Gauteng City Region Academy Bursary 2026 — The Gauteng City Region Academy (GCRA) is inviting students to apply for their comprehensive bursary programme for the 2026 academic year. This flagship provincial programme supports both undergraduate and postgraduate students in ANY field of study, providing extensive financial coverage including tuition, accommodation, laptops, and living allowances for Gauteng residents pursuing higher education.
About Gauteng City Region Academy (GCRA)
The Gauteng City Region Academy (GCRA) is a branch of the Gauteng Department of Education, responsible for skills development within the province. The GCRA helps develop students’ skills through facilitation and coordination of bursaries, internships, learnerships, and career guidance programmes.
As Gauteng’s premier skills development agency, GCRA plays a crucial role in building the province’s human capital by making higher education accessible to talented students regardless of their financial background, while aligning training with the province’s economic growth priorities.
Unlike most bursaries, the GCRA bursary covers ANY field of study at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, making it one of South Africa’s most comprehensive educational funding programmes.
Eligibility Requirements for Gauteng City Region Academy Bursary 2026
- South African citizen
- Aged 18 to 35 years
- Reside within Gauteng province
- Completed Matric in Gauteng
- Accepted/registered for undergraduate or postgraduate studies in 2026
- Accepted at accredited PSET institution in South Africa
- Preference for GGT2030 priority sectors
Automatic Qualification: Top achievers from Gauteng schools, top 3 from no-fee schools, and top 3 from LSEN schools automatically qualify (must still apply).
Expenses Covered
- Registration fees
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation:
- Residence: Up to R65,000
- Off-campus: Up to R47,000
- Books and study materials
- Laptop
- Living allowance (off-campus students)
Funds are paid directly to institutions, except for laptop/book allowance and living allowances which go to students.
GGT2030 Priority Sectors
- Art and Design
- Finance, Economics and Accounting
- Electrical Infrastructure Construction
- Civil Engineering Construction
- Hospitality Management
- IT and Computer Science
- Mechanical Automotive Engineering
- Tourism, Transport and Logistics
While ALL fields are covered, preference is given to these priority sectors aligned with Gauteng’s growth strategy.
How to Apply
Application Method: Online submission only via the GCRA bursary portal.
Registration Required: First-time applicants must create an account before applying.
⏰ Closing Date: All applications must be submitted by 28 February 2026.
Application Types
- New Intake: First-time applicants
- Renewal: Previously funded by GCRA
- Reinstatement: Bursary suspended, now meeting conditions
- Top Achievers: Top performers in Gauteng schools
- Top 3 Achiever: From no-fee paying schools
- LSEN Schools: Learners with special educational needs
- MEC/HOD Discretion: Recommended by officials
- Veteran Discretion: Children of military veterans
- Financial Assistance: Partial funding needed
- Top Ups: Existing bursary, need additional funding
Select the correct application type during the online application process.
Required Documents
- Certified copy of ID document
- Certified copy of Matric certificate
- Most recent academic record (if currently studying)
- Proof of registration/acceptance at PSET institution
- Proof of Gauteng address (utility bill/ward councillor letter)
- Motivational letter (maximum 2 pages)
- Disability/medical report (if applicable)
- Parents/guardians’ proof of income
- Proof of other bursaries (if applicable)
Format: Documents must be PDF format, labelled correctly, and under 2MB each.
Important Application Notes
- Save login details after SMS confirmation
- Applications can be saved and completed later
- Must click “submit” before closing date
- Postgraduate applicants must reapply as new qualification
- Existing bursary holders can apply for top-up funding
- Appeals can be emailed to gdeinfo@gauteng.gov.za
- Assistive devices requests: gdeinfo@gauteng.gov.za
- Shortlisted candidates contacted within 3-4 weeks
- Operating hours: 8am-4pm, Mon-Fri (excluding holidays)
Check FAQ section on GCRA website before contacting for queries.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is eligible for the GCRA bursary?
South African citizens aged 18-35 residing in Gauteng, who completed Matric in Gauteng and have been accepted for undergraduate or postgraduate studies at accredited institutions.
2. What fields of study are covered?
ALL fields are covered at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, though preference is given to GGT2030 priority sectors.
3. How do I apply?
Online only via GCRA bursary portal. First-time applicants must register for an account.
4. What expenses are covered?
Registration, tuition, accommodation (R65k residence/R47k off-campus), books, laptop, and living allowance for off-campus students.
5. When is the closing date?
Applications close on 28 February 2026.
6. Can I apply if I already have a bursary?
Yes, as a “Top Up” application for additional funding needed beyond your existing bursary.
7. What is automatic qualification?
Top achievers, top 3 from no-fee schools, and top 3 from LSEN schools in Gauteng automatically qualify (must still apply).
8. How will I know if I’m shortlisted?
Shortlisted candidates contacted within 3-4 weeks after closing date. No contact = unsuccessful application.
9. Can I save and continue my application later?
Yes, but you must click “submit” before the closing date for your application to be considered.
10. Who should I contact for queries?
New bursary queries: gdeinfo@gauteng.gov.za or 0800 000 789 / 011 355 0000. Renewals: Bursaries.Gcra@gauteng.gov.za. For more Gauteng opportunities, explore our bursaries database or check other provincial opportunities.
Contact Information
- New Bursary Queries:
Email: gdeinfo@gauteng.gov.za
Tel: 0800 000 789 or 011 355 0000 - Bursary Renewal Queries:
Email: Bursaries.Gcra@gauteng.gov.za - Appeals & Assistive Devices:
Email: gdeinfo@gauteng.gov.za - Operating Hours:
Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
(Excluding Public Holidays)
Check the FAQ section on the GCRA website before contacting for common queries.
For more provincial government bursaries and 2026 funding opportunities, visit EduFunds.co.za
Gauteng City Region Academy
Gauteng Department of Education
Johannesburg, Gauteng