Garden Route District Municipality Bursary Requirements and How to Apply
The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) invites eligible students and Grade 12 learners from its municipal area to apply for financial assistance towards full-time study in the 2026 academic year.
Check Your Personalized Bursary Options
Step 1: Choose Study Level
Step 2: Choose Field of Study
Step 3: Describe Your Interest
Tell us if you want bursaries, scholarships, admissions, or student loans?
The scheme is provided by the district municipality in the Western Cape and aims to support students whose parents permanently reside in the Garden Route municipal area.
Garden Route District Municipality Bursary Eligibility requirements
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a South African citizen or have permanent residence and reside in the Garden Route municipal area (their parents/guardians must have a permanent residential address within that area).
- Be either currently in Grade 12 or have already passed Grade 12.
- Be accepted for or currently enrolled in full-time study at a recognised SAQA-accredited tertiary institution or a TVET college for the 2026 academic year.
- Submit the required application form and certified supporting documents (ID copy, certified Grade 12 or latest results, proof of household income, proof of residential address e.g., municipal account).
- All applications must be fully completed. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Garden Route District Municipality Bursary Application process
To apply:
- Download or collect the official application form from the GRDM Head Office (54 York Street, P.O. Box 12, George 6530) or from satellite offices during office hours (Monday–Thursday 07:30–16:30; Friday 07:30–13:30).
- Complete the application form. Attach the required documents including: detailed CV, cover letter/motivation, certified copy of your ID, certified Grade 12 certificate or latest results, transcript/statement if already at tertiary, parents’/guardians’ affidavit of combined income, proof of residential address (municipal account).
- Submit the completed application form plus attachments to:
Records, Garden Route District Municipality
54 York Street, P.O. Box 12, George 6530
Attention: Training and Development Section. - Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you have not been contacted within two months after the closing date you should assume your application was unsuccessful.
Garden Route District Municipality Bursary Closing date
The closing date for the 2026 intake is 31 October 2026.
Garden Route District Municipality Bursary Contact details
For enquiries:
- Mr Reginald Salmons: 044 803 1363
- Ms Berma Losper: 044 803 1344
- Mrs Nolwando Sambokwe: 044 803 1345
- Address: Records, Garden Route District Municipality, 54 York Street, P.O. Box 12, George 6530 (Training and Development Section)
FAQs
1. + Who is eligible to apply for the GRDM bursary? +
Students whose parents permanently reside in the Garden Route municipal area, who are in or have passed Grade 12, and who will study full-time at a SAQA-accredited tertiary or TVET institution for the 2026 academic year.
2. + Can a current university student apply? +
Yes. Current full-time students whose parents reside in the Garden Route municipal area may apply, provided they submit their latest examination results/transcript and meet the other required criteria.
3. + Which fields of study are eligible? +
Most fields of study are eligible, as long as your qualification is full-time and SAQA-accredited. However you should check the specific cycle’s advert to see if any fields are given priority.
4. + What is the closing date for the 2026 intake? +
The closing date is 31 October 2026. Applications received after this date or incomplete will not be accepted.
5. + What documents must I include with my application? +
You must include the completed application form, a detailed CV, cover letter, certified copy of your ID, certified Grade 12 certificate or latest results, proof of registration/acceptance (if applicable), affidavit of parent/guardian combined income, and proof of residential address (municipal account).
6. + Do I need to live in the Garden Route area to apply? +
Yes. Your parents or guardians must permanently reside within the Garden Route municipal area and provide proof of address.
7. + Will I be contacted if I’m not shortlisted? +
No. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you are not contacted within two months of the closing date, you should assume your application was unsuccessful.
8. + Is the bursary only for first-year students? +
No. It is open to both Grade 12 learners (for study in 2026) and students already enrolled in full-time tertiary or TVET programmes.
9. + Can I apply if I’m doing part-time or distance learning? +
Typically not. The bursary supports full-time study at SAQA-accredited institutions. Part-time or distance-only enrolments may not qualify.
10. + Where can I get more information or help applying? +
You can contact Mr Reginald Salmons (044 803 1363) or Ms Berma Losper (044 803 1344) at the Garden Route District Municipality Training & Development Section for help and the official application form.
🎓 Download Our Bursary Application Checklist
Download our free Application Checklist to make sure you do not miss any required documents. Submitting a complete application is key to being shortlisted.
📥 Download Checklist (PDF)