GCRA Bursary Scheme South Africa 2026

Study anything. Study anywhere. Funded by Gauteng.

The Gauteng City Region Academy (GCRA) operates under the Gauteng Department of Education and focuses on developing skills within the province. The academy supports young people through bursaries, internships, learnerships and career guidance, helping to build a skilled workforce that contributes to Gauteng's economic growth.

Fields of Study Covered

For the 2026 academic year, the GCRA bursary is open to students living in Gauteng who are studying:

• Undergraduate qualifications
• Postgraduate qualifications
• Any field of study

While all fields are eligible, priority is given to qualifications aligned with GGT2030 priority sectors, including:

• Arts & Design
• Finance, Economics & Accounting
• Civil & Electrical Infrastructure Construction
• Hospitality Management
• Information Technology & Computer Science
• Mechanical, Automative & Diesel Engineering
• Tourism, Transport & Logistics

What the bursary covers

Successful applicants may receive funding for:

• Registration fees
• Tuition fees
• Accomodation
• University residence (up to R65 000)
• Private or off-campus accomodation (up to R47 000)
• Prescribed books
• Laptop allowance
• Living allowance (for off-campus\private accomodation)

Bursary payments are mainly made directly to institutions, while allowances for books, laptops and living costs may be paid directly to students.

Selection Process

• Shortlisted applicants will be contacted 3-4 weeks after the closing date
• If no feedback is received after 4 weeks, the application should be considered unsuccessful

Eligibility Requirements

To apply, you must meet all of the following:

• Be a South African citizen
• Be 18-35 years old
• Be a resident of Gauteng 
• Have completed Matric in Guteng 
• Be accepted or registered for undergraduate or postgraduate studies in 2026
• Be studying at a registered and accredited PSET institution in South Africa, including:
• Public or Private universities
• TVET colleges
• Private colleges
• Community Education & Training colleges
• Skills development providers

Automatic Qualifiers

Applicants who meet any one of the following will automatically qualify (application still required):

• Top academic achievers from Gauteng
• Top 3 learners from no-fee paying Gauteng schools
• Top 3 learners from LSEN (Learners with Special Education Needs) schools

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online via the GCRA Bursary Application Portal: GCRA Bursary Application 2026

Applicant must first Register an account before logging in 

Application Steps:

Step 1:

Complete your personal profile, including:

• Personal and contract details
• Home address
• Matric results
• Parent\guardian information

Step 2:

Provide:

• Tertiary institution details and academic results
• Information on other funding (if any)
• Upload all required documents
• Accept the terms and condition

Types of Applications Explained

• New Intake: First-time GCRA applicants
• Renewal: Previously funded by GCRA
• Reinstatement: Funding was suspended and conditions met
• Top Achiever \ Top 3 Achiever \ LSEN Top 3
• MEC\HOD or Veteran Discretion
• Financial assistance: Partial funding needed
• Top-Up Funding: Already funded elsewhere but need additional support

Documents Required 

Upload clear, certified PDF copies (max 2MB each):

• South African ID
• Matric certificate
• Latest academic record (if studying)
• Proof of registration or acceptance (institution letterhead)
• Proof of Gauteng residence
• Motivational letter (max 2 pages)
• Disability or medical report (if applicable)
• Parent\guardian proof if income
• Proof of any other bursaries (if applicable)

Documents must be correctly labelled (e.g. "ID Copy")

Important Notes

• Use Chrome, Safari or Internet Explorer if the portal doesnt load
• Save your login details after registration
• You may save and return to your application, but must submit before closing
• Postgraduate applicants who were previously funded must reapply
• Students with existing bursaries may apply for top-up funding
• Appeals can be submitted via gdeinfo@gauteng.gov.za
• Students needing assistive devices may contact GCRA for guidance

Closing Date 

28 February 2026

Late applications will not be accepted

Contact Details 

Tel: 0800 000 789 \ 011 355 0000

New applications: gdeinfo@gauteng.gov.za

Renewals: Bursaries.Gcra@gauteng.gov.za

Operating hours: 08:00 to 16:00 (Mon-Fri)

The GCRA Bursary is one of the most flexible funding opportunities available, open to all fields, all institution and both undergraduate and postgraduate students in Gauteng.