The City of Cape Town has opened applications for its 2026 bursary programme, offering financial assistance to eligible students living in the metro and studying at accredited South African tertiary institutions, including TVET colleges.
The bursaries cover registration, tuition and examination fees, as well as capped allowances for study materials, transport and meals. Applications close on Friday 10 October.
Theresa Uys, Mayco member for corporate services, said the initiative aims to support local talent while addressing the City’s skills needs.
“The City is always on the lookout for new talent and I am pleased to extend an invitation to all Cape Town-based candidates who are currently studying at a tertiary institution or who have been accepted at one,” she said. “Bursary applications will be assessed on academic merit as well as against the City’s scarce skills list of needs. The bursaries come with a year-for-a-year service obligation period, which will ensure graduates also gain hands-on work experience once they have graduated.”
Application forms can be downloaded online, collected from any City library, or obtained from the following walk-in centres: Bellville, Brackenfell, Cape Town Civic Centre, Parow, Plumstead and Strand.
Eligibility requirements include: A Grade 12 average of 65% or higher, or latest tertiary results meeting this standard;
South African citizenship and residence within Cape Town’s municipal boundaries;
Registration for full-time undergraduate or postgraduate study in one of the City’s approved scarce skills fields;
No other financial assistance such as NSFAS.
Applicants must submit a certified copy of their ID, academic results, and supporting documents along with the completed form. Completed applications must be submitted electronically or at a listed walk-in centre by the deadline. Late applications will not be considered, and unsuccessful applicants will be notified by 15 January 2026.
Enquiries can be directed to the HR Service Desk on 0860 103 089 or 021 400 3434 (option 6), or via email at external.bursaries2026@capetown.gov.za.
