Grab a chance to study for free in the Eastern Cape this 2026 academic year
If you live in the Eastern Cape and want to go to university or a TVET college but don’t have enough money, the Masinyusane Development Organization has a special offer just for you. It’s called the Grassroots Youth Development (GYD) Bursary Programme for 2026. This isn’t just a scholarship that covers a single subject; it can help you study any undergraduate course, whether it’s a degree, diploma, or certificate. The program is open to people living in the Nelson Mandela Bay or Sundays River Valley areas and will cover many parts of your education costs.
Who can use this bursary?
- You must live in Nelson Mandela Bay or Sundays River Valley, both part of the Eastern Cape.
- You must be a South African citizen and under 29 years old.
- You should have finished high school (Matric) or be finishing it.
- You need to be studying or planning to study at a public university or TVET/FET college in South Africa.
- Your household’s yearly income must be below R350 000.
If any of these points don’t fit you, you won’t be able to apply. Make sure you check each one carefully before you start.
What does the bursary cover?
The GYD Bursary can give you either part of the money you need or the full amount. How much you get depends on how much you need and what the program can provide that year. The money can be used for:
- Registration fees
- Tuition
- Textbooks and study materials that the school lists as required
- A place to live while you study
- A living allowance or a transport allowance
The funding is granted for one academic year at a time. If you keep doing well in your studies, you can apply again for the next year. The program also pairs you with a mentor who will help you stay motivated and guide you through your school life.
How to apply
You only need to fill out the form online.
Use the link below, and you’ll be taken to the application form.
[Start your GYD Bursary application for 2026](https://forms.gle/JDfpB3F9YPbF2TQcA)
Make sure you have digital copies of all the documents the program asks for. You can upload them as you go.
Documents you must send
Before you start the application, print out or screenshot the following items. Each one must be a certified copy made in the last three months. Certification is done at a police station or post office.
- South African ID
- Matric certificate, or if you’re still waiting for it, your final exam results
- Current academic record if you’re already studying
- An acceptance or provisional acceptance letter from the university or college you will attend
- IDs of your parents or guardians
- Proof of your parents’ or guardians’ income (choose from: latest payslips if they work, an affidavit if they are not employed, a SASSA grant slip if they receive it, or a death certificate if a parent has passed)
- A full academic record if you have one already
- Proof that you live in the area (a utility bill, an affidavit, or a letter from your ward councillor)
- Three months of bank statements from your parents or guardians
All of these documents must be up‑to‑date and certified. If they are older than three months, the application will be rejected.
When to submit
The application deadline is 23 January 2026.
Anything that arrives after this date or is missing paperwork will not be accepted, so be careful to submit everything on time.
Why this bursary matters
Studying can be expensive, and many people in the Eastern Cape struggle to pay tuition, books, and rent. The GYD Bursary gives students a chance to finish their studies without the big financial stress. Plus, the mentor support can help you stay on track and finish strong. It’s an inclusive program because it covers all subjects and all levels of undergraduate study, so whether you want to go into engineering, business, health, or arts, you can apply.
If you meet the conditions, this is a great way to cut the cost of your education and move toward a brighter future. Don’t miss out—fill out the application form and gather the necessary documents before the deadline on 23 January 2026. Good luck!