DHS Scholarship Programme 2027: Fully Funded Scholarships for 11 Built Environment Fields in South Africa
DHS Scholarship Programme 2027: Fully Funded Scholarships for 11 Built Environment Fields in South Africa
The South African Department of Human Settlements (DHS) is inviting applications from qualifying matriculants for its 2027 Scholarship Programme.
The scholarship is designed to support academically talented and financially disadvantaged young people who wish to pursue tertiary qualifications in Human Settlements and Built Environment-related disciplines.
There are 11 eligible fields of study, including Civil Engineering, Architecture, Town and Regional Planning, Urban and Rural Studies, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Building Surveying and Land Surveying.
Successful applicants will receive financial assistance covering registration fees, tuition fees, prescribed textbooks, accommodation and meals.
Applications opened on 2 November 2026 and will close on 30 November 2026.
About the Department of Human Settlements Scholarship Programme
The Department of Human Settlements is a South African government department responsible for developing and implementing policies and programmes aimed at improving access to adequate housing and creating sustainable human settlements.
Through its 2027 Scholarship Programme, the department aims to support the development of professionals who can contribute to South Africa’s housing, infrastructure, construction and urban development sectors.
The programme targets qualifying matriculants who demonstrate academic excellence and require financial assistance to pursue higher education.
Students interested in contributing to housing development, infrastructure planning, construction, land surveying and the development of sustainable communities are encouraged to consider this opportunity.
Fields of Study Covered by the DHS Scholarship 2027
The scholarship supports students intending to pursue full-time qualifications in the following 11 disciplines:
1. Civil Engineering
Civil Engineering focuses on the design, construction and maintenance of infrastructure such as roads, bridges, buildings, water supply systems and sanitation networks.
Students interested in pursuing careers in infrastructure development and public works can apply for funding towards relevant Civil Engineering qualifications.
2. Town and Regional Planning
Town and Regional Planning involves planning and managing the development of towns, cities and regions.
The discipline focuses on land use, housing development, infrastructure planning, transportation and sustainable urban development.
3. Urban and Rural Studies
Urban and Rural Studies examines the development of urban and rural communities, including housing, infrastructure, population dynamics and social development.
The field prepares graduates to contribute to community development, spatial planning and sustainable settlement initiatives.
4. Architecture
Architecture focuses on designing buildings and other physical structures while considering functionality, safety, aesthetics and sustainability.
Students pursuing Architecture can develop the skills required to contribute to residential, commercial and public infrastructure projects.
5. Architectural Technology
Architectural Technology focuses on the technical aspects of building design, construction documentation, building materials and construction methods.
The discipline combines architectural principles with practical technical knowledge.
6. Construction Management
Construction Management involves planning, coordinating and supervising construction projects to ensure they are completed within the required time, budget and quality standards.
Graduates can pursue careers in construction project management, infrastructure development and building project supervision.
7. Construction Science
Construction Science focuses on the scientific and technical principles involved in construction, building materials, construction processes and project delivery.
8. Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
Geographical Information Systems involves collecting, analysing and interpreting geographical and spatial information.
GIS is particularly important in human settlements planning, land management, infrastructure development and environmental planning.
9. Quantity Surveying
Quantity Surveying focuses on managing the financial and contractual aspects of construction projects.
Quantity Surveyors help estimate project costs, manage construction budgets, assess materials and monitor expenditure throughout the construction process.
10. Building Surveying
Building Surveying involves assessing buildings, construction quality, building conditions, maintenance requirements and compliance with relevant standards.
11. Land Surveying
Land Surveying involves measuring and mapping land, determining property boundaries and providing accurate geographical information required for construction and infrastructure development.
What Does the DHS Scholarship Cover?
The Department of Human Settlements Scholarship provides financial assistance towards several important education-related expenses.
Funding provided
Successful applicants can receive funding for:
- Registration fees: University or institution registration costs.
- Tuition fees: Approved academic tuition expenses.
- Prescribed textbooks: Required textbooks and course materials.
- Accommodation: Student residence expenses.
- Meals: Student meal expenses.
The scholarship does not cover:
- Monthly allowances or stipends.
- Transport costs.
- Photocopying expenses.
- Bridging courses.
- Membership affiliations.
- Laundry services.
The official advertisement does not disclose a fixed monetary value for the scholarship or the total number of students who will be awarded funding.
Applicants should therefore understand that this is a scholarship covering specified study-related expenses rather than a monthly cash allowance.
Who Can Apply for the DHS Scholarship 2027?
The scholarship is specifically aimed at qualifying South African matriculants who require financial assistance to pursue higher education.
To be considered, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Must be South African.
- Must be a matriculant with exceptional academic results.
- Must demonstrate a need for financial assistance to pursue tertiary education.
- Must be a young person who has not previously obtained a tertiary qualification.
- Must intend to pursue studies in one of the 11 approved Human Settlements and Built Environment fields.
- Must provide a provisional or final acceptance letter from a public institution of higher learning.
Important: The department has not published a specific minimum Matric percentage or APS score in the scholarship announcement. Applicants are expected to demonstrate exceptional Matric results.
The programme also does not specify a numerical age limit in the published announcement.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit a completed scholarship application form together with the following supporting documents:
1. Copy of South African identity document
Applicants must provide a copy of their identity document.
2. Matric results
Applicants must attach a copy of their June or December Matric examination results, as applicable.
3. Provisional or final university acceptance letter
Applicants must provide a provisional or final acceptance letter from a public institution of higher learning confirming their admission or intended enrolment.
4. Proof of financial status
Applicants must provide evidence demonstrating their financial circumstances.
An example specified in the official advertisement is a parent or guardian’s salary slip.
5. Completed DHS Scholarship Application Form
Applicants must download and complete the official application form available on the Department of Human Settlements website.
The form requires personal information, details of parents or guardians, previous qualifications, intended fields of study, information about other bursaries or financial assistance, and a motivation explaining why the applicant should receive the scholarship.
Applicants must ensure that all required information is completed accurately.
How to Apply for the DHS Scholarship Programme 2027
Interested and eligible matriculants can apply by following these steps:
Step 1: Download the official application form
Visit the Department of Human Settlements website and download the 2027 Scholarship Application Form.
Step 2: Complete the application form
Fill in the required personal details, academic information, intended qualification and preferred institution.
Applicants must also provide information about their parents or guardians and disclose any other bursaries, scholarships or study funding they receive.
Step 3: Write your motivation
The application form includes a section requiring applicants to explain why they should be considered for the scholarship.
Use this section to demonstrate your academic commitment, financial need, interest in your chosen field and how your intended qualification could contribute to the development of South Africa’s human settlements.
Step 4: Prepare supporting documents
Attach the following:
- Copy of your identity document.
- June or December Matric results.
- Provisional or final acceptance letter from a public institution of higher learning.
- Proof of financial status, such as a parent or guardian’s salary slip.
Step 5: Submit your application
Email the completed application form and supporting documents to:
dhs2027scholarship@thenkalagroup.co.za
Applicants should ensure that all documents are attached and that their application is submitted before the deadline.
Download the Official Application Form
The official DHS Scholarship Application Form for 2027 is available below:
Download the DHS Scholarship Application Form 2027 (PDF)
Application submission email: dhs2027scholarship@thenkalagroup.co.za
Official website: https://www.dhs.gov.za/node/2377
Application Opening and Closing Dates
The Department of Human Settlements has confirmed the following application dates:
- Opening date: 2 November 2026.
- Closing date: 30 November 2026.
- Academic year: 2027.
Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible to avoid missing the deadline.
Incomplete or late applications may not be considered.
Enquiries and Further Information
For additional information about the scholarship programme, applicants can contact the Department of Human Settlements.
- Organisation: Department of Human Settlements (DHS).
- Programme: DHS Scholarship Programme 2027.
- Study level: Tertiary education.
- Target applicants: Qualifying South African matriculants.
- Fields of study: 11 Human Settlements and Built Environment disciplines.
- Funding: Registration, tuition, prescribed textbooks, accommodation and meals.
- Application method: Email.
- Closing date: 30 November 2026.
Contact details:
- General email: info@dhs.gov.za
- Call centre: 0800 146 873
- Official website: https://www.dhs.gov.za/
Scholarship application email: dhs2027scholarship@thenkalagroup.co.za
Final Remarks
The DHS Scholarship Programme 2027 provides an opportunity for academically talented and financially disadvantaged South African matriculants to pursue tertiary qualifications in fields that contribute to housing development, construction, infrastructure planning and sustainable human settlements.
With funding covering registration, tuition, prescribed textbooks, accommodation and meals, the programme can significantly reduce the financial burden associated with obtaining a university qualification.
Students interested in pursuing Civil Engineering, Architecture, Quantity Surveying, Town and Regional Planning and other approved disciplines should review the eligibility requirements and prepare their applications.
The application deadline is 30 November 2026.
Download the application form, prepare your supporting documents and submit your application to dhs2027scholarship@thenkalagroup.co.za before the closing date.
Source: Department of Human Settlements, Government of South Africa, DHS Scholarship Programme 2027.
