The Northern Cape Provincial Government (NCPG), through the Office of the Premier, has opened its bursary programme for the 2027 academic year. Unemployed young people between 18 and 30 who live in the Northern Cape can get up to R120 000 per year towards an undergraduate qualification in scarce and critical skills fields, with STEM studies given priority. Applications close on 30 September 2026.
About the NCPG Bursary Programme
The Northern Cape is South Africa’s largest province by land area but has the smallest population, and many of its young people cannot reach or afford university. The Office of the Premier runs this bursary to change that, funding Northern Cape residents in fields the province and country struggle to fill, from engineering and health sciences to education and ICT.
The programme uses a sliding scale based on household income, so support goes furthest for the families who need it most. It is also one of the few bursaries that welcomes applications from students planning to study online, not just full-time on campus. Priority goes to STEM fields, financially needy students, learners at public institutions and applicants with disabilities.
What The Bursary Covers
- Registration fees, tuition fees, books and accommodation
- Household income of R0 to R350 000 per year: bursary up to R120 000
- Household income of R350 001 to R550 000: bursary up to R100 000
- Household income of R550 001 to R800 000: bursary up to R80 000
- Note: the bursary does not cover outstanding or pre-existing study debt
Who Can Apply
- South African citizens who reside in the Northern Cape
- Aged between 18 and 30 years
- Unemployed
- Currently in Matric or have completed Matric
- Studying or intending to study full-time or online towards an undergraduate or first degree qualification
- The qualification must be in a scarce and critical skills field, with STEM fields prioritised
- Studying or accepted at a recognised and accredited institution of higher education in South Africa
- A strong academic record and proven financial need
RELATED: National Treasury Bursary 2027: Full Funding, Closes 30 September
Required Documents
- Certified copy of your ID
- Latest Matric results (if in Matric) or Matric certificate (if completed), certified
- Most recent academic transcripts, if currently studying (certified)
- Proof of acceptance or provisional acceptance at a tertiary institution
- Proof of registration and the curriculum plan for your intended field of study
- Unemployed applicants aged 23 to 30: SARS letter confirming your tax status
- Parents, guardians or spouse: certified IDs, proof of income or unemployment, 3 months of bank statements, SARS 2026 tax assessment or confirmation letter, and supporting certificates where relevant (death, marriage, divorce, guardianship)
- All documents must be certified within the past 6 months
How to Apply
- Download and print the official NCPG Bursary Application Form 2027, or collect one from the Office of the Premier in Kimberley, Thusong Centres, the Northern Cape Urban and Rural TVET Colleges, the Department of Labour or the Department of Basic Education offices.
- Complete the form fully and attach certified copies of all required documents.
- Email your application to BursAdmin@ncpetf.onmicrosoft.com with “NCPG Bursary 2027” in the subject line, or hand deliver it to the T and I Office Building, 69 Memorial Road, Monument Heights, Kimberley, 8301.
- Submit before 30 September 2026 and keep proof of submission.
Download the NCPG Bursary Application Form 2027 (PDF).
Closing Date
The closing date for the Northern Cape Provincial Government Bursary 2027 is 30 September 2026. No late applications will be accepted.
Why This Bursary Matters
Provincial bursaries like this one are often overlooked because they are not advertised as widely as corporate programmes, which means less competition for Northern Cape applicants. Up to R120 000 a year covers real costs at any South African university, and the option to study online opens doors for young people in remote towns like Springbok, Upington and Kuruman who cannot relocate.
Scarce-skills graduates are also what the provincial economy needs, from engineers for the mining and renewable energy projects in the province to teachers, nurses and ICT specialists. Successful applicants will be contacted by 26 February 2027 and will sign an agreement with the provincial government.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply if I live in another province?
No. This bursary is only for South African citizens who reside in the Northern Cape.
Which courses qualify?
Undergraduate qualifications in scarce and critical skills fields, with priority for STEM. If you are unsure about your field, submit your curriculum plan with the application as required.
Can I apply if I am already studying?
Yes, current students can apply with their most recent academic transcripts and proof of registration, as long as they meet the other criteria.
When will I know if I was successful?
Successful candidates will be contacted by no later than 26 February 2027. If you receive no feedback by then, consider your application unsuccessful.
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