Department of Human Settlements Scholarships 2026

The Department of Human Settlements invites eligible South African students to apply for its 2026 Scholarships, supporting undergraduate studies in housing, planning, and built environment fields.

The Department of Human Settlements has opened applications for its 2026 Scholarship Programme, inviting eligible South African students to apply before the closing date of 07 January 2026. This fully funded scholarship opportunity is aimed at academically strong but financially needy young people who want to build careers that directly contribute to housing delivery, urban development, and spatial transformation in South Africa.

The programme forms part of the department’s broader commitment to youth development, transformation, and the strengthening of scarce skills within the built environment and planning sectors.

Purpose of the Scholarship Programme

South Africa continues to face challenges related to housing access, spatial inequality, and sustainable settlement development. Addressing these challenges requires skilled professionals who understand the technical, social, and planning dimensions of human settlements.

The Department of Human Settlements Scholarship Programme is designed to respond to this need by supporting undergraduate students who show strong academic potential but lack the financial means to pursue tertiary education. By investing in young talent, the department aims to build a pipeline of professionals who will contribute meaningfully to national development priorities.

Key Focus Areas

The scholarship programme is guided by several strategic objectives, including:

Youth development, with a focus on empowering young South Africans through education
Transformation in the built environment, promoting greater inclusion and representation
Addressing skills shortages in housing delivery, urban planning, and settlement development
Supporting students from disadvantaged backgrounds who may otherwise be excluded from higher education

These focus areas ensure that the programme is not only about funding studies, but also about shaping a more equitable and skilled future workforce.

Fields of Study Funded

The Department of Human Settlements provides funding for undergraduate studies in disciplines that are directly aligned with its mandate. These include:

Architecture or Architectural Technology
Construction Management or Construction Science
Civil Engineering
Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
Town and Regional Planning or Urban and Rural Studies
Quantity Surveying, Land Surveying, or Building Surveying

These fields play a critical role in housing delivery, infrastructure development, and spatial planning, making them essential to the country’s long-term growth and sustainability.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the 2026 Human Settlements Scholarship, applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

Be a South African citizen
Have exceptional Matric results
Be an undergraduate student
Not have completed any previous tertiary qualification
Demonstrate financial need
Be a youth applicant

The programme specifically targets first-time tertiary students, ensuring that support reaches those entering higher education for the first time.

What the Scholarship Covers

The scholarship is fully funded in terms of core academic costs. Covered expenses include:

Registration fees
Tuition fees
Prescribed textbooks and required course materials
University residence accommodation
Meals

By covering these essential costs, the programme allows students to focus on their studies without the burden of major academic expenses.

Costs Not Covered

While comprehensive, the scholarship does not cover certain personal or incidental expenses. These include:

Monthly stipends or allowances
Transport costs
Photocopying
Bridging courses
Membership affiliations
Laundry services

Applicants are encouraged to plan accordingly for these additional costs.

How to Apply

Eligible applicants must complete the official application form and submit it together with all required supporting documents.

Applications should be emailed to:
[email protected]

Applicants are advised to ensure that all information is accurate and that supporting documents are complete before submission, as incomplete applications may not be considered.

Building Careers That Shape Communities

The Department of Human Settlements Scholarship Programme offers more than financial assistance—it offers a pathway into careers that directly shape how South Africans live, work, and access opportunities. For academically capable students with a passion for housing, planning, and development, this scholarship represents a chance to contribute to lasting national impact.

With the 07 January 2026 deadline approaching, eligible students are encouraged to apply early and take the first step toward becoming part of South Africa’s future built environment professionals.