Gauteng City Region Academy (GCRA) Bursary Application for 2026/2027
Detailed guide on Gauteng City Region Academy (GCRA) Bursary Application 2026/2027. Are you a South African student aspiring to study at a public university, university of technology, or TVET college but worried about funding? The GCRA Bursary Programme 2026/2027 is now open for applications, offering much-needed financial support to deserving students who reside in Gauteng. Administered by the Gauteng City Region Academy, this bursary aims to expand access to higher education and develop skilled graduates who will contribute meaningfully to the Gauteng City Region’s economic growth and social development.
The GCRA Bursary provides comprehensive financial assistance, which may cover tuition fees, registration costs, prescribed learning materials, accommodation, and a monthly allowance (where applicable). The programme supports studies in priority and scarce skills fields aligned with Gauteng’s development needs, including but not limited to science, engineering, commerce, health sciences, education, ICT, and artisan-related qualifications. Beyond funding, GCRA focuses on youth empowerment through skills development, academic progression, and improved employability.
By applying for the GCRA Bursary 2026/2027, students gain more than just financial relief, they access an opportunity to build a solid academic foundation and position themselves for future careers that support innovation, service delivery, and economic transformation within Gauteng.
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 Gauteng City Region Academy (GCRA) Bursary Programme 2026/2027.
About Gauteng City Region Academy (GCRA)
The Gauteng City Region Academy is an agency of the Gauteng Department of Education, responsible for driving skills development and youth empowerment in the province.
GCRA supports learners and students through:
- Bursaries and scholarships
- Internships and learnerships
- Workplace readiness programmes
- Career guidance and development initiatives
Its core mission is to build a skilled, competitive workforce that supports Gauteng’s long-term economic growth.
About the GCRA Bursary Programme 2026/2027
The GCRA is inviting eligible students to apply for the 2026 academic year bursary programme.
Fields of Study Covered
The GCRA bursary supports ANY field of study, at both:
- Undergraduate level
- Postgraduate level
However, preference is given to students studying in GGT2030 priority sectors, including:
- Art and Design
- Finance, Economics and Accounting
- Electrical Infrastructure Construction
- Civil Engineering Construction
- Hospitality Management
- Information Technology (IT) and Computer Science
- Mechanical Automotive and Diesel Engineering
- Tourism
- Transport and Logistics
GCRA Bursary Coverage Value and Benefits
The GCRA bursary provides funding for the following study-related expenses:
- Registration fees
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation:
-
- On-campus residence (up to R65 000 per year), or
- Off-campus/private accommodation (up to R47 000 per year)
- Books and study materials
- Laptop allowance
- Living allowance (for off-campus/private accommodation students)
Bursary funds are paid directly to the institution, while certain allowances (such as books, laptop, and living allowance) may be paid directly to students.
Selection Process
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted within 3–4 weeks after the closing date.
If no feedback is received after 4 weeks, the application should be regarded as unsuccessful.
Eligibility Requirements for GCRA Bursary Application for 2026/2027
Applicants must meet all of the following minimum requirements:
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must be between 18 and 35 years old
- Must reside in Gauteng
- Must have completed Matric in Gauteng
- Must be accepted or registered for an undergraduate or postgraduate qualification in 2026
- Must be accepted at a registered and accredited PSET institution in South Africa, including:
-
- Public and private universities
- TVET colleges
- Private colleges
- Community Education and Training (CET) colleges
- Skills development providers
Automatic Qualification Categories
Applicants who meet any of the following criteria automatically qualify (but must still apply):
- Top achievers at a Gauteng-based school
- Top 3 learners from a no-fee-paying Gauteng school
- Top 3 learners from a LSEN (Learners with Special Education Needs) Gauteng school
How to Apply for GCRA Bursary 2026/2027
All applications must be submitted online via the official GCRA portal: Click here to access the GCRA Bursary Application Portal for 2026
Applicants must first register an account, then log in to complete the application.
Application Steps
Step 1: Personal Profile
- Personal and contact details
- Residential address
- Matric results
- Parent or guardian details
Step 2: Academic and Funding Details
- Tertiary institution information and results
- Details of other sponsors (if applicable)
- Uploading supporting documents
- Accepting terms and conditions
Types of Applications Explained
- New Intake – First-time GCRA applicants
- Renewal – Previously funded by GCRA and reapplying
- Reinstatement – Bursary was suspended and conditions met
- Top Achiever / Top 3 Achiever / LSEN Top 3
- MEC/HOD Discretion
- Veteran Discretion – Child of a military veteran
- Financial Assistance – Partial funding required
- Top-Ups – Already funded but need additional support
Applicants needing assistance should download the GCRA Bursary Application Guidelines (PDF).
Documents Required for the GCRA Bursary Application
The following certified documents must be uploaded with the online application:
- South African ID document
- Matric certificate
- Latest academic record (if currently studying)
- Proof of registration or acceptance (on institutional letterhead)
- Proof of Gauteng residence
- Motivational letter (maximum 2 pages)
- Disability or medical report (if applicable)
- Parent/guardian proof of income (or affidavit if unemployed)
- Proof of other bursaries received (if applicable)
Important notes:
- Documents must be clearly labelled
- Files must be in PDF format
- Each file must not exceed 2MB
Important Notes About the GCRA Bursary
- Use a stable internet connection and a supported browser (Chrome, Safari, or Internet Explorer)
- Save your login details after registration confirmation via SMS
- Applications can be saved and completed later, but must be submitted before closing
- Postgraduate applicants previously funded for undergraduate studies must reapply
- Applicants with existing bursaries may apply for top-up funding
- Appeals may be submitted via gdeinfo@gauteng.gov.za
- Assistive device enquiries can also be sent to gdeinfo@gauteng.gov.za
Closing Date for GCRA Bursary Application for 2026/2027
Application Deadline: 28 February
Late applications will not be accepted. Apply early to avoid system delays.
Contact Details of Gauteng City Region Academy (GCRA)
For bursary-related enquiries, contact the GCRA directly:
New Bursary Enquiries
Tel: 0800 000 789 / 011 355 0000
Bursary Renewal Enquiries