Key Facts
- Status
- Check Provider for Dates
- Provider
- Field of Study
- Study Level
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must be studying full-time toward an undergraduate qualification in an eligible built-environment field
- Not open to postgraduate students
- Not open to applicants seeking funding for a second undergraduate qualification
About Department of Human Settlements Scholarship
The Human Settlements Scholarship Programme is run by South Africa's national Department of Human Settlements to develop scarce and critical skills within the built-environment and spatial-planning sectors that support the department's housing and human settlements mandate. It is a fully-funded academic support initiative for undergraduate students in defined built-environment disciplines.
This is a national programme — distinct from the various provincial Departments of Human Settlements (such as those in Gauteng or KwaZulu-Natal), which run their own separate provincial bursary schemes.
Funding Details
The scholarship is described as fully funded for tuition and related academic costs in the qualifying built-environment fields. Published guidance specifically states that it does NOT cover a monthly stipend/allowance, transport costs, photocopying, bridging courses, membership affiliations, or laundry services.
Where You Can Study
Open to students at any accredited South African public university studying Architecture / Architectural Technology, Construction Management / Construction Science, Civil Engineering, Geographical Information Systems, Town and Regional Planning / Urban and Rural Studies, or Quantity Surveying / Land Surveying / Building Surveying.
About Department of Human Settlements
The Department of Human Settlements is the South African government department responsible for national housing policy, including the delivery of subsidised housing and informal settlement upgrading programmes. The depar…
View full provider profile →- Address
- Govan Mbeki House, 240 Justice Mahomed Street, Sunnyside, Pretoria, 0002
- Phone
- 012 444 9000
- info@dhs.gov.za
Fields of Study & Who Can Apply
Open to South African students studying full-time toward an undergraduate qualification in a built-environment field related to the Department's mandate. The programme explicitly excludes postgraduate applicants and applicants already holding a qualification (no second-degree funding).
Application Procedure
Apply directly with the provider using the official application link below, before the closing date.
Questions about this application?
Contact Department of Human Settlements directly:
Last verified:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this the national or a provincial scholarship?
This is the national Department of Human Settlements' scholarship programme, separate from provincial schemes run independently by provinces such as Gauteng or KwaZulu-Natal.
How do I apply?
Application forms are published on the department's website at dhs.gov.za/node/2091 and completed applications are submitted by email to scholarships2026@dhs.gov.za, with "DHS Scholarship" plus the relevant year in the subject line, per the department's own published instructions.
When does the current round close?
A window of 22 December to 7 January was reported for the 2026 intake, which has already lapsed relative to today (28 August 2026). Check the department's website directly for the next round's dates before applying.
Does it cover living expenses?
No — the department's own guidance explicitly excludes a monthly stipend, transport, and several other living-cost categories from this scholarship.
