ECDOE Bursary Requirements, Application and Closing Dates

The ECDoE Bursary scheme provides financial support for students and youth in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. 

It is designed to help eligible South African citizens residing in the province to access tertiary education in fields needed by the education system. 

About the ECDoE Bursary

The ECDoE offers bursary programmes under different streams including unemployed youth bursaries and employee bursaries. 

These programmes aim to build the skills base in education-related and other priority fields in the province. 

For example, one stream is for unemployed youth to study at public higher education institutions.

Another stream supports ECDoE employees to further their qualifications in priority areas.

Which fields of study are eligible?

Eligible fields vary by bursary stream. 

For the unemployed youth bursary stream, fields must align with scarce and critical skills within the education sector in the province. 

Fields listed for the 2026 cycle (which likely carry to 2026) include :

• Foundation phase teaching (Grades R–3) in languages (e.g., English, IsiXhosa, Sesotho), Mathematics, Remedial Teaching, Braille, South African Sign Language.
• Intermediate phase and FET/Senior Phase teaching in priority subjects such as Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Technical Subjects, Maritime Studies, Information Technology.

Who can apply? 

For the unemployed youth bursary stream you must typically meet these criteria:

1. Be a South African citizen.
2. Reside in the Eastern Cape province.
3. Be unemployed youth between the ages of approximately 18 and 35.
4. Have completed Matric (National Senior Certificate) or be in the final year of Matric and intend to study full-time at a recognised public higher education institution.
5. Intend to study in a field aligned with the department’s scarce skills needs (as per the advertised list).

For the employee bursary stream you must:

1. Be a permanent employee of ECDoE.
2. Pursue a qualification aligned with the department’s identified priority areas (education-related, leadership, financial management, etc.)

What does the bursary cover?

According to past adverts the bursary may cover: registration fees, tuition fees, residence / accommodation, meals and prescribed textbooks.

For example, the 2026 unemployed youth bursary advert indicated : “The Bursary pays up to a maximum of R100 000.00. The Bursary covers Registration, Tuition, Residence, Meals and Books.”

The exact value and components for the 2026 round will be specified in the official bursary advertisement.

How to apply 

Here is the general application process:

1. Download the official bursary application form and advertisement for 2026 from the ECDoE website (e.g., “2026 Unemployed Bursary Advert” and “2026 Employee Bursary Form”).
2. Complete the form and gather certified supporting documents : South African ID copy, Matric certificate or results (if completed), proof of registration or acceptance at a public higher education institution, proof of residence, proof of unemployment status (for youth stream) or proof of employment (for employee stream).
3. Submit the completed form and attachments by the method specified in the advert (hand-delivery or posted in past cycles) before the closing date.
4. Keep copies of all documents submitted and follow up via the district office or the department’s bursary contact if required.

What the selection committee will consider

Selection criteria include:

1. How well the applicant meets eligibility requirements (citizenship, residence, age, study field).
2. Academic achievement or potential to succeed in the chosen qualification.
3. Field of study alignment with the department’s scarce and critical skills.
4. For youth stream : financial need and not previously having benefitted from a state-funded bursary (in some cases).
5. Completeness and correctness of documentation submitted.

Closing Date

The closing date as 16 December 2026 for one bursary call.

Applicants should monitor the ECDoE website and district offices for the official 2026 advert and closing date.

Late or incomplete applications are typically not considered.