Dube TradePort Bursary 2027: KZN Bursary for Non-NSFAS Students
Dube TradePort Corporation (DTPC) has opened its Bursary Scheme for 2027 enrolments, offering funding to KwaZulu-Natal students who do not qualify for NSFAS but still need financial support to complete a tertiary qualification. The bursary is aimed at students already enrolled in their 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 4th year of study at selected public institutions in the province.
This is a particularly important opportunity for students who fall into the funding gap between NSFAS ineligibility and full self-funding, since it specifically targets that group.
About the Dube TradePort Bursary Scheme
Dube TradePort Bursary 2027 is offering bursaries for 2027 enrolments to students who are residents of KwaZulu-Natal. The scheme is administered under EDTEA and is designed to support KZN residents pursuing qualifications in fields directly linked to the region’s economic development priorities, including engineering, agriculture, information technology, and the built environment.
Unlike many bursary programmes that only fund first-time entrants, this scheme also supports students who are already partway through their studies, covering 1st through 4th year enrolments.
Who Can Apply
To qualify for the Dube TradePort Bursary Scheme, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a South African citizen
- Ideally be between the ages of 18 and 34
- Be a resident of KwaZulu-Natal
- Not qualify for NSFAS funding
- Be able to provide proof of household income
This bursary is specifically designed for students who fall outside NSFAS eligibility, so applicants should confirm their NSFAS status before applying, since qualifying for NSFAS will disqualify an application under this scheme.
Eligible Institutions
Funding is only available to students enrolled at the following public institutions in KwaZulu-Natal:
- Durban University of Technology (DUT)
- Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT)
- University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
- University of Zululand (UniZulu)
Students enrolled at private institutions are not eligible for this bursary, so applicants should check that their institution appears on this list before applying.
Fields of Study Covered
Bursaries will be awarded to students studying towards qualifications in the following disciplines:
- Engineering Studies
- Agricultural Studies (Crops/Plants)
- Information Technology Studies
- Built Environment Studies
These fields align closely with Dube TradePort’s own operational focus areas, including aerotropolis development, agriculture through its Dube AgriZone, and technology infrastructure, making this bursary a strong fit for students who may want to build a future career connected to the organisation itself.
How Bursaries Are Awarded
Dube TradePort has confirmed that bursary awards will be based on the following factors:
- Available budget
- The affordability level of the applicant’s parents or authorised guardian
- Good academic performance and other relevant criteria
Because awards depend on available budget and household affordability, students from lower income households with strong academic records are especially encouraged to apply.
Key Details at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Provider | Dube TradePort Corporation (DTPC), via EDTEA |
| Programme | DTPC Bursary Scheme for 2027 Enrolments |
| Province | KwaZulu-Natal residents only |
| Study years covered | 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th year students |
| Eligible institutions | DUT, MUT, UKZN, UniZulu (public only) |
| Fields covered | Engineering, Agricultural Studies, IT, Built Environment |
| NSFAS status | Must NOT qualify for NSFAS |
| Age guideline | 18 to 34 years |
Important Notes Before You Apply
Applicants should be aware that if no communication is received within 4 weeks after the closing date, the application should be considered unsuccessful. Since this bursary is administered through the SA Youth platform, applicants will need to be part of the SA Youth network in order to apply, and may be asked whether they are able to travel, since some processes linked to the opportunity may require travel for interviews.
How to Apply
Applicants can apply for the Dube TradePort Bursary Scheme through the SA Youth platform, using reference number 2129359.
Apply for the Dube TradePort Bursary Scheme here
Students who are not yet part of the SA Youth network will need to join or log in first before applying. Those without reliable internet access can also get help by calling the SA Youth toll-free number on 0800 72 72 72.
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