GCRA Bursary

Who can apply

• Be a South African citizen
• Be between 18 and 35 years old
• Reside within the Gauteng province
• Have completed Matric in Gauteng
• Have been accepted/ registered to study towards an Undergraduate or Postgraduate qualification, in 2026
• Have been accepted to study at an accredited and registered Post School Education and Training institution in South Africa (this includes public Higher Education Institutions, private Higher Education Institutions, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges, private colleges, Community Education and Training colleges and skills development providers)
• Preference will be given to students pursuing studies in GGT2030 priority sectors: Art and Design, Finance; Economics and Accounting, Electrical Infrastructure Construction, Civil Engineering Construction, Hospitality Management, IT and Computer Science, Mechanical Automotive, Mechanical Automotive and Diesel Engineering, Tourism; Transport and Logistics
• Top achievers at a Gauteng-based school
• Top 3 learners from no-fee paying Gauteng-based school (find the list of no-fee paying schools in Gauteng)
• Top 3 learners from Learners with Special Education Needs (LSEN) Gauteng-based school

What the bursary covers

• Registration fees
• Tuition fees
• Books
• Laptop
• A living allowance for off-campus/ private accommodation

Value mentioned: R65 000, R47 000

Documents you will need

• ID document (certified copy)
• Matric certificate (certified copy)
• Most recent academic record, if currently studying (certified copy)
• Proof of registration or acceptance at a recognised PSET institution/ institution of higher learning (on institutions letterhead)
• Proof of address in Gauteng (Water and Electricity bill/ stamped ward councilors letter/ letter from traditional authority if in a rural area)
• Motivational letter stating why you should be awarded the bursary (maximum 2 pages) (read our tips on how to write a motivational letter for your bursary application)
• Disability or medical report if disabled
• Parents or guardians proof of income (latest payslips if employed/ affidavit if unemployed)(certified copy)
• Proof of any other bursaries you are currently receiving, if applicable
• If you are having trouble accessing the GCRA portal, please check your internet connection or try another browser (Chrome, Safari or Internet Explorer).
• Be sure to take note of your login details (after you receive an SMS to confirm your registration on the GCRA system).
• Applicants may start their application, save and continue it at a later stage, but please note that you must “submit” your application before the closing date.
• If you were previously funded by GCRA for your undergraduate studies, and you are now applying for funding for your postgraduate studies, you will need to reapply as it is a new qualification (your details may be on the system still and you will need to update them).
• Candidates who already hold another bursary may apply, if they need top-up funding – please indicate this on your application.
• If your application was declined and you would like to appeal, you may do so by emailing [email protected]
• GCRA bursary funds are paid directly to the institution where successful candidates are studying, however certain funds (laptop and book allowance) may be paid directly to students. Living allowances will also be paid paid directly to students.
• Candidates who require assistive devices for their studies, may email [email protected] for further details.

Full bursary documents checklist

How to apply

1. Check the requirements

   Make sure you meet every requirement listed above. Applications that miss one are usually rejected automatically.

2. Prepare your documents

   Scan clear copies of everything the provider asks for, certified where required.

3. Apply through the official channel
   • GCRA Bursary Application 2026
   • Register an account
   • Login

   Applications must be submitted online at: GCRA Bursary Application 2026

   Applicants will be required to Register an account before they can Login and apply.

   If you need help with the bursary application process, please download the GCRA Bursary Application Guidelines (.pdf)

4. Submit before the closing date

   Usually closes around February. Late applications are almost never accepted.

Applications for the current cycle have closed. This bursary usually opens again each year, so prepare your documents now and check back.

Genuine bursaries never charge an application fee. How to spot bursary scams

Contact the bursary provider

• Email [email protected]
• Email [email protected]
• Phone 0800 000 789
• Phone 011 355 0000

Contact the provider only with questions about this bursary. StudentBursaries.co.za does not process applications.

About GCRA

The Gauteng City Region Academy (GCRA) is the Gauteng government's skills development agency, linked to the Department of Education.