Gauteng City Region Academy (GCRA) Bursary 2026 Summary
The Gauteng City Region Academy (GCRA), a branch of the Gauteng Department of Education, offers one of the most comprehensive bursary programs in South Africa. It aims to develop skills within the Gauteng province by funding students for both undergraduate and postgraduate studies.
1. Quick Overview
| Detail | Information |
| Provider | Gauteng City Region Academy (GCRA) |
| Study Level | Undergraduate and Postgraduate |
| Closing Date | 28 February 2026 |
| Coverage | Full tuition, registration, books, laptop, accommodation (capped), and living allowance. |
| Target Group | South African citizens residing in Gauteng. |
2. Fields of Study Covered
Bursaries are awarded for ANY field of study. However, preference is given to students pursuing qualifications in the GGT2030 priority sectors, including:
IT and Computer Science
Engineering (Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Automotive)
Finance, Economics, and Accounting
Hospitality Management and Tourism
Art and Design
Transport and Logistics
3. Minimum Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the following mandatory criteria:
Citizenship: Must be a South African citizen.
Age: Must be between 18 and 35 years old.
Residency: Must reside within the Gauteng province.
Education: Must have completed Matric in Gauteng.
Institution: Must be accepted/registered at an accredited Post School Education and Training (PSET) institution (Public or Private Universities, TVET Colleges, etc.).
Automatic Qualifiers (Still need to apply):
Top achievers from Gauteng schools.
Top 3 learners from no-fee paying Gauteng schools.
Top 3 learners from Learners with Special Education Needs (LSEN) Gauteng schools.
4. How to Apply
Applications are strictly online via the GCRA portal:
Website:
GCRA Bursary Application 2026 Registration: You must register an account before logging in to apply.
Categories: Choose the correct intake type (New Intake, Renewal, Reinstatement, Top Achiever, etc.).
5. Required Supporting Documentation
Clear, certified PDF copies (max 2MB each) of the following are required:
ID Document of the applicant.
Matric Certificate.
Academic Record (if currently studying).
Proof of Registration/Acceptance on the institution's letterhead.
Proof of Address (Water/Electricity bill, Ward Councilor's letter, or Traditional Authority letter).
Motivational Letter (max 2 pages).
Parents/Guardian Proof of Income (Payslips or affidavit of unemployment).
Medical Report (if applying as a student with a disability).
6. Important Notes
Shortlisting: Successful candidates are usually contacted within 3–4 weeks of the closing date.
Top-Ups: Candidates with other bursaries may apply for "top-up" funding.
Allowances: While tuition is paid to the institution, book and laptop allowances may be paid directly to the student.
7. Contact Information
General Queries: gdeinfo@gauteng.gov.za
Renewals: Bursaries.Gcra@gauteng.gov.za
Phone: 0800 000 789 or 011 355 0000
