Eastern Cape Department of Transport Bursary Requirements and How to Apply

The Eastern Cape Department of Transport (ECDOT) bursary supports students who are South African citizens residing in the Eastern Cape province and wish to pursue tertiary qualifications in transport-related fields. 

The programme aims to address scarce skills in the transport sector within the province. 

The ECDOT bursary is offered as part of the Department’s transport-sector skills development strategy. 

It provides financial support to individuals studying or intending to study qualifications relevant for the transport industry such as engineering, aviation, maritime studies or traffic law enforcement.

Which fields of study are eligible?

Fields eligible for the 2026/2026 cycle include:

1. Maritime Engineering (3-year qualification)
2. Civil Engineering (3-year qualification)
3. Mechanical Engineering
4. Aeronautical Studies / Aviation related studies
5. Road Traffic Engineering or Diploma in Traffic Officer programme (for certain streams)

You should check the official bursary advertisement each year for a full accurate list of approved fields.

Eastern Cape Department of Transport Bursary Eligibility requirements

Typical eligibility requirements for 2026 include:

1. Must be a South African citizen residing in the Eastern Cape province.
2. Have completed your National Senior Certificate (Matric) or equivalent and intend full-time study (or specified part-time) in an eligible field at a recognised South African tertiary institution.
3. Applicants must reside in the province and in some cases age restrictions apply (for some streams up to 35 years).
4. For the Traffic Officer bursary stream, additional requirements such as Code B driver’s licence (manual transmission), no criminal record, medically fit, and being unemployed in some cases.
5. Meet any other specific requirements as listed in the advert such as proof of income, proof of residence, indication of transport-field choice.

What does the bursary cover?

The bursary may cover:

1. Tuition fees (or registration costs) for the approved qualification.
2. Study-related expenses such as books, accommodation, meals in certain cases. For example, the traffic diploma bursary covered accommodation, meals, and uniform for the one-year training.
   Since the amount and coverage may vary each year, you must consult the 2026 bursary advert for details of costs covered, duration and any obligations.

How to apply for Eastern Cape Department of Transport Bursary 

Here’s how to apply for the 2026 cycle:

1. Download or obtain the official ECDOT bursary application form when it is published on the department’s website or district offices.
2. Complete the form and attach required certified supporting documents. Typical required documents include certified copy of ID, Matric certificate or latest results, proof of admission or registration into tertiary institution (if applicable), proof of residence in Eastern Cape, proof of parents/guardian income (payslips or affidavit).
3. Submit the application form and attachments by the method specified in the advert (could be hand delivery, postal to a designated address or even district office submission). Ensure submission before the closing date.
4. Keep a copy of your documents and application submission receipt. Monitor communications from ECDOT for notifications of shortlisting or selection.

What the selection committee will consider

During selection the department will look at:

1. Whether you meet the eligibility criteria including residence, citizenship, age, study field and registration.
2. Your academic achievement and potential to succeed in the chosen field.
3. The relevance of your chosen field to the transport sector’s scarce skills needs in the province.
4. Completeness and accuracy of your documentation.
5. In the case of traffic-officer bursary, your physical fitness, driving licence, criminal record, and willingness to complete the training and contract.

Eastern Cape Department of Transport Bursary Closing Date

For the 2026 cycle, one listing places the closing date as 28 January 2026.

In past years, e.g., full-time higher-education bursary closing date was 10 March 2023 per advert.

Ensure you apply well ahead of the closing date and check the official department website for any changes.

Notification of results will follow after applications are reviewed; if you do not hear within the timeframe given, you may assume your application was not successful.