Are you pursuing a degree in the built environment but struggling to fund your studies? The Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent (MISA), a component of the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), has officially opened applications for its 2026 Technical Bursary Scheme.
This government-funded programme is designed to create a pipeline of skilled professionals to solve South Africa’s municipal infrastructure challenges. If you are a high-performing student in Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Town Planning, this bursary could cover your entire undergraduate journey. Applications close on 07 March 2026.
MISA Bursary 2026: Key Details at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
| Funder | MISA (CoGTA) |
| Target Group | Undergraduate Students (University, UoT, TVET) |
| Household Income Limit | Less than R600,000 per annum |
| Total Bursaries | 70 Slots Available |
| Closing Date | 07 March 2026 at 23:59 |
Approved Fields of Study & Allocations
MISA has allocated 70 bursaries across five critical infrastructure disciplines. Understanding the quota for your specific institution type (University vs. TVET) is vital for a strategic application.
1. Engineering Disciplines
- Electrical Engineering (25 Slots): 10 University, 10 University of Technology (UoT), 5 TVET.
- Civil Engineering (20 Slots): 10 University, 10 UoT.
2. Planning & Management
- Urban and Regional Planning (15 Slots): 10 University, 5 UoT.
- Project and Construction Management (5 Slots): 3 University, 2 UoT.
- Environmental Management (5 Slots): 5 University.
Eligibility: Do You Qualify for MISA Funding?
The MISA Technical Bursary is a transformation-focused initiative. While open to all, the selection committee prioritizes:
- South African Citizens: Valid ID is mandatory.
- Financial Need: Priority is given to households earning below the R600k threshold.
- Rural Outreach: Students from rural and previously disadvantaged areas are strongly encouraged to apply.
- Inclusivity: Youth with disabilities are given special consideration.
- Academic Merit: You must be enrolled (or accepted) for an undergraduate qualification in the fields listed above.
Mandatory Application Documents
Incomplete applications are the #1 reason for disqualification. Ensure you have certified copies (not older than 3 months) of the following:
- Identity Document: South African ID.
- Academic Records: Your Matric certificate and your most recent tertiary results (if already studying).
- Proof of Registration: On an official institution letterhead.
- Proof of Residence: To verify rural/regional priority.
- Financial Proof: Parents’ pay slips, an income affidavit, or an affidavit of unemployment.
- Fee Statement: A recent student account statement from your university.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step for 2026
MISA follows a strict digital-only submission process. No hand-delivered or faxed applications will be reviewed.
- Step 1: Download the Form. Request the form via email at [email protected] or download it directly from www.misa.gov.za.
- Step 2: Compile a Single PDF. You must scan your completed form and all supporting documents into ONE single PDF file. Do not send multiple attachments.
- Step 3: Email Submission. Email your PDF to [email protected].
- Step 4: Use the Correct Subject Line. State your field of study clearly (e.g., “Application: Electrical Engineering Bursary 2026”). Address it to Ms. Nobuhle Latha or Ms. Thulisile Mosoeu.
Why This Bursary is a Career Catalyst
Securing a MISA bursary is more than just financial relief. Because MISA is responsible for strengthening municipal technical capacity, bursary holders are often part of a “preferred” talent pool for government internships and candidate programmes after graduation. You are being trained to build the very infrastructure—water, electricity, and roads—that drives South Africa forward.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does the bursary cover postgraduate studies?
No. The 2026 intake is strictly for undergraduate qualifications at Universities, Universities of Technology, and TVET colleges.
2. I am currently funded by NSFAS; can I apply?
Usually, you cannot hold two government bursaries simultaneously. However, MISA is a specialized technical bursary. If you are successful, you would likely need to choose the MISA funding as it is specifically geared toward professional registration in the built environment.
3. What happens if I miss the deadline?
The portal closes strictly at 23:59 on 07 March 2026. Late applications are not accepted. If you haven’t received a response within a few months, consider your application unsuccessful as MISA only contacts successful candidates.
Hope Johnson
Hope Johnson is the Founder and Lead Content Editor of SETAWeb, a South Africa–based digital platform focused on education, SETA programmes, learnerships, bursaries, internships, and career opportunities. She has extensive experience researching, verifying, and publishing accurate information sourced from official SETAs, government departments, universities, and public sector institutions. Contact: [email protected]