Drakenstein Municipality Bursary targets South African students who are passionate about securing their future by attaining a qualification. The Drakenstein municipality understands that this is not possible without financial support. That is why this bursary opportunity is made available to deserving students. Students from Paarl, Gouda, Simondium, Saron and Wellington are encouraged to request financial assistance.
Fields of Study Supported by the Drakenstein Municipality Bursary
Applications are invited from students who intend undertaking the following study fields:
- Accredited Skills Programs (Digger-loader/ hairdressing/ Grass Cutting/ welding/ painting)
- Artisan Development Training (Building construction/ diesel mechanics/ electrical: plumbing/ heavy current/ welding)
- Community and social development fields
- Engineering (Electro-Technical Engineering/ Civil Engineering/ Mechanical Engineering)
- Finance (Accounting/ Financial Management/ Auditing)
- Sports Administration, Public Administration & Services (including: Firefighting, Human Resources, Law Enforcement, Public Management, Traffic Management)
- Town & Regional Planning, Local Economic Development and Tourism, Architectural Technology, Environmental, Water/ Wastewater, Solid Waste
Eligibility Requirements
The bursary is made available to students who reside within the Drakenstein municipality areas listed here: Paarl, Gouda, Simondium, Saron and Wellington
Additionally you must meet the following criteria in order to apply for the bursary:
- Applicants must be between 18-35 years of age
- Applicants must be a permanent resident within the Drakenstein Municipality area i.e., within Paarl, Gouda, Simondium, Saron and Wellington
- Applicants must intend to study full-time towards any qualification in any field of the study mentioned by Drakenstein Municipality
- Applicants must be studying or applied to an accredited and recognized Higher Educational institution in South Africa
Grads24.co.za is committed to accurate, up-to-date bursary information. This page outlines important information about the Drakenstein Municipality Bursary.
How To Apply?
All applicants must download the Drakenstein Municipality Bursary Application Form 2026 in order to apply.
DOCUMENTS NEEDED
Your application for the bursary must be accompanied by the following documents:
- A certified copy of your South African ID document
- Current students must submit certified copies of current results
- If not currently studying, then certified copies of results of the latest examination
- Provide proof that you have applied and will be registered at an accredited South African Higher education institution preferably on their letterhead
- Details of the applicant’s course along with bank details, study duration, scope and tuition fees, preferably on the institute’s letterhead
- Certified copy of proof of residence in Drakenstein Municipality
- Proof of income of parents or guardians. If employed, the latest payslips and if unemployed, an affidavit from SAPs are required.
Certified copies of supporting documents must be recent (within 3 months). Failure to provide these will disqualify you.
Complete application form with documents listed above must be sent back to the municipality by one of the two methods:
By Email:
ExternalBursaries@drakenstein.gov.za OR RuralBursaries@drakenstein.gov.za
By Post:
Drakenstein Municipality
Human Resources Training and Development Section
Ground Floor,
Paarl Civic Centre,
Bergrivier Boulevard,
Paarl, 7622
Closing Date
Closing Date: 10 October 2025 at 15:00 (2026 intake). Year 2027 intake is expected to open on 10 October 2026 at 15:00.
No late applications will be accepted after closing date. Submit your application and documents before the deadline. Consider your application unsuccessful if you have no feedback until 31 Jan 2026.
Bursary Contact Information
Should you wish to communicate with the Municipality regarding the bursary, please do so by contacting:
- Ms Ntomboxolo Mandla
- Tel no.: 021 807 4503
Note: Contact Drakenstein Municipality ONLY if the bursary is still open. If closed, browse our full list of current bursaries on https://grads24.co.za/bursary-alerts
Applications for this bursary are now closed for the 2026 intake cycle. An update will be provided if there is extension or new intake for 2027.
Article last updated in August 2026.
Best wishes with your studies and financial support application. Feel free to share this page with anyone looking for bursary.
You may also want to view other Government Bursaries and Scholarships like:
Frequently Asked Questions About Drakenstein Municipality Bursary
Can I apply if I live in Gouda but want to study at UCT or CPUT in Cape Town?
Yes. What matters is that you permanently reside in the Drakenstein area — Paarl, Wellington, Gouda, Saron or Simondium. You can study anywhere in South Africa at an accredited institution.
Do I need to reapply if I got the Drakenstein bursary last year?
No. According to Drakenstein.gov.za, current bursary holders do not need to reapply. Your bursary will be automatically renewed if you meet the academic performance requirements as per the bursary policy.
Can I apply if I am already funded by NSFAS?
No. The municipality checks for double-dipping. If you have NSFAS or another full bursary, you will be disqualified. This is a partial bursary for students without other full funding.
What if the municipal utility bill is not in my name?
Attach a certified copy of the bill PLUS an affidavit from SAPS confirming you live at that address in Paarl, Wellington, Gouda, Saron or Simondium. Many applications get rejected because they skip the affidavit.
When will I know if my application was successful?If you have not received feedback by 31 January 2026, you should consider your application unsuccessful for the 2026 intake. For 2027, expect feedback by 31 January 2027.
What Can You Study With Drakenstein Municipality Bursary And What Will You Earn After?
Drakenstein doesn’t just fund degrees — they fund jobs the municipality needs. This is your advantage when you write your motivation letter.
1. Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electro-Technical)
What you do: Work on Paarl roads, Wellington water plants, Drakenstein sewers.
Starting salary in Western Cape: R22,000 – R28,000 pm as Junior Technician. After ECSA registration: R35k+.
2. Artisan Development (Welding, Plumbing, Electrical Heavy Current, Diesel Mechanic, Building Construction)
This is the MOST funded category and least competitive.
What you do: Maintain municipal buildings, fix burst pipes in Gouda, electrical faults in Saron.
Starting salary: Plumber/Welder: R18,000 – R22,000 pm, Electrician Heavy Current: R24,000 pm, Diesel Mechanic: R20,000 pm. You can also get private jobs on weekends in Paarl.
3. Finance (Accounting, Auditing, Financial Management)
What you do: Work in Drakenstein Municipality Finance Department.
Starting salary: R20,000 – R26,000 pm as Finance Intern, up to R35k as Accountant.
4. Town & Regional Planning, Architectural Technology, Environmental Management
High demand in Drakenstein because of new housing developments in Simondium and Paarl East.
Starting salary: R21,000 – R27,000 pm.
5. Public Safety (Firefighting, Traffic Management, Law Enforcement)
What you do: Join Drakenstein Fire Department, Traffic Dept.
Starting salary: R15,000 – R19,000 pm plus overtime.