Gert-Johan Coetzee Bursary Requirements and Online Application

The Gert-Johan Coetzee Bursary is a fashion scholarship founded by celebrated South African designer Gert-Johan Coetzee. 

He established this bursary to grow the next generation of design talent and give back to his alma mater, the North West School of Design (NWSD). 

The bursary has been running since 2009 and supports young creatives to pursue a full-time, three-year course in fashion design or fashion communication.

Gert-Johan Coetzee Bursary Eligibility Requirements

To apply for the Gert-Johan Coetzee Bursary, you must:

1. Be a South African citizen.
2. Be 18 years or older.
3. Be in Grade 12 (Matric) or have completed Matric with a diploma exemption, or equivalent.
4. Be able to start full-time studies at NWSD in Klerksdorp in February for the three-year course.
5. Be fluent in English (written and spoken).
6. Commit to internships: recipients must complete two internships per year at Gert-Johan Coetzee Studios during holiday breaks.

For the Fashion Communication version of the bursary, there are similar eligibility criteria plus a creative essay or mood board requirement.

What Courses Are Covered

The bursary supports students pursuing:

• Fashion Design at NWSD, focusing on technical skills like pattern drafting, fashion illustration, computer-aided design, and apparel construction.
• Fashion Communication, which includes design concepts, media, branding, and visual storytelling.

What the Gert-Johan Coetzee Bursary Covers

The Gert-Johan Coetzee Bursary is generous and includes:

1. Full tuition fees for the three-year NWSD fashion course.
2. A Bernina sewing machine, to help with practical design work.
3. A laptop, provided by Gert-Johan Coetzee, to support digital design work.
4. Internships: two per academic year at Gert-Johan Coetzee Studios, giving real industry experience.

Note: The bursary does not cover accommodation, meals, or personal living expenses.

Gert-Johan Coetzee Bursary Application Process

Here’s how to apply for the bursary:

1. Apply via NWSD
   • Fill out the NWSD online application form for their fashion programme.
2. Prepare a creative video
   • Record a short video (up to 1 minute 30 seconds) introducing yourself and answering a prompt such as: “If you could design an outfit for someone iconic, who would it be — and why?”
   • Upload this video to TikTok or Instagram with hashtags like #nwsd, #gertbursary, #fashionbursary and tag @nwsdfashion and @gertjohancoetzee.
3. Submit design work
   • For Fashion Design applications: submit two A4 fashion sketches based on “Style Tribes” (subcultures).
   • Also submit a mood board (max file size allowed) that shows the subcultures or aesthetics that inspire you.
4. Selection
   • Semi-finalists are selected and contacted by phone.
   • The semi-finalists complete an assignment and submit via email (e.g., video responses).
   • Finalists are announced and attend an event or competition (such as NWSD’s Platinum Fashion Festival) where the winner is chosen.
5. Internship commitment
   • Once awarded, winners must complete two internships per year in Coetzee’s studio.

Gert-Johan Coetzee Bursary Closing Date

For the 2026–2026 cycle, the closing date is 1 September 2026.

Gert-Johan Coetzee Bursary Contact Details

If you have any questions or need support with your application:

• North West School of Design (NWSD)
  • Tel: 018 462 5149
  • Email: charles@nwsd.co.za

FAQs