Apply for a bursary

17 August 2026

Every year, the City offers financial support to help students cover the costs for registration, examinations and class fees. If you would like to apply, you can follow the steps below.

About External Financial Support

BURSARY OPPORTUNITIES FOR 2027

Submit your application by 31 August 2026. Late applications will not be accepted.

When applying for external financial support, note the following important considerations:

The financial support is open to students who are residents of Cape Town and registered for full-time study at accredited academic institutions within the borders of South Africa, including TVET colleges
Prospective applicants must not be in possession of any other form of financial assistance (e.g. National Student Financial Aid Scheme)
You will need to provide a certified copy of your ID (not older than three months)
If you are a Grade 12 student, you are required to provide a copy of your Grade 12 / mid-year results (65% average)
If enrolled as a full-time student at an approved tertiary institution, you will need to provide copies of your first-, second- and/or third-year academic transcript
Your degree must be in the field predetermined and advertised by the City as being a scarce skill
Submitted applications will not be acknowledged in writing and copies of supporting documents will not be returned

How to apply

Please use the following guide when applying.

Step 1: Download an application form or collect one from your nearest City library or from the following City facilities:

Bellville Walk-in Centre
Brackenfell Walk-in Centre
Cape Town HR Employment Counter - Concourse Level Civic Centre, Cape Town
Parow Walk-in Centre
Plumstead Walk-in Centre
Strand Walk-in Centre

Step 2: Once you have completed the form, you can submit it along with all the supporting documentation to any of the facilities listed above, or email it to external.bursaries@capetown.gov.za.Adding this icon makes it a check list

Supporting documentation to include:

a registration letter or provisional acceptance letter from your approved tertiary institution
if you have matriculated, include a copy of your matric certificate
a certified copy of your Grade 12 results
any recommendations from teachers, mentors and peers
awards and certificates you have won
a certified copy of your ID
proof of residence
any work you have already done in the field in which you are planning to study

Step 3: If your application is successful, you will be contacted by the City.

Take note:

Applications that are received will not be acknowledged in writing and copies of supporting documents will not be returned
If you do not receive a response from the City by 15 January 2027, kindly accept that your application has been unsuccessful

Contact us

Email:
external.bursaries@capetown.gov.za

City Call Centre

Telephone:
0860 103 089 / 021 400 3434 (option 6)