South African Weather Service (SAWS) Bursary 2026 – A Detailed Guide

The weather plays a crucial role in our daily lives, impacting everything from agriculture and transport to disaster management and climate research. As our climate continues to evolve, there is an increasing demand for professionals who can understand, predict, and mitigate the effects of changing weather patterns. The South African Weather Service (SAWS), as the authoritative body on weather and climate in South Africa, offers an exciting Bursary Program for students pursuing qualifications in meteorology, climatology, and other related fields.

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) Bursary 2026 aims to provide talented and dedicated students with the opportunity to advance their education and develop the necessary skills to contribute to the study and management of South Africa’s weather and climate systems. In this article, we will explore the details of the bursary program, the fields of study it supports, the eligibility criteria, and how you can apply for this incredible opportunity.

What is the South African Weather Service (SAWS)?

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) is the national meteorological agency in South Africa responsible for providing weather and climate-related services to the public, businesses, and government entities. SAWS delivers accurate weather forecasts, severe weather warnings, and climate data to help individuals and organizations make informed decisions. Additionally, SAWS plays an important role in climate research and the study of environmental changes, both locally and globally.

SAWS collaborates with various institutions and organizations to improve weather prediction systems, study climate change, and enhance disaster risk management in the country. As a critical player in South Africa’s weather and climate landscape, SAWS contributes to public safety, agricultural productivity, and sustainable development.

What is the SAWS Bursary 2026?

The SAWS Bursary 2026 is an initiative aimed at nurturing the next generation of meteorologists, climatologists, and other professionals in the field of weather and climate science. The bursary is open to South African students who are pursuing or planning to pursue studies in related fields at accredited higher learning institutions.

This bursary program provides financial support to eligible students, covering various aspects of their education, including tuition fees, textbooks, and other study-related expenses. It also offers recipients the opportunity to gain practical experience in the field of meteorology through internships or work placements at SAWS.

Fields of Study Supported by the SAWS Bursary 2026

The SAWS Bursary 2026 supports a wide range of academic programs related to meteorology, climate science, and environmental studies. Some of the fields of study that are eligible for the bursary include:

1. Meteorology: Meteorology is the science of studying and forecasting weather patterns. Meteorologists analyze atmospheric data to predict weather conditions and provide accurate forecasts to help people prepare for changing weather events. Meteorology is one of the primary fields supported by the SAWS bursary.
2. Climatology: Climatology is the study of long-term weather patterns and trends in specific regions or globally. Climatologists examine how weather systems evolve over extended periods and how human activities affect climate change. This field is critical for understanding and addressing climate-related issues, such as global warming.
3. Environmental Science: Environmental science is an interdisciplinary field that explores how natural and human-made environments impact one another. This field can include climate studies, environmental management, and research related to sustainability and disaster risk reduction.
4. Geography with a Focus on Weather and Climate: Geography programs that focus on physical geography, weather, and climate study the relationships between landforms, weather systems, and human activities. Geography students learn to assess weather data and its implications for land-use planning, disaster management, and environmental protection.
5. Climate Change and Sustainability Studies: This field focuses on studying the science of climate change, its environmental and social impacts, and potential solutions for mitigating or adapting to climate change. Students in this field may work on projects that address issues like carbon emissions, renewable energy, and environmental resilience.
6. Disaster Management: Disaster management programs train individuals to plan, manage, and respond to natural disasters, including extreme weather events. Understanding weather patterns and their impact is an essential aspect of disaster management, and this field complements meteorology studies.
7. Oceanography: Oceanography is the study of the Earth’s oceans, including their physical, chemical, biological, and geological aspects. As oceanic processes have a significant influence on weather patterns and climate, oceanographers often work closely with meteorologists to study the connection between oceans and weather systems.

Benefits of the SAWS Bursary 2026

The SAWS Bursary 2026 offers a range of benefits that help students achieve their academic and professional goals. These benefits include:

1. Financial Support: The bursary helps cover the cost of tuition fees, textbooks, and other study-related expenses. This reduces the financial burden on students and enables them to focus on their studies without worrying about funding.
2. Practical Experience: Bursary recipients may have the opportunity to gain practical experience in the field of meteorology through internships or work placements with SAWS. This experience helps students apply their academic knowledge to real-world scenarios and prepares them for their future careers.
3. Networking Opportunities: As a SAWS bursary recipient, students can network with professionals in the meteorology, climatology, and environmental science fields. These connections can lead to valuable job opportunities, internships, and collaborative research projects.
4. Career Advancement: The SAWS bursary provides students with the skills and knowledge required for a successful career in the weather and climate industries. Graduates of the program are well-positioned to pursue careers with SAWS, government agencies, research organizations, and private sector companies involved in weather and climate services.
5. Personal and Professional Development: In addition to academic support, the bursary provides recipients with mentorship, career guidance, and exposure to the latest developments in meteorology and climate science. This ensures that students are well-prepared to make meaningful contributions to the field.
6. Contributing to Weather and Climate Solutions: The SAWS bursary supports the development of professionals who can contribute to solving the challenges posed by climate change, extreme weather events, and disaster risk management. By studying weather and climate science, recipients of the bursary can help advance the field and create solutions for the future.

Eligibility Criteria for the SAWS Bursary 2026

To be eligible for the SAWS Bursary 2026, applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. South African Citizenship: The bursary is open to South African citizens only. Applicants must provide proof of citizenship.
2. Enrolled in an Accredited Institution: The bursary is available to students who are enrolled in an accredited South African higher learning institution, either for undergraduate or postgraduate studies. Applicants must provide proof of enrollment or acceptance into an eligible program.
3. Field of Study: The bursary is available to students pursuing studies in meteorology, climatology, environmental science, geography, climate change studies, disaster management, and other related fields.
4. Strong Academic Record: Applicants must have a strong academic background. High school students should have an excellent Grade 12 certificate with a focus on mathematics and physical sciences. University students should have a good academic standing in their chosen program.
5. Passion for Weather and Climate: Applicants should demonstrate a genuine interest in the field of meteorology and climate science. This can be evidenced through academic performance, extracurricular activities, or previous work or volunteer experience in related areas.
6. Financial Need: Preference may be given to students who demonstrate financial need. Supporting documents, such as proof of household income, may be required.

How to Apply for the SAWS Bursary 2026

To apply for the SAWS Bursary 2026, follow these steps:

1. Visit the SAWS Website: Begin by visiting the official South African Weather Service website. Look for the bursary program page, where you will find the full details and application instructions.
2. Prepare the Required Documents: Gather the following documents before you begin your application:
   • A certified copy of your ID or passport.
   • Your Grade 12 certificate or academic transcripts (for university students).
   • Proof of enrollment or acceptance into a relevant program.
   • A personal statement or essay explaining your interest in meteorology or climatology.
   • Letters of reference or recommendation from teachers or mentors.
   • Proof of financial need (if applicable).
3. Complete the Application Form: Fill out the application form carefully, ensuring that all required information is provided.
4. Submit Your Application: Submit your application along with all necessary documentation by the bursary deadline. Make sure to follow all instructions on the website to avoid any delays in processing.
5. Wait for Notification: After the application period closes, SAWS will review the applications and notify shortlisted candidates. Successful applicants will be invited for interviews or further assessments.

Click here to View all Bursaries applications here