What is City of Cape Town Bursary?
City of Cape Town External Bursary funds Cape Town residents studying scarce skills the City actually needs – Engineering, IT, Data Science, Accounting, Planning, Law, Environmental. Not a loan. You study, you work back for the City year-for-year.
What it Covers for 2027
Registration, tuition, exam fees. Does NOT confirm accommodation, meals, transport, textbooks, laptop. No other bursary allowed including NSFAS – you must be 100% unfunded.
Study Levels: Undergraduate, Honours, Masters, Doctorate. Full-time. Part-time only if course not offered full-time – need letter from institution.
Fields of Study – Scarce Skills
- Accounting / Auditing / Internal Auditing
- Chemistry / Analytical Chemistry / Chemical Science
- Contract Management
- Data Science / Statistics / Economics
- Engineering: Civil, Chemical, Electrical, Mechanical, Industrial
- Environmental Management / Water Sciences / Ecology / Geohydrology / Water Quality / Waste Management
- Geographic Information Systems / Surveying
- IT / Information Systems / Information Management
- Law
- Library Sciences
- Logistics Management / Project Management
- Marine Biology / Microbiology / Atmospheric Science
- Regional / Urban / Town Planning / Urban Design / Architecture / Landscape
- Psychology: Industrial / Organisational Psychology
Qualifications outside this list = not considered.
Who Can Apply?
- SA citizen
- Reside in Cape Town / Cape Metropolitan Area – must prove with proof of residence
- Currently in Matric OR completed Matric
- Minimum 65% overall average in Matric (use mid-year if still in Matric)
- Studying or intend to study full-time towards scarce skill at recognised SA University, University of Technology or TVET College
- NOT receiving any other bursary or NSFAS
Selection: Academic 65%+, scarce skill alignment, residency, completeness of docs, funding availability.
How to Apply – STEP-BY-STEP for City of Cape Town Bursary 2027
STEP 1: Download official form
Get City of Cape Town Bursary Application Form 2027 (.pdf) from capetown.gov.za OR collect at any library or Walk-in Centre.
STEP 2: Prepare certified documents
Certified ID (not older than 3 months), Matric mid-year OR certificate, full academic record on letterhead, proof of registration/acceptance, statement of account, proof of residence, 2 references.
STEP 3: Complete form fully
Fill all sections, sign, ensure phone and email are correct.
STEP 4: Hand deliver BEFORE closing
Deliver to any Walk-in Centre. No email submission for 2027.
STEP 5: Keep proof
Shortlisted contacted by 15 Jan 2027. No feedback by then = unsuccessful.
WALK IN CENTRES:
- Bellville Municipal Office Walk-in Centre: Reed Street, Bellville, 7530
- Brackenfell: Cnr Paradys and Old Paarl Roads, 7560
- Cape Town Civic Centre: 2nd Floor Podium, Cash Office & MVR, 12 Hertzog Boulevard, 8000
- Parow: Civic Centre, Voortrekker Road, Parow, 7500
- Plumstead: Municipal Office / MVR, Cnr Victoria and Main Roads, 7140
- Strand: Ground Floor, Municipal Office / MVR, Cnr Fagan and Main Roads, 7140
Service Commitment: Year-for-year work at City of Cape Town after graduation. Gives you work experience.
Closing Date
17 Aug 2026 – No late applications
Contact: HR Service Desk Tel: 0860 103 089 / 021 400 3434 (option 6) Email: external.bursaries@capetown.gov.za
FAQ – City of Cape Town Bursary 2027
1. Can TVET College students apply for City of Cape Town bursary?
Yes. The City accepts Universities, Universities of Technology AND TVET Colleges, but your qualification must be on the scarce skills list and the institution must be accredited in South Africa.
2. Can I apply if I have NSFAS or another bursary?
No. If you are receiving NSFAS or any other bursary / financial assistance for the same studies, you will be disqualified. You must be 100% unfunded.
3. Do I need 65% in every subject?
No. You need a minimum 65% overall average in Matric, not per subject. Current Matric learners can use mid-year results to apply, then submit final results later.
4. I live in Stellenbosch, Paarl or Wellington – can I apply?
No. You must reside within the boundaries of the City of Cape Town Metropolitan Municipality. Proof of residence is compulsory. Stellenbosch and Drakenstein are separate municipalities with their own bursaries.
5. Does the bursary cover accommodation and textbooks?
No. Official advert confirms only registration, tuition and exam fees. It does not list accommodation, meals, transport, books or laptop. Plan for those costs separately.
6. Can I apply for part-time studies?
Only if your scarce skills qualification is NOT offered full-time. You must attach a letter from your institution confirming it is not available full-time.
7. What is the year-for-year service commitment?
After you graduate, you must work for the City of Cape Town for the same number of years you were funded. Example: 3 years funded = 3 years service. This gives you guaranteed work experience.
8. Where do I actually submit the form?
No email for 2027 – hand delivery only to Walk-in Centres listed above (Bellville, Brackenfell, Cape Town Civic Centre, Parow, Plumstead, Strand) or at City libraries. Submit early – queues are long before closing date.
9. When will I know if I am successful?
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by 15 January 2027. If you get no feedback by then, consider your application unsuccessful.
10. What makes my application stand out?
Attach optional items: awards/certificates, recommendation letter from teacher/mentor, and proof of any volunteer/work done in your field. Also ensure ID certified within 3 months and academic record is on official letterhead – most rejections are due to uncertified or incomplete docs.