iSimangaliso Wetland Park is currently accepting applications for the 2026 academic year bursaries.
Closing date: 16 February 2026
Location: South Africa
Abut iSimangaliso Wetland Park Bursary
iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority is inviting students to apply for their bursary programme, for the 2026 academic year.
Bursaries will be awarded to students residing in KwaZulu-Natal, who are verifiable members of either; the Land Claimants Communities of iSimangaliso Wetland Park or a resident of the uMkhanyakude District Municipality within areas that are close to iSimangaliso Wetland Park or the Mfolozi Local Municipality particularly the Sokhulu area.
Bursaries will be awarded for studies within Conservation, Tourism, or related discipline (not limited to Conservation, Social Sciences, Development Studies, Tourism, Finance, IT, HR, Engineering, Infrastructure and Supply Chain Management etc). Students must study at one of the following institutions: University of KwaZulu-Natal, University of Zululand, Mangosuthu University of Technology and Durban University of Technology.
iSimangaliso will award partial bursaries to students who are NSFAS funded. The bursary may provide cover for the following expenses: laptops, data, travel expenses and meals.
The bursary will also provide psycho-social support to helps students adjust to university life and give them support to pass their courses and graduate. Students will also receive opportunities to improve their work readiness through skills development workshops and community service initiatives during the holidays.
Requirements
- You must be a South African citizen
- You must be a verifiable member of either: The Land Claimants Communities from iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority (Sokhulu, Bhangazi, Dukuduku, Western Shores, Mdletsheni, Makhasa, Mnqobokazi, Nside, Ngwenya, Jobe, Mabaso, Emandleni, (Mbila) and Triangle (Mbila), and Coastal Reserves); OR be a resident of areas of Mkhanyakude District Municipality that are close to iSimangaliso Wetland Park or the Mfolozi Local Municipality particularly in the Sokhulu area
- You must intend on studying towards a qualification within the Conservation, Tourism or a related discipline
- You must entering your 1st year of study in 2026
- You must be accepted to study at one the following institutions: University of KwaZulu-Natal, University of Zululand, Mangosuthu University of Technology and Durban University of Technology
- You must have applied for NSFAS bursary, or have confirmation that you have been awarded a NSFAS bursary
- You must have a passion for nature
How to apply
Submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation along with your completed application form (the submission of these documents is compulsory – if any items are missing, your may application be disqualified):
- ID document (certified copy)
- Proof of NSFAS bursary application
- Proof of registration or acceptance to UKZN, UniZulu, MUT or DUT
- Proof of residence
- If you are a member of a land claimant community: official letter from the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of your land claim Trust confirming that you are a member of the land claim community
- If you are a member of iSimangaliso neighbouring communities: official letter from your local leader / councillor confirming that you are from the area and the length of time you have been living there
Applications must be submitted via email to: nosipho@isimangaliso.com
Applications submitted after the closing date will not be accepted.