The GCRA Bursary is a financial support awarded by the Gauteng City Region Academy, an agency of the Gauteng Education Department. The bursary programme creates a pool of qualified individuals who can contribute to the Province’s economic development agenda.
The agency has identified scarce skills which form part of study fields that are funded by the GCRA Bursary programme. It is a yearly programme that gets renewed when satisfactory results are submitted to the agency.
Fields of Study Covered by the GCRA Bursary
The GCRA Bursary caters for ANY fields of study pursued by Gauteng Province students in 2026 academic year. These include both Undergraduate and Postgraduate studies.
GCRA prioritises students in Gauteng’s 2030 growth sectors for this bursary programme. These fall within Art & Design, Finance, Electrical Infrastructure, Civil Construction, Hospitality, IT & Computer Science, Mechanical (Auto/Diesel), and Tourism & Logistics.
GCRA BURSARY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
The bursary is made available to students who reside in Gauteng Province. Applicants for the GCRA bursary must meet the following requirements to be considered:
- Learners from Gauteng Province (proof of residence is required)
- Only SA citizens can apply
- Applicants must be in possession of matric
- Qualifying youth (typically 18-35 of age)
- Applicants must intend enrolling for an undergraduate programme
- You must have been accepted at an accredited PSET institution of learning and/or is currently registered for such.
- Postgraduate applicants must be accepted at an accredited institution of higher learning
WHO QUALIFIES FOR THE GCRA BURSARY?
The students who meet the following criteria automatically qualify to apply. They must complete the application form online in order to be considered. They are as follows:
- Top Achievers from Gauteng Province public Schools
- Top learner from no-fee paying schools in Gauteng Province
- Top 3 learner from LSEN schools in Gauteng Province
HOW MUCH DOES THE GCRA BURSARY PAY?
The bursary caters for the following expenses:
- registration fees,
- tuition fees,
- accommodation in residence (to a maximum value of R65 000) or off-campus/ private accommodation (to a maximum value of R47 000),
- books,
- laptop and
- a living allowance for off-campus/ private accommodation.
HOW TO APPLY FOR THE GCRA BURSARY?
- STEP 1 – Visit the official GCRA Bursary Application 2026 dedicated applications page.
- STEP 2 – Complete the application form by providing required personal and academic details
- STEP 3 – Upload all required documents
- STEP 4 – Submit your application before the closing date
You can download guidelines to complete the bursary application here.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
- Certified copy of South African ID (by birth or card)
- Proof of Gauteng residence(utility bill or letter from ward councillor)
- Matric Certificate and/or latest academic results(certified)
- Proof of income from parent(s) or guardian(s) or affidavit
- Letter of Motivation not more than 2 pages, read our guide on how to write a bursary motivational letter.)
- Proof of registration or acceptance letter from PSET institution
- Disability or medical report(where applicable)
Closing Date for the GCRA Bursary
The new deadline for applications is 28 February 2026 – Apply Now before the closing date.
Important Documents To Read
Before you start applying for the GCRA Bursary Programme, please read these important documents:
Bursary Contact Information
New bursary queries (Email: gdeinfo@gauteng.gov.za/Tel: 0800 000 789 or 011 355 0000)
Bursary renewal queries (Email: Bursaries.Gcra@gauteng.gov.za)
*Please note:
- Only South African citizens may apply for this bursary. Applications from non-South African citizens will not be reviewed.
- Ensure all required documents are included with your application. Incomplete submissions will result in disqualification.
- Late applications will not be considered, so submit your application before the closing date.
This article was last updated in December 2025.
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