applicants must be under 35 years old.

What does Rand Water do?

Rand Water is Africa's largest water utility, supplying purified water to Gauteng and other areas. It operates over 3 000 km of pipeline and supplies an average of 3 500 million litres of water per day.

Applications Closing

Applications close on 7 May 2026. Apply before this date to be considered.

About the Organization

Rand Water Head Office Tel: 011 682 0911