Garden Cities Bursary Requirements, Application and Closing Dates
The Garden Cities Bursary is offered by Garden Cities (PTY) LTD, a South African property-development company specialising in planned residential townships in the Western Cape.
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The bursary targets students who are in their second year or above (including final and honours years) at certain universities, especially in the Western Cape, with the aim of supporting the “missing middle” whose household income is above NSFAS limits but still falls short of full self-funding.
Garden Cities Bursary Eligibility requirements
Applicants must satisfy all of the following:
- Must be a South African citizen.
- Must preferably be from the Western Cape province.
- First-time applicants must be under 26 years of age.
- Must be registered for a recognised undergraduate or postgraduate qualification in one of the eligible fields for the second year or above (including third, final, honours).
- Must be studying one of the fields listed by past cycles. Eligible fields include: BPharmacy, BSc Biodiversity & Conservation Biology, BSc Physiotherapy, BSc Biotechnology, BCom Finance, BCom General/Accounting.
- The household combined income must fall between approximately R 350 000 and R 600 000 per annum (as part of the “missing middle” criteria).
- Applicants must not already be receiving other major bursary funding such as NSFAS or ETDP SETA in past cycles.
Garden Cities Bursary Application process
To apply you should follow these steps:
- Download the current bursary application form from the relevant university bursary page (for example, University of the Western Cape (UWC) or Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)).
- Complete the application form and attach the required supporting documents: certified copy of ID, certified Matric certificate or equivalent, university progress report or study record, university financial statement, proof of parents/guardians’ household income (payslips, letters of employment/unemployment, pension advice).
- Submit the completed application (and any required cover email subject line) to the designated email address by the university’s bursary office. For UWC, past applications were sent to Mr Lucian Jasson at ljasson@uwc.ac.za.
- If you are a returning bursary recipient, you must re-apply each year and meet the renewal conditions (academic progress, continuing eligibility).
Garden Cities Bursary Closing date
There are no official dates out for the 2026 cycle.
In previous years, for example the 2023 cycle, UWC applications closed by 17 February and CPUT by 28 February.
You may check with the university bursary office for updates.
Garden Cities Bursary Contact details
For further inquiries:
- For UWC applicants: contact Mr Lucian Jasson (ljasson@uwc.ac.za).
- For CPUT applicants: contact Helena Pietersen (pietersenh@cput.ac.za) for past cycles.
- For broader information: check the Garden Cities company website or university bursary page for this programme.
FAQs
1. + Who can apply for the Garden Cities Bursary? +
South African citizens under 26 years (if first-time applicants), preferably from the Western Cape, enrolled in their 2nd year or above at university in eligible fields, and from households earning between about R 350 000 and R 600 000 per annum.
2. + What fields of study are eligible for this bursary? +
Fields include BPharmacy, BSc Biodiversity & Conservation Biology, BSc Physiotherapy, BSc Biotechnology, BCom Finance, BCom General/Accounting among past cycles. Confirm that your field is eligible for the 2026 cycle.
3. + Do I have to be in my first year of study to apply? +
No. The bursary is typically open for students from their second year of study, including third, final and honours years. First-year entrants are generally not eligible.
4. + When is the closing date for the 2026 cycle? +
The 2026 closing date is not yet officially published. Past cycles closed in mid-February. Applicants should submit early and check with the university bursary office.
5. + What costs does the bursary cover? +
The award value is determined case-by-case by Garden Cities and may cover tuition, possibly accommodation and study-related costs. Confirm with the 2026 brochure.
6. + Can I apply if I already receive another bursary like NSFAS? +
No. Applicants must not be receiving other major bursary funding (e.g., NSFAS or ETDP SETA) in past cycles. Confirm specifics for 2026.
7. + Are students from all provinces eligible? +
While technically any South African citizen may apply, preference is given to students from the Western Cape province. Students from other provinces should check whether this applies to their cycle.
8. + What happens if I don’t meet the household income bracket? +
If your household income falls outside the required R 350 000-R 600 000 bracket, your application may be disqualified. Ensure you meet this criterion before applying.
9. + Can returning students apply for renewal? +
Yes. Returning students can re-apply each year provided they maintain good academic progress and eligibility. Renewal is not automatic and depends on funding availability.
10. + Who can I contact if I have questions about this bursary? +
For UWC applicants contact Mr Lucian Jasson (ljasson@uwc.ac.za). For CPUT applicants contact Helena Pietersen (pietersenh@cput.ac.za). You may also check Garden Cities’ company website or the university bursary office.
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