There is a shortage of skills in the water and sanitation sector and the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), through its Learning Academy External Bursary Scheme, is providing bursaries to aid in closing this gap.

The Department is calling on all applicants who would like to pursue careers that are in line with its core business.

Students pursuing Analytic chemistry, Aquatic Sciences, Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, Cartography, Civil/Electrical/Mechanical engineering, Environmental Law/Management/ Science, Geo-chemistry, Geographical information systems, Geo-hydrology, Geology, Hydrology, Limnology, Microbiology, Surveying, Water and Sanitation, Water Care, Water Resource Management, and Water Utilisation, are eligible to apply.

Currently the department bursaries for the full time pre- and post-graduate studies are granted on an annual basis to learners at 18 South African universities.

Department spokesperson Sputnik Ratau says the bursaries will be allocated on the basis of a balanced consideration of academic performance, race and gender, financial need, the need of the department in reference to the specific qualification, and an interview schedule.

“Assistance will be provided on a year-to-year basis and bursaries will be renewed only if performance of bursars is satisfactory,” explains Ratau. “Successful applicants to the bursary scheme receive full tertiary registration and tuition costs, residence and meal fees, book allowance, and an annual personal allowance,” he continues.

The Department of Water and Sanitation will require bursars who obtain their qualifications to join the department’s Learning Academy on a fixed term contract for a period of maximum five years but not less than three years.

To obtain the application form, the applicants should go to www.dws.gov.za/LearningA. The closing date for 2016 bursary applications is 31 July 2015