City of Cape Town Bursary Application for 2026/2027

Detailed guide for City of Cape Town Bursary Application for 2026/2027. Are you a driven and academically strong South African student looking for financial support to further your studies? The City of Cape Town Bursary is a prestigious funding opportunity offered by the municipality to help deserving students from disadvantaged backgrounds pursue qualifications in high-demand fields. Each year, the City of Cape Town invests in the future of its youth by awarding bursaries that cover tuition fees, prescribed textbooks, and in some cases, accommodation and transport.

If you’re interested in fields like engineering, environmental science, finance, urban planning, public administration, internal auditing, and more, this bursary could be your gateway to a successful career. This detailed guide provides all the essential information you need, including application requirements, eligible study areas, key deadlines, and how to apply for the City of Cape Town bursary online.

Whether you’re a matriculant or a current university student, this article is tailored to help you stay ahead of the competition. Learn how to increase your chances of being awarded one of the most sought-after municipal bursaries in South Africa for the 2026/2027 academic year.

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

About City of Cape Town

The City of Cape Town, known as South Africa’s “Mother City,” is the oldest city in the country and the largest in the Western Cape. It’s famously home to Table Mountain, one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World.

As part of the Western Cape Government, the City of Cape Town provides essential services to its residents. These include electricity, water and sanitation, waste removal, road maintenance, traffic and parking management, property rates, tourism development, and more.

The metropolitan area includes key regions such as the Cape Town CBD, Blaauwberg, Helderberg, Oostenberg, South Peninsula, Tygerberg, and the broader Cape Metropolitan Council.

About the City of Cape Town Bursary Programme – Fields of Study

The City of Cape Town invites students residing within the Cape Town metro area to apply for its 2026/2027 bursary programme.

Bursaries are available for undergraduate, honours, postgraduate, master’s, and doctoral studies in scarce skills fields, including:

Accounting (CA and Cost Management)
Artisan Training
Auditing
Contract Management
Data Science / Analytics
Engineering (Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Industrial, Chemical, Fire, Port, Coastal)
Environmental Studies (including Water and Air Pollution)
Fleet Management
Forensics
Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Heritage Studies
Information Systems & IT
Law / Legal Studies
Organisational Psychology
Payroll
Project Management
Public Accountability
Renewable Energy (Solar)
Supply Chain Management
Technical Studies (Electricity, Energy, Refrigeration, Process Control, Operations)
Transport Management
Urban Design, Architecture, Surveying, Town & Regional Planning, and Landscape Architecture

Selection Process

Shortlisted candidates will be notified by 15 December.
If you do not hear back by this date, consider your application unsuccessful.

Eligibility Criteria for City of Cape Town Bursary Application for 2026/2027

Who Can Apply

To qualify, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Be a South African citizen
Reside in Cape Town / Cape Metropolitan Area
Be in Matric, or have completed Matric
Have achieved a minimum of 65% average in Matric
Intend to study full-time in one of the listed fields (undergrad/postgrad/doctoral level)
Be registered or accepted at a recognised tertiary institution in South Africa (University, University of Technology, or TVET College)
Not be receiving any other bursary, including NSFAS
Not be an employee of the City of Cape Town

How to Apply for City of Cape Town Bursary 2026/2027

Download and complete the City of Cape Town Bursary Application Form 2026 (.pdf). Click here to download the application form.
Alternatively, collect the form from your nearest City library or Walk-in Centre.
Submit certified copies of the following documents with your completed form:

- ID document
- Matric results (mid-year or final)
- Matric certificate (if applicable)
- Proof of acceptance or registration at a tertiary institution
- Full academic record / transcripts (if already studying)
- Account statement from your tertiary institution (if registered)
- Any awards or certificates received
- Recommendation letter (if available)
- Two contactable references (include names and contact details)
- Proof of residence
- Proof of any work/portfolio done in your field of study (if available)
- Parents’ or guardians’ ID copies
- Proof of household income (recent payslips, affidavits, SASSA grant, etc.)

Note: All documents must be certified within the last 3 months.

Where to Submit City of Cape Town Bursary Application for 2026/2027

You can submit your application in one of the following ways:

By Email:

external.financialsupport@capetown.gov.za
external.bursaries2024@capetown.gov.za

In Person (Hand Delivery) at these Walk-in Centres:

Bellville: Reed Street, Bellville
Brackenfell: Cnr Paradys & Old Paarl Roads
Cape Town CBD: 2nd Floor Podium, 12 Hertzog Blvd
Parow: Voortrekker Road
Plumstead: Cnr Victoria & Main Roads
Strand: Cnr Fagan & Main Roads

Closing Date for City of Cape Town Bursary Application for 2026/2027

15 September (Extended Deadline)

Late applications will not be accepted. Make sure to apply on time!

Contact Details for City of Cape Town Bursary Office

If you have any questions, contact the City of Cape Town:

HR Service Desk: 0860 103 089 / 021 400 3434 (Option 6)
Email:

external.bursaries2026@capetown.gov.za
hrservicedesk@capetown.gov.za