The Gert-Johan Coetzee Bursary South Africa 2027 is now open for applications. If you are a South African citizen aged 18 or older, currently in Matric or have completed Matric, and you are passionate about fashion design, this opportunity could launch your career. Gert-Johan Coetzee is a celebrated South African fashion designer based in Johannesburg, renowned for his couture red-carpet gowns and ready-to-wear collections that blend African heritage with contemporary glamour. In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about the Gert-Johan Coetzee Bursary South Africa 2027: who qualifies, what the bursary covers, how to apply on social media, and what to expect before the closing date.
About Gert-Johan Coetzee
Gert-Johan Coetzee is a celebrated South African fashion designer based in Johannesburg, renowned for his couture red-carpet gowns and ready-to-wear collections that blend African heritage with contemporary glamour. He launched his eponymous label in 2010 after previously co-founding Diamond Face Couture in 2006, quickly earning the title of “Couturier to the Stars” for dressing international icons like Oprah Winfrey, Cardi B, Lizzo, and Skai Jackson.
The Gert-Johan Coetzee Bursary South Africa 2027 invites students to apply for the Gert-Johan Coetzee Fashion Bursary for the 2027 academic year.
Organisation: Gert-Johan Coetzee Studios • Focus: Fashion Design • Partner: North West School of Design • Academic Year: 2027
What Does the Bursary Cover?
The Gert-Johan Coetzee Bursary South Africa 2027 will provide cover for the following:
- 3 years of full tuition fees at the North West School of Design (valued at R200,000)
- A laptop sponsored by Gert-Johan Coetzee Studios
- A Bernina sewing machine (valued at R14,000)
- 2 annual internships at Gert-Johan Coetzee Studios
Note: The bursary will NOT provide cover for transport, accommodation, meals, or fabric required for your projects.
About the North West School of Design
The bursary will be awarded for studies at the North West School of Design to pursue Fashion Design studies for 3 years. Studies will commence on 3 February 2027.
The North West School of Design is based in Klerksdorp (North West province) and is an internationally accredited fashion school that has just celebrated 25 years of training top designers and fashion professionals in South Africa.
Eligibility Requirements for the Gert-Johan Coetzee Bursary South Africa 2027
Before you apply for the Gert-Johan Coetzee Bursary South Africa 2027, check that you meet all the requirements below. If you miss any requirement, your application will not be considered.
- You must be a South African citizen
- You must be 18 years or older
- You must be currently in Matric or have completed Matric with a Diploma exemption or equivalent
- You must intend on studying full-time towards a 3-year Fashion Design course at the North West School of Design in Klerksdorp
- You must be able to start your studies in February 2027
- You must be willing to commit to 3 years of study
- You must be fluent in English
- You must read the NWSD course prospectus
Required Documents
You will need to submit the following:
- ID document
- Grade 12 certificate with a Diploma exemption or equivalent
How to Apply for the Gert-Johan Coetzee Bursary South Africa 2027
Follow these steps to submit your application for the Gert-Johan Coetzee Bursary South Africa 2027.
Step 1: Follow These Instagram Accounts
- @nwsdfashion
- @gertjohancoetzee
- @berninarsa
Step 2: Complete the NWSD Course Application
Complete the online application for the North West School of Design.
Step 3: Record a Short Video
Record a short video introducing yourself and answering the question:
“If you could tell any story through fashion, what story would you tell, and why?”
- The video should be no more than 1 minute 30 seconds long
- The video should show your creativity, personality, and passion – this could be your breakthrough into the fashion industry
Step 4: Post Your Video on Instagram or TikTok
- Tag: @nwsdfashion and @gertjohancoetzee
- Use the hashtag: #GertBursary2026
- Share this post to your Instagram Story and tag @nwsdfashion
Step 5: Submit Before the Deadline
⏰ Closing Date for the Gert-Johan Coetzee Bursary South Africa 2027: 7 September 2026. Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted. Please apply before the closing date to ensure your application is considered.
Important Dates
- Finalists announced: 11 September 2026
- Winner starts: 3 February 2027
Contact Information
If you have any queries related to the Gert-Johan Coetzee Bursary South Africa 2027, please contact the North West School of Design directly:
- Telephone: 018 462 5149
- Email: admin@nwsd.co.za
Gert-Johan Coetzee Bursary South Africa 2027 – Quick Summary
- Organisation: Gert-Johan Coetzee Studios
- Bursary Name: Gert-Johan Coetzee Fashion Bursary
- Academic Year: 2027
- Who can apply: South African citizens aged 18+, currently in Matric or completed Matric with Diploma exemption
- Field of study: Fashion Design
- Institution: North West School of Design (Klerksdorp)
- Study duration: 3 years (full-time)
- Start date: 3 February 2027
- What is covered: Full tuition (R200,000), laptop, Bernina sewing machine (R14,000), 2 annual internships
- Not covered: Transport, accommodation, meals, fabric
- Application method: Follow Instagram accounts, complete NWSD application, record video, post on Instagram/TikTok
- Hashtag: #GertBursary2026
- Finalists announced: 11 September 2026
- Closing date: 7 September 2026
Frequently Asked Questions About the Gert-Johan Coetzee Bursary South Africa 2027
1. Can I apply if I am not a South African citizen?
The Gert-Johan Coetzee Bursary South Africa 2027 is open to South African citizens only. Non-citizens are not eligible.
2. Can I apply if I am under 18 years old?
The Gert-Johan Coetzee Bursary South Africa 2027 requires applicants to be 18 years or older at the time of application.
3. Do I need to have previous fashion experience?
The Gert-Johan Coetzee Bursary South Africa 2027 is open to students who are passionate about fashion design. Previous experience is not required, but your creativity and passion should shine through your video submission.
4. What is a Diploma exemption?
A Diploma exemption is a Matric pass level that qualifies you for diploma studies at a tertiary institution. The Gert-Johan Coetzee Bursary South Africa 2027 requires a Diploma exemption or equivalent.
5. Does the bursary cover accommodation and meals?
No. The Gert-Johan Coetzee Bursary South Africa 2027 does NOT cover transport, accommodation, meals, or fabric required for your projects. You will need to make your own arrangements for these expenses.
6. Can I submit my video if I don’t have Instagram or TikTok?
You will need to post your video on Instagram or TikTok as part of the application process for the Gert-Johan Coetzee Bursary South Africa 2027. You can create a free account for this purpose.
7. Who is Gert-Johan Coetzee?
Gert-Johan Coetzee is a celebrated South African fashion designer based in Johannesburg, known as “Couturier to the Stars” for dressing international icons like Oprah Winfrey, Cardi B, Lizzo, and Skai Jackson.
8. Where can I find more fashion design bursaries?
Visit EduFunds fashion bursaries page for more funding opportunities in fashion design.
Looking for more study funding? Explore all bursaries for 2027 on EduFunds.co.za
Gert-Johan Coetzee Studios
Fashion Bursary 2027
Empowering future designers • Celebrating African creativity • Building fashion careers