The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness Bursary South Africa 2027 is now open for applications. If you are an unemployed South African citizen residing in the Western Cape province, and you are pursuing or intend to pursue a qualification in Emergency Care, Medicine, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, or Speech Therapy, this opportunity could help you fund your studies. The Department of Health and Wellness provides bursaries as incentives to train actual and potential employees to meet the health sector’s needs. In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness Bursary South Africa 2027: who qualifies, what fields are covered, what expenses are included, the work-back obligation, and how to apply before the closing date.
About the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness Bursary Programme
The Department of Health and Wellness, Annual Performance Plan for Bursaries, have an on-going analysis of education, training and development requirements for specific priority occupational groups. The Department provides bursaries as incentives to train actual and potential employees to meet these needs. There is continuous engagement with relevant higher educational institutions in South Africa, to ensure training is available for specific qualifications and skills needed in the health sector.
The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness Bursary South Africa 2027 is aimed at providing the unemployed public, residing in the Western Cape, with bursaries (financial aid) to obtain their qualification. Funding is allocated for selected qualifications.
Organisation: Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness • Focus: Health Science qualifications • Programme: Bursary for unemployed Western Cape residents • Academic Year: 2027
What Fields of Study Are Covered?
The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness Bursary South Africa 2027 will be awarded to students residing in the Western Cape for studies towards the following Health Science qualifications:
- Emergency Care Assistant (Higher Certificate)
- Emergency Medical Care (National Diploma)
- Medicine (Degree)
- Nursing R169 (Higher Certificate)
- Nursing R171 (General Nurse) (Diploma)
- Nursing R174
- Nursing (B Degree)
- Occupational Therapy (Bachelor of Science)
- Pharmacy (Degree)
- Physiotherapy (Degree)
- Speech Therapy (Degree)
Note: The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness may add or remove health science qualifications covered by the bursary each year, depending on the Departmental service delivery needs.
What Expenses Does the Bursary Cover?
The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness Bursary South Africa 2027 will provide financial assistance towards the following expenses:
- Registration fees
- Tuition fees
- Examination fees
Important: Accommodation fees will not be covered. The outcome of the bursary will be concluded in January to February 2027.
Work-Back Obligation
Students awarded the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness Bursary South Africa 2027 will be required to sign a full-time bursary contract with the Department of Health and Wellness. After graduation, bursary recipients will be required to work for the government.
- Bursary recipients will be required to complete a community service year (where required), which will count towards the bursary holder’s first year of the bursary obligation
- Thereafter, the bursary holder must apply for a post within the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness
- The bursary holder must then work back the remaining years as per the contractual agreement
- Internship does not count as working back obligation
- If bursary holders do not work back their bursary obligation, they must refund the department for all bursary expenses
Eligibility Requirements for the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness Bursary South Africa 2027
Before you apply for the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness 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 reside within the Western Cape province
- You must be unemployed
- You must have completed Matric
- You must be studying or intend on studying full-time towards one of the Health Science qualifications listed above
- You must be studying, accepted to study, or awaiting acceptance to study at a relevant accredited Higher Education Institution (HEI)
- You must be enthusiastic, hardworking, and committed to your studies
- You must be willing to complete clinical hours, where required
- You must not have a criminal record
Required Documents
Upload clear copies of the following supporting documentation for the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness Bursary South Africa 2027. All documents must be certified.
- ID document
- Matric certificate
- Most recent qualification / academic results
- Proof of residence
- Parents or guardians proof of income (latest payslips / SASSA letter or SARS tax certificate)
- Proof of disability, if applicable
- Motivational letter to support your application
How to Apply for the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness Bursary South Africa 2027
Candidates who meet all of the above criteria may follow these steps to apply for the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness Bursary South Africa 2027.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Make sure you meet all the eligibility requirements listed above, including being an unemployed South African citizen residing in the Western Cape, and studying or intending to study one of the listed Health Science qualifications full-time.
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents
Gather all the required documents listed above, ensuring they are certified copies. This includes your ID, Matric certificate, academic results, proof of residence, proof of income, and a motivational letter.
Step 3: Complete the Application
Applications for the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness Bursary South Africa 2027 are submitted online. Please visit the Western Cape Government website or the Department of Health and Wellness portal to apply.
Application link: Please visit the Western Cape Government website for the application portal link.
Step 4: Submit Before the Deadline
⏰ Closing Date for the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness Bursary South Africa 2027: 30 September 2026. Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted. Please apply before the closing date to ensure your application is considered.
Contact Information
If you have any queries related to the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness Bursary South Africa 2027, please contact the Western Cape Government directly:
- Contact person 1: Monray Strydom (Project Coordinator) – Tel: 021 483 6610 / Email: Monray.Strydom@westerncape.gov.za
- Contact person 2: Sisipho Folose (First line support) – Tel: 021 483 6597 / Email: Sisipho.Folose@westerncape.gov.za
- Contact person 3: Nathan Kantwe – Tel: 021 483 7038 / Email: Nathan.Kantwe@westerncape.gov.za
Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness Bursary South Africa 2027 – Quick Summary
- Organisation: Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness
- Bursary Name: Department of Health and Wellness Bursary Programme
- Academic Year: 2027
- Who can apply: Unemployed South African citizens residing in the Western Cape
- Fields of study: Emergency Care, Emergency Medical Care, Medicine, Nursing (various), Occupational Therapy, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Speech Therapy
- Study type: Full-time at an accredited Higher Education Institution
- What is covered: Registration fees, tuition fees, examination fees
- Not covered: Accommodation fees
- Work-back obligation: Community service year (if required), then apply for a post within the Department; internship does not count; refund required if obligation not met
- Key requirements: No criminal record, willing to complete clinical hours, enthusiastic and committed
- Required documents: ID, Matric certificate, academic results, proof of residence, proof of income, proof of disability (if applicable), motivational letter
- Application method: Online via Western Cape Government website
- Closing date: 30 September 2026
Frequently Asked Questions About the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness Bursary South Africa 2027
1. Can I apply if I live outside the Western Cape?
The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness Bursary South Africa 2027 is specifically for students who reside within the Western Cape province. Applicants from other provinces will not be considered.
2. Does the bursary cover accommodation costs?
No. The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness Bursary South Africa 2027 covers registration fees, tuition fees, and examination fees only. Accommodation fees are not covered.
3. What is the work-back obligation?
Recipients of the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness Bursary South Africa 2027 must sign a contract to work for the government after graduation. They must complete community service (where required), then apply for a post within the Department and work back the remaining years. Internships do not count as working back.
4. Can I apply if I am currently employed?
No. The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness Bursary South Africa 2027 is for unemployed individuals only.
5. What happens if I don’t work back my bursary obligation?
If bursary holders of the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness Bursary South Africa 2027 do not work back their bursary obligation, they must refund the department for all bursary expenses.
6. Can I apply if I have a criminal record?
No. The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness Bursary South Africa 2027 requires that applicants do not have a criminal record.
7. When will I know the outcome of my application?
The outcome of the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness Bursary South Africa 2027 will be concluded in January to February 2027.
8. Where can I find more health science bursaries in South Africa?
Visit EduFunds health science bursaries page or government bursaries page for more funding opportunities in the health sector.
Looking for more study funding? Explore all bursaries for 2027 on EduFunds.co.za
Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness
Bursary Programme 2027
Developing health professionals • Strengthening public healthcare • Building healthier communities