Grassroots Youth Development Bursary Application for 2026/2027
Detailed guide on Grassroots Youth Development Bursary Application 2026/2027. Are you a South African student passionate about community development, youth empowerment, education, and social change? The Grassroots Youth Development Bursary Programme 2026/2027 is now open for applications, offering financial support to motivated young people who wish to pursue tertiary studies in fields that contribute to sustainable development and social transformation. Grassroots Youth Development is a non-profit organisation dedicated to uplifting disadvantaged communities by investing in education, leadership, and skills development among the youth, ensuring a brighter and more equitable future for South Africa.
The Grassroots Youth Development Bursary provides essential financial assistance that may cover tuition fees, study materials, accommodation, and other academic-related expenses. Beyond financial support, beneficiaries often gain access to mentorship, personal development programmes, and opportunities to participate in community-based projects that build leadership, responsibility, and real-world experience. This bursary is especially suited for students who show strong academic commitment and a genuine desire to give back to their communities.
By applying for the Grassroots Youth Development Bursary 2026/2027, students not only reduce the burden of higher education costs but also become part of a movement that empowers young leaders to drive positive change at grassroots level. It is an opportunity to combine education with purpose, service, and long-term impact.
In addition, satrends.co.za offers a wide range of other bursary categories to suit your preference. Click on the links below to access other kinds of bursaries.
Universities in South Africa Bursaries Available for 2026
Government Departments Bursaries Available for 2026
Field of Studies Specified Bursaries Available for 2026
Keep reading to find out more about the eligibility requirements, fields of study covered, application process, and closing date for the Grassroots Youth Development Bursary Programme 2026/2027.
About Masinyusane Development Organization
The Masinyusane Development Organization, founded in 2008, is one of the leading education and advocacy organisations in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. The organisation is dedicated to empowering impoverished youth by creating opportunities that enable them to access quality education and develop the skills necessary for a successful and meaningful life.
Masinyusane’s guiding motto, “Education with Love in South Africa,” reflects its mission to invest in the country’s future through compassion, opportunity creation, and continuous support for learners and schools. By offering bursaries, mentorship, and educational programs, Masinyusane is actively transforming communities and nurturing future leaders.
About the Grassroots Youth Development (GYD) Bursary Programme 2026/2027
The Grassroots Youth Development Bursary Programme is an initiative of the Masinyusane Development Organization aimed at supporting deserving students for the 2026 academic year. The bursary is specifically available to students who reside in:
- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Sundays River Valley Local Municipality
(Both in the Eastern Cape Province)
Unlike many bursaries that restrict funding to specific fields, the GYD Bursary is open to all undergraduate fields of study, including:
- Degree programmes
- Diploma programmes
- Certificate programmes
This makes the GYD Bursary highly inclusive and accessible to students across various career paths.
Bursary Coverage Value and Renewability
The GYD Bursary provides partial or full financial support, depending on the student’s needs and available funding. The bursary may cover the following expenses:
- Registration fees
- Tuition fees
- Prescribed study materials
- Accommodation costs
- Living allowance stipend or transport fees
The bursary is awarded for one academic year at a time. However, students are encouraged to reapply each year. Continued funding depends on:
- Satisfactory academic performance
- Compliance with bursary conditions
Additionally, bursary recipients benefit from having access to a mentor, offering guidance and support throughout their academic journey.
Eligibility Requirements for Grassroots Youth Development Bursary Application for 2026/2027
Applicants must meet all of the following criteria to be considered:
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must be under 29 years old
- Must have completed Matric
- Must reside in Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality or Sundays River Valley Local Municipality
- Must be studying or intend to study towards an undergraduate Degree, Diploma, or Certificate
- Must be registered or provisionally accepted at a public tertiary institution in South Africa (University or TVET/FET College)
- Total combined household income must be less than R350,000 per annum
Failure to meet any of these requirements will result in the application not being considered.
How to Apply for Grassroots Youth Development Bursary 2026/2027
Applications must be submitted online through the official platform: Grassroots Youth Development Bursary Application 2026
Applicants must upload clear, certified copies of the following supporting documents:
- South African ID document
- Matric final results (if certificate is not yet issued)
- Matric certificate (if available)
- Academic record (if currently studying)
- Letter of provisional acceptance from a University or College
- Full tertiary academic record (on institutional letterhead, if currently studying)
- Parents’ or guardians’ ID documents
- Proof of household income:
-
- Latest payslips (if employed)
- Affidavit (if unemployed)
- SASSA letter or grant slip (if receiving social grants)
- Death certificate (if parent/guardian is deceased)
- Proof of address:
- Municipal account
- Letter from Ward Councillor
- Affidavit
- Parents’ or guardians’ three months recent bank statements
Important:
- All documents must be certified at a Police Station or Post Office
- Certifications must not be older than 3 months
Incomplete or incorrectly certified applications may be disqualified.
Closing Date for Grassroots Youth Development Bursary Application 2026/2027
The closing date for applications is: 23 January
Late applications will not be accepted. Applicants are strongly advised to apply well before the closing date to avoid technical issues or missing documentation.
Contact Details of Grassroots Youth Development
For any questions or further assistance, contact Masinyusane directly:
- Email: bursaries@masinyusane.org
- WhatsApp: 067 223 8885