Quick Overview
Bursary Description
The Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent (MISA) invites South African students to apply for its 2027 Technical Bursary Programme. This bursary aims to support students pursuing qualifications in engineering and infrastructure-related fields that are critical for service delivery in municipalities.
Intake for the ccurent academic year are now closed, however, interested students must prepare early for the next opening.
About the Bursary and Organisation
The Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent (MISA) is a government entity under the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA). Its primary role is to assist municipalities in improving infrastructure planning, development, and maintenance across South Africa.
Through this bursary programme, MISA seeks to address the country’s shortage of technical skills by funding students who will contribute to infrastructure development, particularly in underserved and rural communities. The bursary not only provides financial support but also helps build a pipeline of skilled professionals who can work within municipalities after graduation.
The bursary may provide coverage for:
- Tuition fees
- Prescribed textbooks
- Accommodation
- Meals or stipend (depending on funding structure)
Preference is typically given to students from disadvantaged backgrounds and those willing to work within the public sector after completing their studies.
Fields Covered
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Town and Regional Planning
- Infrastructure-related qualifications
Application Process
To apply for the MISA Technical Bursary, candidates must obtain and complete the official application form.
Applications are submitted via MISA’s official website or designated government application channels. Late or incomplete applications may not be considered, so applicants are advised to apply well before the closing date.
Requirements & Eligibility
Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying (please note that failure to meet all requirements may result in your application not being considered):
- You must be a South African citizen
- You must be currently in Matric or have completed Matric
- You must be studying or intend to study towards an undergraduate qualification in a relevant field
- You must be accepted or registered at a recognised tertiary institution in South Africa (University, University of Technology or TVET College)
- You must have a combined household income of less than R600 000 per annum
- You must have passed all subjects from the previous academic year (if currently studying)
- Preference will be given to students from rural areas and previously disadvantaged backgrounds
- Students living with disabilities are encouraged to apply
These criteria are standard across recent MISA bursary intakes and are strictly enforced during selection.
Required Documentation
Applicants must submit clear, certified copies of the following documents with their application. Failure to submit all required documents may result in rejected application:
- Certified copy of your South African ID document
- Certified copy of your Matric certificate (or latest Grade 12 results if currently in Matric)
- Certified copies of your latest academic records (if currently studying)
- Certified copies of your previous year’s tertiary results (if you are a continuing student)
- Proof of registration or acceptance at a recognised tertiary institution (on official institution letterhead)
- Proof of residence and enrolment form (if already studying)
- Proof of household income, including:
- Latest payslips (if parent/guardian is employed)
- Affidavit (if parent/guardian is unemployed)
- Proof of SASSA grant or pension (if applicable)
- Financial statement or fee account from your tertiary institution
These documents are mandatory and must be included in your application submission.
Other available bursaries in STEM:
How to Apply
Application Method: Online
Download the official application form
