ABOUT THE BURSARY PROVIDER – GCRA
The Gauteng City Region Academy (GCRA) is an education and skills development initiative under the Gauteng Department of Education. Its mission is to empower young people in the province by offering bursaries, internships, learnerships, and career guidance programmes.
ABOUT THE GCRA BURSARY PROGRAMME – FIELDS COVERED
The GCRA Bursary Programme invites both new and returning students to apply for funding for the 2026 academic year. The bursary supports eligible Gauteng residents pursuing Undergraduate or Postgraduate studies at accredited institutions across South Africa.
BURSARY COVERAGE VALUE
The bursary offers comprehensive financial support, which may include:
- Registration fees
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation
- On-campus residence: up to R65 000
- Off-campus/private accommodation: up to R47 000
- Books allowance
- Laptop allowance
- Living allowance (for off-campus accommodation)
Applicants shortlisted for funding will be contacted within 3–4 weeks after the closing date. If you do not receive feedback within 4 weeks, consider your application unsuccessful.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be 18–35 years old
- Reside within Gauteng
- Have completed Matric in Gauteng
- Be accepted or registered for a 2026 Undergraduate or Postgraduate programme
- Be studying at an accredited PSET institution, including:
- Public or private universities
- TVET colleges
- Private colleges
- Community colleges
- Skills development providers
Priority Fields (GGT2030 Sectors)
Preference is given to applicants studying:
- Art & Design
- Finance, Economics & Accounting
- Electrical Infrastructure Construction
- Civil Engineering Construction
- Hospitality Management
- IT & Computer Science
- Mechanical, Automotive & Diesel Engineering
- Tourism
- Transport & Logistics
AUTOMATIC QUALIFICATION CATEGORIES
The following learners automatically qualify but must still submit an application:
- Top Achievers from Gauteng schools
- Top 3 learners from no-fee schools
- Top 3 learners from LSEN (Learners with Special Education Needs) schools
HOW TO APPLY FOR THE GCRA BURSARY
Apply online via: GCRA Bursary Application 2026
Application Process
Step 1: Personal Profile
- Personal information
- Contact details
- Home address
- Matric results
- Parent/guardian details
Step 2: Academic & Supporting Documents
- Tertiary results (if applicable)
- Institution information
- Funding details
- Upload supporting documents
- Accept terms & conditions
TYPES OF GCRA BURSARY APPLICATIONS
Choose the correct category when applying:
- New Intake: first-time applicants
- Renewal: previously funded applicants
- Reinstatement: bursary was suspended and conditions are now met
- Top Achievers: outstanding academic performers
- Top 3 Achievers: top 3 learners from no-fee schools
- Top 3 in LSEN Schools
- MEC/HOD Discretion
- Veteran Discretion: children of military veterans
- Financial Assistance: partially funded students needing additional support
- Top Ups: applicants with an existing bursary but lacking full funding
NOTES FOR APPLICANTS
- If the portal is slow, try switching browsers (Chrome, Safari, Internet Explorer).
- Keep your login details safe after registration.
- You may save your application and return later, but ensure final submission before the deadline.
- Postgraduate applicants who were funded previously must reapply for the new qualification.
- Students with an existing bursary may apply for top-up funding.
- Declined applicants may lodge an appeal via gdeinfo@gauteng.gov.za.
- Book, laptop, and living allowances may be paid directly to students.
- Students who need assistive devices should email GCRA for support.
CLOSING DATE
🗓 28 February 2026
Late applications will not be accepted.
CONTACT THE BURSARY PROVIDER
New Bursary Queries
📩 gdeinfo@gauteng.gov.za
☎️ 0800 000 789 / 011 355 0000
Renewal Queries
📩 Bursaries.Gcra@gauteng.gov.za
🕒 Hours: Monday–Friday, 8am–4pm (excluding public holidays)