iSimangaliso Wetland Park Bursary 2026: Are you a passionate KwaZulu-Natal learner from a land-claimant or neighbouring community, ready to study and protect our natural wonders? Secure your future in conservation with the iSimangaliso Wetland Park Bursary Programme 2026. This unique opportunity supports first-year students pursuing studies in Conservation, Tourism, and related fields, offering not just financial aid but holistic support to ensure your success.
If you have a heart for nature and are embarking on your tertiary journey at a KZN university, this bursary is designed to help you thrive academically and become a future leader in sustainable development.
Application Deadline: 16 February 2026
iSimangaliso Wetland Park Bursary 2026: Bursary Programme
- For: First-Year University Students (2026 intake)
- Fields: Conservation, Tourism, Social Sciences, Development Studies, Finance, IT, HR, Engineering & more.
- Institutions: UKZN, UniZulu, MUT, or DUT.
- Support: Partial funding (laptops, data, travel, meals) + Psychosocial & Academic Support.
- Eligibility: Must be from iSimangaliso land claimant communities or neighbouring areas in uMkhanyakude District or Mfolozi Local Municipality.
iSimangaliso Wetland Park Bursary 2026: Why This Bursary is More Than Just Funding
This programme invests in you as a whole person and future custodian of our heritage:
- Holistic Support: Receive laptops, data, travel, and meal allowances, especially if you are NSFAS funded.
- Academic & Emotional Care: Benefit from psychosocial support and academic tutoring to navigate university life successfully.
- Career Preparation: Gain work-readiness training, skills workshops, and community service opportunities during holidays.
- Purpose-Driven Network: Join a community of over 140 past bursary recipients dedicated to conservation and sustainable development.
iSimangaliso Wetland Park Bursary 2026: Are You Eligible?
You must meet all of the following strict criteria:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Be a verified member of an iSimangaliso Land Claimant Community OR a resident of qualifying neighbouring areas (uMkhanyakude District / Mfolozi Local Municipality, especially Sokhulu).
- Be entering your first year of study in 2026.
- Be accepted to study at UKZN, UniZulu, MUT, or DUT.
- Be studying towards a qualification in Conservation, Tourism, or a related listed field.
- Must have applied for or been awarded NSFAS funding.
- Have a demonstrable passion for nature and conservation.
iSimangaliso Wetland Park Bursary 2026: How to Apply: A Three-Step Process
Applications are submitted via email. Follow these steps exactly.
Step 1: Download & Complete the Form
- Download the official application form.
👉 Download the iSimangaliso Bursary Application Form 2026 - Complete every section. Important: When asked how you heard about the bursary, write: www.zabursaries.co.za
Step 2: Gather Compulsory Supporting Documents
Prepare clear, certified copies of:
- Your ID.
- Proof of NSFAS application or award.
- Proof of registration/acceptance at UKZN, UniZulu, MUT, or DUT.
- Proof of residence.
- Community Verification Letter:
- Land Claimants: Official letter from your Board of Trustees Chairperson confirming membership.
- Neighbouring Communities: Letter from a local leader or councillor confirming your residence and duration.
Step 3: Submit via Email
- Email To: 📧 no*****@**********so.com
- Subject Line: “iSimangaliso Bursary 2026”
- Attachments: Attach your completed form and all supporting documents.
- Send before the deadline: 16 February 2026.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: I am not NSFAS funded. Can I apply?
A: No. You must have applied for or been awarded NSFAS funding. This bursary is designed as complementary support.
Q2: I am in my second year at university. Can I apply?
A: No. This bursary is exclusively for first-year students entering university in 2026.
Q3: I am from Durban but accepted at UKZN. Can I apply?
A: No. The bursary is strictly for students from iSimangaliso land claimant communities or specific neighbouring municipalities in northern KZN (uMkhanyakude District / Mfolozi LM). Proof of residence from these areas is mandatory.
Q4: What if I haven’t received my final university acceptance yet?
A: You must submit proof that you have applied to one of the four listed institutions. A conditional acceptance letter or proof of application is crucial.
Q5: Does the bursary cover full tuition?
A: It is described as partial funding, often covering additional costs like laptops, data, and travel. Your primary tuition funding should come from NSFAS.
Become a Guardian of a Living Wonder
The iSimangaliso Wetland Park Bursary 2026 is an invitation to become part of the legacy of protecting South Africa’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s an investment in your education and your potential to contribute meaningfully to conservation, tourism, and community development.
This is a chance to align your academic journey with a profound environmental and social purpose.
The deadline of 16 February 2026 is imminent. If you meet the community-specific criteria, act now. Contact your community leadership for verification, gather your documents, and submit a complete application. Your journey to becoming a guardian of the “miracle” starts here.
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