City of Cape Town Bursary 2026 Requirements & Application

The City of Cape Town bursary offers financial assistance to full-time undergraduate or postgraduate students in scarce skills fields who live in the Cape Metropolitan Area.

About the Programme

The bursary is offered by the City of Cape Town (CCT) to support residents of Cape Metro in obtaining higher education credentials in fields where the City has identified skill shortages. 

The aim is to empower students, support the city’s needs, and build capacity in critical sectors.

Fields of Study Funded

Some of the scarce skills fields supported include:

1. Accounting (Chartered Accounting, Cost Management)
2. Engineering (various disciplines)
3. Environmental Science and related specialisms (e.g. Air Pollution, Water Quality)
4. Information Technology / Computer Science / Data Science
5. City & Regional Planning; Town & Regional Planning, Urban Design, Surveying, GIS
6. Renewable Energy / Sustainable Development / Climate Change related disciplines

Benefits for Recipients

• The bursary helps cover registration, examination, and class fees at accredited tertiary institutions.
• In some cases, capped allowances are provided for study-aid (books/stationery), transport, meals, and where needed, residence allowance (if there is a verified need).

Eligibility Criteria

You must meet all of the following:

1. Be a South African citizen residing in the Cape Metropolitan Area / Cape Town.
2. Be in Matric or have completed Matric.
3. Have achieved a minimum average of 65% in Matric or equivalent in your last completed qualification.
4. Be registered or provisionally accepted for full-time studies (undergraduate or postgraduate) in one of the designated scarce skills fields at an accredited SA tertiary institution.
5. Must not be a City of Cape Town employee.
6. Must not already receive another bursary or financial assistance, including NSFAS.

How to Apply

1. Download or collect the bursary application form from the City’s website, any City library, or Walk-in Centres (e.g., Bellville, Brackenfell, Plumstead, Strand, etc.).
2. Complete the application form and attach all required certified supporting documents.
3. Submit your application either by e-mail to external.financialsupport@capetown.gov.za or via hand delivery to one of the designated Walk-in Centres.

Required Documents

You must include certified copies of:

1. South African ID document
2. Matric certificate, or recent Matric/mid-year results if you are currently in Grade 12
3. Academic transcripts if you are already studying at tertiary level (first, second, or third year)
4. Proof of registration (or provisional acceptance) at the institution where you intend to study or are studying
5. Proof of residence within the Cape Metropolitan Area
6. Proof of financial need (e.g., parent/guardian payslips or affidavit or proof of grant)

Closing Date

Applications for the 2026-26 City of Cape Town Bursary close on 30 September 2026. Applications submitted after this date will not be considered.

Contact Details

For enquiries, contact the City of Cape Town HR / Bursary Office:

• HR Service Desk: 0860 103 089 (select option 6)
• Email: hrservicedesk@capetown.gov.za or external.financialsupport@capetown.gov.za