Inkomati-Usuthu Catchment Management Agency (IUCMA) Bursary: Requirements and How to Apply

The Inkomati-Usuthu Catchment Management Agency (IUCMA) is a government entity responsible for managing water resources in the Inkomati-Usuthu Water Management Area.

This area primarily covers the Mpumalanga Province and parts of Limpopo. 

The IUCMA Bursary is an important investment in the future of the water sector. 

It aims to develop a skilled workforce to help the agency manage the vital water resources in this region, which include the Inkomati and Usuthu river systems. 

By providing comprehensive financial support, IUCMA helps address critical skills shortages in the water and environmental fields. 

If you are passionate about the environment and water conservation, this bursary offers a clear path from education to a fulfilling career. 

Priority Fields of Study of the IUCMA Bursary 

IUCMA focuses its funding on degrees and national diplomas that are directly related to the water and environmental management sector.

The fields of study usually supported include:

  1. Water Resource Management
  2. Geohydrology
  3. Hydrology
  4. Civil Engineering
  5. Environmental Science

IUCMA Bursary Eligibility Requirements

Applicants for the 2026 IUCMA Bursary must meet the following criteria, which focus on academic merit, field of study, and residency within the catchment area.

  1. You must be a South African citizen by birth.
  2. You must reside within the IUCMA’s Water Management Area, which is primarily the Mpumalanga Province.
  3. You must have successfully completed your Matric (Grade 12).
  4. You must be studying or intend to study full-time toward an undergraduate qualification in one of the priority fields of study listed above in 2026.
  5. You must be studying or accepted for study at a recognised South African public university or university of technology
  6. Matriculants must have achieved a minimum overall average of 65% or higher in their Matric final results.
  7. Current university students must have passed their preceding year of study with an academic average of at least 60% or higher.
  8. You must demonstrate a financial need, as the bursary targets students from disadvantaged and impoverished backgrounds.

IUCMA Bursary Application process

The IUCMA Bursary requires applicants to complete an official application form and submit it with all necessary supporting documents. 

The application can usually be submitted via email or by hand delivery.

  1. Download the official IUCMA External Bursary Application Form for the 2026 academic year from the IUCMA careers or opportunities page.
  2. Alternatively, you can collect a copy of the application form from one of the IUCMA offices.
  3. Complete the form fully, using block letters and a black pen. Do not leave any section unanswered.
  4. Gather all required supporting documentation. Ensure all copies are officially certified.
  5. The compulsory certified documents include your valid South African ID document.
  6. Include your full Matric certificate or latest academic record if you are currently studying.
  7. Attach a copy of your admission or provisional acceptance letter from the tertiary institution.
  8. You must submit proof of domicile (residence) from your Local Municipality or Headman/Chief.
  9. Provide parents or guardians’ proof of income, which can be the latest payslips or an official affidavit if unemployed.
  10. Submit the completed application form and all certified documents either via email or hand delivery.
  11. For email submissions, use the words “IUCMA Bursary 2026” in the subject line.

IUCMA Bursary Contact details

For any queries regarding the IUCMA Bursary application or requirements, you can contact the Human Resource Division.

  • Physical Address (Hand-Delivery): Floor Number 8, MAXSA Building, Corner Streak and Ferreira Street, Nelspruit, 1200
  • Postal Address: The Chief Executive Officer, Inkomati-Usuthu Catchment Management Agency, Private Bag X11214, Mbombela, 1200
  • Telephone Number: 013 753 9000
  • Email Address: [email protected]

IUCMA Bursary Closing date

No dates are out for the 2026 academic year.

FAQs

1. Must I live in Mpumalanga to apply for the IUCMA Bursary? +
Yes, a compulsory requirement is that you must be a resident living within the IUCMA’s Water Management Area, which mainly covers the Mpumalanga Province. Proof of residence is required.
2. What does the IUCMA Bursary typically cover financially? +
The bursary is generally comprehensive. It provides financial coverage for registration fees, full tuition fees, prescribed textbooks, accommodation or a housing allowance, and a monthly stipend for living expenses.
3. Can I apply if I want to study BCom Accounting? +
No, the bursary is specifically for qualifications in water resource management, civil engineering, hydrology, geohydrology, and environmental science. Degrees outside these water-related fields are not supported.
4. What is the minimum academic average needed for Matriculants? +
If you are a Matriculant, you must have achieved an overall academic average of 65% or higher in your final Grade 12 results to be considered for the bursary.
5. Can I email my application instead of physically delivering it? +
Yes, IUCMA typically accepts applications via email. You must ensure you attach all certified copies of the required documents and use the specified subject line: “IUCMA Bursary 2026.”
6. What kind of documentation is needed for proof of residence? +
You must submit official proof of domicile. This is usually a letter or a certified document from your Local Municipality or a traditional leader (Headman/Chief) confirming your residential address.
7. Is there a work-back obligation after graduation? +
Yes, bursary recipients are usually required to sign a contract with IUCMA. This contract includes a service obligation, meaning you must work for the Agency for a specified period after completing your studies.
8. What is the key focus of the IUCMA Bursary selection process? +
The selection process prioritises financial need, academic excellence, and the commitment of the applicant to study within the critical water-related fields needed by the Agency.
9. Can IUCMA staff members apply using this form? +
No, the external bursary application form is strictly for external applicants who are not current staff members of the Inkomati-Usuthu Catchment Management Agency.
10. When can I expect to hear feedback on my application? +
Shortlisted candidates are typically contacted within one month of the official closing date. If you do not hear from IUCMA after this time, you should unfortunately consider your application unsuccessful.

🎓 Download Our Bursary Application Checklist

Download our free Application Checklist to make sure you do not miss any required documents. Submitting a complete application is key to being shortlisted.

📥 Download Checklist (PDF)