City of Cape Town Bursaries
City of Cape Town Bursaries 2027
Role Overview
The City of Cape Town invites qualifying South African students residing in Cape Town to apply for the City of Cape Town Bursary Programme for the 2027 academic year.
Bursary Application Closing Date: 17 August 2026
Bursary Location: Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
The City of Cape Town is offering bursary funding to students pursuing qualifications linked to scarce and critical skills required by the municipality.
The bursary is available for undergraduate and postgraduate studies, including Honours, Master’s and Doctoral qualifications.
Applicants must reside in Cape Town and must be studying, or planning to study, at a recognised and accredited South African tertiary institution.
Bursary provider: City of Cape TownAcademic year: 2027Study levels: Undergraduate, postgraduate, Honours, Master’s and DoctorateStudy mode: Full-time, with limited exceptions for part-time programmesMinimum Matric average: 65%Institution type: University, University of Technology or TVET CollegeResidency requirement: Cape Town residentsClosing date: 17 August 2026Application method: Application form submitted by hand
The City of Cape Town bursary will support studies in the following scarce-skills fields:
Qualifications outside the listed areas may not be considered unless otherwise approved by the City.
Scarce skills are fields in which there are not enough suitably qualified professionals to meet labour-market and organisational needs.
The City of Cape Town has identified the listed qualifications as areas in which it requires skilled professionals to support municipal services, infrastructure, planning, finance, technology and environmental management.
The City of Cape Town bursary will cover:
The supplied information does not confirm funding for:
Applicants should not assume that expenses not expressly listed will be covered.
Applicants must meet all the following requirements:
Reside in Cape Town in the Western Cape.
Be currently completing Matric or have already completed Matric.
Have achieved a minimum overall Matric average of 65%.
Be studying or planning to study towards one of the listed scarce-skills qualifications.
Be registered or accepted at a recognised and accredited South African tertiary institution.
Not be receiving another bursary or financial assistance.
Failure to meet the minimum criteria may result in the application not being considered.
Applicants must have achieved a minimum overall average of:
Current Matric learners should submit their latest available mid-year results.
Applicants who have already completed Matric must submit their final Matric certificate.
Applicants must study, or intend to study, at a recognised and accredited institution in South Africa.
Applicants should ensure that both the institution and qualification are appropriately accredited.
The bursary is primarily intended for full-time students.
Part-time studies may be considered only where the qualification is not offered on a full-time basis.
In such cases, applicants must submit written confirmation from the academic institution stating that the programme is not available full-time.
Applicants must not be receiving:
Other financial assistance for the same studies
Applicants must provide truthful information regarding any existing funding.
Receiving another bursary or financial support may make the applicant ineligible for the City of Cape Town bursary.
Applicants must submit the completed application form together with clear copies of the required documents.
The compulsory or applicable supporting documents include:
Certified copy of the applicant’s identity document, not older than three months.
Matric mid-year results, if currently completing Matric.
Matric certificate, if Matric has already been completed.
Full academic record or transcript, if currently studying.
Proof of registration or provisional acceptance, if not yet studying.
Tertiary institution statement of account, if currently registered.
Contact details for two references.
Applicants may also submit the following where applicable:
Awards or certificates received.
Recommendation letter from a teacher, mentor or peer.
Proof of work completed in the chosen field of study.
Current tertiary students must submit a complete academic record or transcript printed on the institution’s official letterhead.
Screenshots or unofficial summaries may not be accepted unless specifically permitted by the City.
Applicants who have not yet started studying must submit proof of provisional acceptance or admission from the tertiary institution.
Applicants who are already studying should submit:
Institutional documents should be on official letterhead.
Applicants must provide proof that they reside within Cape Town.
Acceptable proof may depend on the instructions in the official application form. Applicants should submit a current and clear document showing their residential address.
Applications will be assessed against:
Compl
Key Responsibilities
Submitting academic progress reports to the bursary provider at specified intervals and participating in any vacation work placements or mentorship programmes is required. You must represent the bursary programme positively in your professional conduct and fulfill any work-back obligations specified in your bursary contract after graduating.
Entry Requirements
• Applicants must meet all the following requirements:
• Be South African citizens.
• Reside in Cape Town in the Western Cape.
• Be currently completing Matric or have already completed Matric.
• Have achieved a minimum overall Matric average of 65%.
• Be studying or planning to study towards one of the listed scarce-skills qualifications.
• Intend to study full-time.
• Be registered or accepted at a recognised and accredited South African tertiary institution.
• Not be receiving another bursary or financial assistance.
• Not be funded by NSFAS.
• Failure to meet the minimum criteria may result in the application not being considered.
Listing Source
This opportunity was sourced from StudentRoom. Always verify final requirements and deadlines on the official source before applying.
How to Apply
Applicants must download and complete the official City of Cape Town bursary application form. Click here to apply for the City of Cape Town Bursary South Africa 2027 Application forms may also be collected from participating City libraries or Walk-in Centres. Completed applications may be hand-delivered to one of the following centres.
About City of Cape Town Bursaries
This bursary is offered by City of Cape Town Bursaries, based in Cape Town.
Why This Is Good for Starters
This bursary from City of Cape Town Bursaries can cover your tuition fees, accommodation, textbooks, and sometimes even a living allowance. In South Africa, where the cost of higher education continues to rise, bursaries are a lifeline for talented students who cannot afford to study. Some bursary programmes also include vacation work placements or post-study work opportunities, giving you both education support and practical career exposure.
CV Tips for This Application
- Include your academic record — marks and subjects matter for bursary applications
- Write a compelling motivation letter explaining your financial need and career aspirations
- Mention any community involvement, leadership roles, or extracurricular activities
- Include proof of financial need if the application requires it
- Apply early — bursary programmes often close well before the academic year starts
Application Checklist
- Read the full job description carefully before applying
- Prepare an updated CV tailored to this specific role
- Gather all required documents mentioned in the listing
- Prepare your academic transcripts and proof of financial need
- Write a motivation letter explaining your career goals
- Submit before the closing date: 17 August 2026
- Double-check your contact details are correct on your CV
- Follow up after 2 weeks if you have not heard back
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply with matric only?
Yes, this opportunity requires a matric certificate.
Do I need experience?
This appears to be suitable for candidates with little or no experience.
Can I apply if I live in another province?
Most opportunities accept applications from candidates across South Africa. Check the requirements for any location-specific criteria.
What happens after I apply?
After submitting your application, the employer will review it. If shortlisted, you may be contacted for an interview. Response times vary by employer.
Is this bursary paid?
Payment details are not specified. Contact the employer for more information.
When is the closing date and what if I miss it?
The closing date is 17 August 2026. Apply before this date to be considered.
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Ready to Apply?
Submit your application directly on City of Cape Town Bursaries's careers portal.
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