The City of Cape Town has officially opened applications for it 2027 Bursary Programme, offering financial assistance to students pursuing qualifications in scarce and critical skills. The bursary is aimed at helping talented students gain the qualifications needed to support the City’s future workforce while reducing financial barriers to higher education.

The programme is open to qualifying South African citizens who reside in Cape Town and are studying, or planning to study, at an accredited South African university, university of technology, or TVET college.

Applications close on 17 August 2026, and late submissions may not be considered.

City of Cape Town Bursary Programme 2027 Overview

Bursary Details	Information
Bursary Provider	City of Cape Town
Academic Year	2027
Closing Date	17 August 2026
Study Levels	Undergraduate, Honours, Master’s, Doctorate
Eligible Institutions	Universities, Universities of Technology, TVET Colleges
Study Mode	Full-time (limited part-time exceptions)
Minimum Matric Average	65%
Residency Requirement	Cape Town, Western Cape
Application Method	Hand-delivered application form

What Does the City of Cape Town Bursary Cover?

The bursary provides funding for approved study-related costs, including:

Registration fees
Tuition fees
Examination fees

The available information does not confirm funding for:

Accommodation
Meals
Transport
Textbooks
Laptops
Study equipment
Living allowances

Applicants should only expect funding for expenses specifically stated by the City.

Fields of Study Supported

The bursary supports qualifications in scarce and critical skills identified by the City of Cape Town.

Eligible fields include:

Finance and Business

Accounting
Auditing
Internal Auditing
Economics
Contract Management
Project Management
Logistics Management

Engineering

Civil Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Industrial Engineering

Science and Environment

Chemistry
Analytical Chemistry
Chemical Science
Environmental Management
Water Sciences
Water Quality
Water and Waste Management
Ecology
Marine Biology
Microbiology
Atmospheric Science
Geohydrology

Information and Technology

Information Technology
Information Systems
Information Management
Data Science
Statistics
Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Built Environment

Architecture
Urban Planning
Town Planning
Regional Planning
Urban Design
Surveying
Landscape-related studies

Other Scarce Skills

Law
Library Sciences
Industrial Psychology
Organisational Psychology

Applications for qualifications outside these fields may only be considered where approved by the City.

Who Can Apply?

You may qualify for the City of Cape Town Bursary if you:

Are a South African citizen.
Reside within the City of Cape Town.
Are currently in Matric or have already completed Matric.
Achieved a minimum overall Matric average of 65%.
Plan to study or are already studying an approved scarce-skills qualification.
Intend studying full-time (unless the programme is only offered part-time).
Are registered or accepted at an accredited South African institution.
Are not receiving NSFAS funding or another bursary.

Meeting the minimum requirements does not automatically guarantee selection.

Eligible Institutions

Applicants must study at an accredited South African institution, including:

Universities
Universities of Technology
TVET Colleges

Ensure both the institution and your chosen qualification are officially recognised before applying.

Full-Time and Part-Time Study

The bursary is primarily intended for full-time students.

Part-time students may be considered only if their programme is not available on a full-time basis.

In such cases, applicants must provide written confirmation from the institution.

Required Supporting Documents

Applicants should submit a completed application form together with all required supporting documents.

These include:

Certified copy of South African ID (certified within the last three months)
Mid-year Matric results (current Grade 12 learners)
Final Matric certificate (if already completed)
Academic transcript (current tertiary students)
Proof of registration or provisional acceptance
Statement of account (if currently registered)
Proof of residence
Contact details of two references

Where applicable, applicants may also include:

Awards or certificates
Recommendation letters
Portfolio or proof of work related to their field of study

Incomplete applications may not be considered.

Fresh listings:

Academic Record Requirements

Current tertiary students should submit an official academic record showing:

Student name
Student number
Qualification
Subjects completed
Marks achieved
Academic status
Institution name

Unofficial screenshots or incomplete records may not be accepted.

Service Commitment After Graduation

Successful bursary recipients will be expected to complete a year-for-a-year service commitment with the City of Cape Town after graduating.

This means the period of employment will generally match the number of years the student received bursary funding.

The service commitment allows graduates to gain practical work experience while contributing to municipal service delivery.

How to Apply for the City of Cape Town Bursary 2027

Applications are not submitted online.

Applicants must:

Download and complete the official bursary application form.
Gather all required supporting documents.
Certify documents where required.
Hand-deliver the completed application to an approved City of Cape Town Walk-in Centre before the closing date.

Application forms are also available from participating City libraries and Walk-in Centres.

Where to Submit Your Application

Completed applications can be hand-delivered to designated City of Cape Town Walk-in Centres, including:

Bellville Municipal Office
Brackenfell Walk-in Centre
Cape Town Civic Centre
Parow Walk-in Centre
Plumstead Walk-in Centre
Strand Walk-in Centre

Ensure your application form and all supporting documents are submitted together.

City of Cape Town Bursary Closing Date

The closing date for applications is:

17 August 2026

Late or incomplete applications are unlikely to be considered.

Applicants should submit their applications well before the deadline.

Helpful Application Tips

Improve your chances by following these tips:

Apply as early as possible.
Ensure your ID copy is certified within the last three months.
Check that your Matric average meets the minimum requirement.
Confirm your chosen qualification appears on the scarce-skills list.
Attach every required supporting document.
Ask your referees for permission before listing their contact details.
Review your application carefully before submission.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these errors when applying:

Submitting after the closing date.
Leaving sections of the application form incomplete.
Forgetting proof of residence.
Uploading or submitting uncertified documents where certification is required.
Applying while already receiving NSFAS or another bursary.
Choosing a qualification that is not listed as a scarce skill.
Providing outdated contact information.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply for the City of Cape Town Bursary 2027?

South African citizens residing in Cape Town who meet the academic requirements and intend studying in an approved scarce-skills field.

What is the minimum Matric average required?

Applicants must have achieved at least 65% overall in Matric.

Does the bursary cover accommodation?

The available information only confirms funding for registration, tuition and examination fees. Accommodation and living expenses are not specified.

Can NSFAS-funded students apply?

No. Applicants already receiving NSFAS or another bursary are not eligible.

Can postgraduate students apply?

Yes. The bursary is open to eligible students pursuing Honours, Master’s and Doctoral qualifications in approved fields.

When is the closing date?

Applications close on 17 August 2026.

Conclusion

The City of Cape Town Bursary Programme 2027 offers an excellent opportunity for academically deserving students to receive funding for qualifications in scarce and critical skills. Whether you are completing Matric or already studying at a tertiary institution, this bursary can help you achieve your educational goals while preparing for a future career in local government.

Because applications close on 17 August 2026, eligible students should complete the application form, gather all supporting documents, and submit their applications well before the deadline to avoid missing this opportunity.

City of Cape Town Bursaries 2027: Apply Before 17 August 2026 for Scarce Skills Funding