If you live in Cape Town and plan to study next year, the City of Cape Town Bursary Programme could help you pay for your studies. Applications close on 17 August 2026. This chance supports students who want to build skills the city needs most.
The City of Cape Town invites South African students who live in Cape Town to apply for its Bursary Programme for the 2027 academic year. The bursary helps students who study qualifications linked to scarce and critical skills. These skills support the municipality’s work in areas like infrastructure, finance, technology and the environment.
You can apply for undergraduate or postgraduate studies. This includes Honours, Master’s and Doctoral qualifications. You must study at a recognised and accredited South African tertiary institution. The bursary is mainly for full-time study. Part-time study may be allowed only if the course is not offered full-time.
Who Can Apply
You must meet every requirement below. Many applicants struggle when they miss one of these points, so check carefully.
- You must be a South African citizen.
- You must live in Cape Town in the Western Cape.
- You must be completing Matric or already have completed Matric.
- You need a minimum overall Matric average of 65%.
- You must study or plan to study one of the listed scarce-skills qualifications.
- You must intend to study full-time (or prove the course is not available full-time).
- You must be registered or accepted at a recognised and accredited South African university, University of Technology or TVET College.
- You must not receive another bursary, NSFAS funding or any other financial help for the same studies.
Current Matric learners should submit their latest mid-year results. Those who have finished Matric must submit their final certificate. Current tertiary students must submit a full academic record on the institution’s official letterhead.
Fields of Study Covered
The bursary supports these scarce-skills fields:
- Accounting
- Auditing
- Internal Auditing
- Chemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
- Chemical Science
- Contract Management
- Data Science
- Statistics
- Economics
- Civil Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Environmental Management
- Water Sciences
- Ecology
- Geographic Information Systems
- Geohydrology
- Information Technology
- Information Systems
- Information Management
- Law
- Library Sciences
- Logistics Management
- Marine Biology
- Microbiology
- Atmospheric Science
- Regional Planning
- Urban Planning
- Town Planning
- Project Management
- Industrial Psychology
- Organisational Psychology
- Water and Waste Management
- Water Quality
- Urban Design
- Landscape-related studies
- Surveying
- Architecture
Qualifications outside this list may not be considered unless the City approves them. Scarce skills are areas where not enough qualified people are available. The City needs these professionals to keep municipal services running well.
What the Bursary Covers
The bursary pays for registration fees, examination fees and tuition fees. It does not confirm funding for accommodation, meals, transport, textbooks, laptops, study equipment or personal allowances. Do not assume extra costs will be covered.
After you graduate, you must complete a year-for-a-year service commitment with the City of Cape Town. The time you work matches the years you received funding. This also gives you practical workplace experience. Read the full terms before you accept an award.
How to Apply
Download and complete the official City of Cape Town bursary application form. You can also collect forms from participating City libraries or Walk-in Centres. Submit the completed form and all documents by hand at one of these centres:
- Bellville Municipal Office Walk-in Centre, Reed Street, Bellville, 7530
- Brackenfell Walk-in Centre, Corner of Paradys Road and Old Paarl Road, Brackenfell, 7560
- Cape Town Civic Centre Walk-in Centre, Civic Centre, Second Floor Podium, Cash Office and Motor Vehicle Registration, 12 Hertzog Boulevard, Cape Town, 8000
- Parow Walk-in Centre, Civic Centre, Voortrekker Road, Parow, 7500
- Plumstead Walk-in Centre, Municipal Office and Motor Vehicle Registration Office, Corner of Victoria Road and Main Road, Plumstead, 7140
- Strand Walk-in Centre, Ground Floor, Municipal Office and Motor Vehicle Registration Office, Corner of Fagan Road and Main Road, Strand, 7140
Click here to apply for the City of Cape Town Bursary South Africa 2027. Make sure every document is clear and complete. Late or incomplete applications may not be considered.
Documents You Must Submit
- Certified copy of your identity document (not older than three months)
- Matric mid-year results if you are still in Matric
- Matric certificate if you have finished Matric
- Full academic record or transcript if you are already studying
- Proof of registration or provisional acceptance if you have not started yet
- Tertiary institution statement of account if you are currently registered
- Proof of residence in Cape Town
- Contact details for two references
You may also add awards, certificates, a recommendation letter or proof of work in your field if you have them. Academic records must show your name, student number, qualification, subjects, marks, status and the institution name. Screenshots or unofficial papers may not be accepted.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
Submit early. This gives you time to get certified documents, academic records and references. Make sure your chosen qualification appears on the scarce-skills list. Confirm your institution is accredited. Double-check that you are not receiving NSFAS or any other bursary.
Applications are judged on eligibility, academic results, scarce-skills match, residency, funding available and how complete your pack is. Shortlisted candidates will hear by 15 January 2027. If you receive no feedback by then, consider your application unsuccessful. Competition is real, so a complete and accurate application helps most.
Next Steps
Gather your documents now. Check the closing date of 17 August 2026 once more. Complete the form carefully and hand it in at a listed centre. This bursary can open doors if you meet the rules and prepare well. Start today so you do not miss the deadline.
