Gauteng Department of Social Development Bursary Requirements and Online Application

The Gauteng Department of Social Development (DSD) bursary program supports students from Gauteng who want to study in social-sector fields. 

The department aims to build capacity in professions that serve vulnerable communities, such as psychology, community development, and occupational therapy. 

Through the bursary, Gauteng DSD invests in future social development practitioners who will contribute to the province’s welfare and community services.

Gauteng Department of Social Development Bursary Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the Gauteng DSD bursary, you must:

1. Be a South African citizen.
2. Reside in Gauteng province, generally for at least one year before applying.
3. Be in Matric (Grade 12) or have completed Matric.
4. Be accepted for or registered in a full-time tertiary qualification at a recognised South African institution.
5. Study one of the supported fields:
   • Clinical Psychology
   • Community Development
   • Demography & Population Studies
   • Financial Management
   • Occupational Therapy
6. Have a strong academic record.
7. Show intention to pursue a social-sector career.
8. Not be receiving another full bursary for the same studies.
9. In some past calls, special categories are encouraged: students with disabilities and those leaving child- and youth-care facilities.

What the Bursary Covers

According to public bursary portals, the Gauteng DSD bursary may cover:

• Tuition fees for the prescribed course.
• Registration fees.
• Prescribed books and study materials.

Recipients must enter into a contractual agreement with the Gauteng DSD, which usually outlines the obligations of both parties.

Gauteng Department of Social Development Bursary Application Process

To apply for the Gauteng DSD bursary, follow these steps:

1. Get the application form
   You can collect the bursary application form from any Gauteng Social Development office.
2. Prepare supporting documents:
   • Certified copy of your South African ID.
   • Certified Matric certificate or most recent school report.
   • Proof of acceptance or registration at a tertiary institution (on the institution’s letterhead).
   • Motivational letter explaining why you deserve the bursary.
   • Proof of Gauteng residence.
   • Parents’ or guardians’ proof of income (payslips, or an affidavit if unemployed, or SASSA/pension proof).
   • IEC voting district verification printout, showing your voting station and ward.
3. Submit your application
   Submit the form and all required documents to the Social Development office where you collected the form.
4. Assessment
   The department reviews applications based on academic merit, financial need, and alignment with its social-sector goals.
5. Contract
   Successful applicants will need to sign a contract with Gauteng DSD.

Gauteng Department of Social Development Bursary Closing Date

The most recent publicly listed closing date for the bursary was 29 November 2026 for the 2026 cycle.

There is no confirmed public closing date yet for a 2026 cycle.

Gauteng Department of Social Development Bursary Contact Details

If you have questions about the Gauteng DSD bursary, you may contact:

• Veli Ngobese – Tel: 011 227 0065
• Khabo Malgas – Tel: 011 355 7967 / 064 967 8522
• Thoko Mcira – Tel: 011 355 7659 / 064 967 8388

The DSD’s Annual Performance Plan (2026–2026) does not clearly mention a bursary scheme under its funding categories, which could suggest a lower emphasis on bursary funding or a shift in strategy.

Students should keep checking the Gauteng DSD website and contact the bursary office directly for updates.

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