Gauteng Provincial Department of Human Settlements Bursary Requirements and How to Apply

The Gauteng Provincial Department of Human Settlements (GDHS) provides a bursary programme aimed at nurturing skilled professionals in the built-environment sector. 

The department’s goal is to ensure sustainable housing development, urban planning, and infrastructure growth across Gauteng. 

By supporting students in key disciplines, GDHS helps build a pipeline of talented graduates who can contribute meaningfully to human settlement projects in the province.

Gauteng Provincial Department of Human Settlements Bursary Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the GDHS bursary, applicants typically need to meet the following criteria:

1. South African citizen.
2. Resident in Gauteng Province.
3. Age between 18 and 35 years.
4. Completed Matric (Grade 12).
5. Be accepted for or already registered in a full-time undergraduate qualification at a recognized tertiary institution.
6. Studying (or intending to study) one of the department-priority fields, including:
   • Civil Engineering
   • Construction Management
   • Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
7. Demonstrate financial need (parents’ or guardians’ income must be disclosed).
8. Not currently receiving a full bursary from another source.
9. In previous calls, preference is given to students from disadvantaged backgrounds, including those who attended township schools or whose household income is low.
10. May need to sign a bursary contract with GDHS upon selection.

What the Bursary Covers

Based on the application form and past bursary offers, the GDHS bursary may cover:

• Tuition fees for the prescribed course.
• Registration fees for the institution.
• Prescribed textbooks and study materials.
• Accommodation, in some cases, for students who need it.

Recipients are expected to honour the terms of their bursary contract, which may include academic performance conditions and possibly service obligations.

Gauteng Provincial Department of Human Settlements Bursary Application Process

1. Download or collect the application form
   • The GDHS external bursary application form is available from their offices.
   • Past forms indicate availability at:
     • 11 Diagonal Street, Newtown, Johannesburg (GDHS Head Office)
     • Regional GDHS offices (e.g., Tshwane, Ekurhuleni, West Rand)
2. Gather supporting documentation:
   • Certified copy of ID.
   • Certified Matric certificate or latest academic transcript.
   • Proof of acceptance or registration at your tertiary institution.
   • Proof of Gauteng residence (for example, rates/taxes or utility bill).
   • Proof of parents’/guardians’ income (payslips, affidavit, or bank statements).
3. Submit the application
   • Applications may be hand-delivered to GDHS offices.
   • Alternatively, some sources indicate submissions via email: GDHSbursaryapplications@gauteng.gov.za.
   • The envelope for physical applications should be clearly marked, e.g., “APPLICATION FOR GDHS EXTERNAL BURSARY PROGRAMME (field)”.
4. Assessment
   • The department reviews applications according to academic merit, financial need, and how aligned the student’s course is with its strategic fields.
   • Shortlisted applicants may be required to sign a bursary contract upon selection.

Gauteng Provincial Department of Human Settlements Bursary Closing Date

For the 2026–2026 bursary cycle, the closing date was 25 March 2026.

There is no confirmed public closing date yet for a 2026-only call. 

Students should check the official Gauteng Human Settlements site or contact the department directly for the most current information.

Gauteng Provincial Department of Human Settlements Bursary Contact Details

For enquiries about the GDHS bursary, you can reach:

• Gauteng Department of Human Settlements
  • Physical address: 129 Fox Street, Marshalltown, Johannesburg.
  • Postal address: Private Bag X79, Marshalltown, 2107.
  • Telephone: 011 355 4000.
  • Email: GDHuSInfo@gauteng.gov.za.

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