Are you a KwaZulu-Natal student interested in pursuing a career in Economics? The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) is inviting academically deserving students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds to apply for its 2027 Economics Bursary Programme.

The bursary is aimed at Grade 12 learners planning to study Economics in 2027 and current undergraduate Economics students who wish to continue their studies.

Students must be South African citizens residing in KwaZulu-Natal and must demonstrate financial need and academic potential.

Applications close on 30 November 2026.

KZN EDTEA Economics Bursary 2027: Quick Overview

Bursary provider: KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA)
Bursary programme: EDTEA Economics Bursary Programme 2027
Academic year: 2027
Province: KwaZulu-Natal
Field of study: Economics
Study level: Undergraduate degree
Target applicants: Grade 12 learners and current undergraduate Economics students
Institution: Recognised public universities in South Africa
Eligibility: South African citizens residing in KwaZulu-Natal
Financial background: Financially disadvantaged applicants
Application method: Hand delivery
Closing date: 30 November 2026

About EDTEA

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) is a provincial government department responsible for promoting economic development, tourism and environmental management in KwaZulu-Natal.

Through its bursary programme, the department aims to support academically deserving students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds and develop skills that contribute to the province’s economic growth.

Field of Study Covered

The 2027 bursary programme specifically supports undergraduate studies in:

Economics

Applicants should ensure that their intended qualification meets the department’s Economics study requirements.

The opportunity is intended for students pursuing an undergraduate Economics degree at a recognised public university in South Africa.

Students should not assume that general qualifications in Accounting, Business Management, Finance or other Commerce disciplines automatically qualify.

Who Can Apply for the EDTEA Economics Bursary?

The programme is open to two categories of applicants:

1. Grade 12 learners

Matric learners from financially disadvantaged backgrounds who intend to pursue an undergraduate degree in Economics in 2027 may apply.

2. Current undergraduate Economics students

Students already studying Economics at undergraduate level who intend to continue their studies in 2027 may also apply.

EDTEA Bursary Requirements 2027

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

Be a South African citizen.
Be a resident of KwaZulu-Natal.
Come from a financially disadvantaged background.
Demonstrate genuine financial need.
Be currently in Matric or have completed Matric, or be a current undergraduate Economics student.
Be studying or intending to study towards an undergraduate degree in Economics.
Be studying or intending to study at a recognised public university in South Africa.
Demonstrate strong academic potential.
Meet the minimum academic requirements prescribed by the bursary programme.
Be willing and able to maintain satisfactory academic performance throughout the study period.

Important: The published Economics bursary information does not specify a single minimum percentage or an age limit. Applicants should consult the official application form and department for any additional requirements.

What Does the EDTEA Bursary Cover?

The available 2027 Economics application form does not provide a detailed breakdown of the funding package or exact amounts awarded.

Applicants should contact EDTEA to confirm the expenses covered, funding limits and renewal conditions before making financial arrangements.

Documents Required

According to the official EDTEA Economics Bursary Application Form 2027, applicants must prepare the following:

Completed and signed EDTEA Economics Bursary Application Form.
Certified copy of the student’s South African ID.
Certified copies of parents’ or guardians’ identity documents.
Proof of KwaZulu-Natal residence, such as a municipal account, letter from a traditional authority or ward councillor.
Proof of household income or an affidavit from parents stating that they are unemployed.
Certified copy of the latest Grade 12 results, including mid-year results where applicable.
Certified copy of the Matric certificate, where applicable.
Proof of acceptance or provisional acceptance at a recognised public university, where applicable.
Proof of university registration, where applicable.
University fee quotation, where available.
Any additional supporting documents requested in the application form.

Current university students should also prepare their academic information and relevant registration details.

How to Apply for the EDTEA Economics Bursary 2027

Applications must be submitted using the prescribed application form.

Step 1: Download the Application Form

Download the official EDTEA Economics Bursary Programme 2027 application form here:

DOWNLOAD EDTEA ECONOMICS BURSARY APPLICATION FORM 2027 (PDF)

Step 2: Complete the Application Form

Fill in all sections of the application form accurately.

Ensure that you provide your personal details, academic information, university details and parent or guardian information.

Print and sign the completed form where required.

Step 3: Prepare Supporting Documents

Attach all the compulsory supporting documents, including your certified ID, proof of KwaZulu-Natal residence, academic results and proof of household income.

Incomplete applications may be disqualified.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

Applications must be hand delivered to:

KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA)

270 Jabu Ndlovu Street
Pietermaritzburg
3201

Address the application to:

Attention: Mr Mbuyiseni Zwane
Reference: EDTEA Economics Bursary Programme 2027

Applications may also be hand delivered to KZN EDTEA district offices.

Important: Applications submitted by email will NOT be accepted.

Step 5: Submit Before the Closing Date

Ensure that your completed application and supporting documents reach the department before the deadline.

Closing Date

30 November 2026

Late applications will not be accepted. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications well before the closing date.

Contact Details

For enquiries about the EDTEA Economics Bursary Programme 2027:

Contact person: Mr Mbuyiseni Zwane
Telephone: 060 565 3728
Reference: EDTEA Economics Bursary Programme 2027

Please note that the contact details are for enquiries, not email application submissions.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is the EDTEA Economics Bursary open for 2027?

Yes. Applications for the 2027 Economics Bursary Programme are open until 30 November 2026.

2. Who can apply for the EDTEA Economics Bursary?

South African citizens residing in KwaZulu-Natal who come from financially disadvantaged backgrounds and intend to study Economics at undergraduate level may apply.

3. Can Grade 12 learners apply?

Yes. Grade 12 learners planning to pursue an undergraduate Economics degree in 2027 are eligible to apply, provided they meet the programme requirements.

4. Can current university students apply?

Yes. Current undergraduate Economics students who intend to continue their studies in 2027 may apply.

5. Can students from other provinces apply?

The bursary is specifically intended for residents of KwaZulu-Natal. Applicants from other provinces do not meet the stated residency requirement.

6. Can Accounting or Finance students apply?

The advertised bursary specifically covers undergraduate Economics studies. Students in other qualifications should confirm eligibility directly with EDTEA rather than assuming their courses qualify.

7. Can I email my application?

No. Applications must be hand delivered. The department does not accept emailed applications.

8. Where must I submit my application?

Applications can be hand delivered to the EDTEA Head Office at 270 Jabu Ndlovu Street, Pietermaritzburg, or to a listed EDTEA district office.

9. What is the closing date?

The closing date is 30 November 2026.

Important Notice

NextStepZA is an independent career and opportunities information platform. We are not affiliated with EDTEA and do not process or award bursaries on behalf of the department.

Applicants should carefully read the official application form and confirm the latest requirements before submitting their documents.

Never pay anyone who promises to secure a bursary for you.

Your next step starts here! Explore more bursaries, learnerships, internships and job opportunities on NextStepZA.