City of Cape Town Bursaries 2026

The City of Cape Town is excited to announce its Bursaries 2026 programme, offering financial support for students in the Western Cape who wish to pursue studies in areas of scarce skills. If you’re looking to further your education in a high-demand field and are based in Cape Town, this is an incredible opportunity for you. Here’s everything you need to know about the bursary program for the 2026 academic year.

Requirements

The City of Cape Town is offering bursaries to students who meet the following eligibility criteria:

• South African citizen – You must be a South African citizen.
• Cape Town resident – You must reside in Cape Town, within the Western Cape.
• Matriculated or currently in Matric – Whether you’re in your final year of school or have completed Matric, you’re eligible to apply.
• Minimum Matric average of 65% – Applicants must have a minimum overall average of 65% in their Matric results.
• Full-time studies – You must be studying or intending to study full-time toward a qualification in one of the scarce skills areas outlined by the City of Cape Town. Part-time studies may be considered if the qualification is not available on a full-time basis, provided there is written confirmation from the academic institution.
• Enrolled at a recognized tertiary institution – You must be studying or registered to study at a recognized and accredited South African university, university of technology, or TVET college.
• No other financial assistance – You should not be receiving any other bursaries or financial assistance, including NSFAS.

Fields of Study Supported by the Bursary

The City of Cape Town is supporting a wide variety of scarce skills fields, making this bursary an excellent opportunity for students from diverse academic backgrounds. Some of the fields include:

• Engineering (e.g., Mechatronics, Electrical, Civil)
• Data Science/Analytics
• Accounting (CA and Cost Management)
• Economics
• Project Management
• Public Health and Medicine
• Urban Design and Architecture
• Renewable Energy
• Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
• Environmental Management (e.g., Air Pollution, Water Quality)
• Law (various fields)
• Supply Chain Management
• Forensics and Psychology

A complete list of all eligible fields is available for review, so students from various disciplines are encouraged to apply.

What Does the Bursary Cover?

The City of Cape Town Bursaries 2026 offer comprehensive support to eligible students. The bursary will cover the following costs:

• Registration fees
• Tuition fees
• Examination fees

In addition to these benefits, successful applicants will complete a one-year work placement with the City of Cape Town after graduation, which will help you gain valuable hands-on experience in your chosen field.

Recommended for you: Bursary Application Checklist: Documents You Must Have

How to Apply

To apply for the City of Cape Town Bursaries 2026, students must complete the official Bursary Application Form. You can download the application form in PDF format or collect it in person at any of the City’s libraries or walk-in centres.

Required Documents:

Along with your application form, you must submit the following supporting documents:

• Certified copy of your ID (not older than 3 months)
• Matric certificate or Matric mid-year results (if still in Matric)
• Proof of registration or provisional acceptance at a tertiary institution (if not yet studying)
• Full academic record/transcripts (if currently studying)
• Statement of account from your institution (if registered and studying)
• Awards/certificates (if applicable)
• Recommendation letter from a teacher/mentor/peer (if applicable)
• Two contactable references (with their contact details)
• Proof of residence
• Proof of work completed in your chosen field of study (if applicable)

Application Submission:

You can submit your completed application form in one of two ways:

1. Via email: Send your application to external.bursaries2026@capetown.gov.za. Be sure to include the subject line: “City of Cape Town Bursary 2026”.
2. Hand-delivery: You can also drop off your application at one of the City’s Walk-in Centres listed below:

• Bellville Municipal Office Walk-in Centre: Reed Street, Bellville, 7530
• Brackenfell Walk-in Centre: Cnr Paradys and Old Paarl Roads, Brackenfell, 7560
• Cape Town Civic Centre Walk-in Centre: Civic Centre, 2nd Floor Podium (Cash office & MVR), 12 Hertzog Boulevard, Cape Town, 8000
• Parow Walk-in Centre: Civic Centre, Voortrekker Road, Parow, 7500
• Plumstead Walk-in Centre: Municipal Office/ MVR, Cnr Victoria and Main Roads, Plumstead, 7140
• Strand Walk-in Centre: Ground Floor, Municipal Office/ MVR Office, Cnr Fagan and Main Roads, Strand, 7140

Also check: EY Bursary 2026

If you reside in Cape Town and are pursuing a career in any of the listed scarce skills fields, the City of Cape Town Bursaries 2026 could be the perfect opportunity to help fund your education and gain valuable work experience. With a range of fields supported, financial assistance, and a commitment to hands-on experience after graduation, this bursary programme is one that shouldn’t be missed.

Be sure to gather your documents, complete the application, and submit it before the deadline. This could be your first step toward a successful and rewarding career!