Bursary Overview – Golden Arrow Bus Services 2025/2026
Golden Arrow Bus Services (GABS) Bursary 2025 was the last confirmed intake for BSc Computer Science 2nd year and higher, and 2026/2027 intake is expected October 2026. Owned by Hosken Consolidated Investments, operating 1100+ buses on 1300+ routes in Cape Peninsula and Cape Flats since 1861 – from horse-drawn carriages to modern fleet. This is not a general bursary – it is a scarce-skills pipeline for their IT systems.
If you are 2nd year BSc Computer Science in 2025/2026 with household income under R400k (R600k with disability) or SASSA recipient, and willing to work back 1 year per year funded – this bursary pays tuition, accommodation, transport plus R4000/month stipend. No form needed – email only.
What Does GABS Pay For?
- Tuition Fees – 100% – per DHET guidelines, direct to university
- Accommodation – actual cost charged by university
- Transportation – aligned to DHET rates
- R4000 per month stipend – incidental and reasonable costs, as GABS determines
- Service Contract: 1 year work at Golden Arrow for each year funded – guaranteed IT job pipeline
Do You Qualify? Requirements for 2025/2026
- South African citizen only
- Studying BSc Computer Science – entering 2nd year or higher in 2025 – 2026 expected same
- Household income NOT more than R400 000 per annum – R600 000 if living with disability
- SASSA grant recipients automatically qualify – all SASSA types
- Academic record – good standing in Computer Science
- Willing to work for Golden Arrow Bus Services for number of years funded
- At recognised public university in South Africa
Who CANNOT Apply?
- First year BSc Computer Science – must be 2nd year+
- Non-SA citizens
- Household income above R400k (R600k disabled) without SASSA
- Non-Computer Science degrees – only BSc Computer Science funded (2025 cycle)
- Private university students
- Students not willing to sign service contract
How to Submit Your Application for 2025/2026
STEP 1: Prepare email
Subject line: Golden Arrow Bursary 2025/2026 – Your Full Name – BSc Computer Science 2nd Year
STEP 2: Write motivation
1 paragraph – why Computer Science, why Golden Arrow IT, financial need, SASSA if applicable, willingness for service contract.
STEP 3: Attach certified docs as PDF
ID, Matric, academic transcript, proof of enrolment, proof of address, income proof, referees letters – see checklist below.
STEP 4: Send to raymonddakuse@gabs.co.za before closing – no form
No online portal – email only. Save sent email as proof.
STEP 5: Wait for interview
Shortlisted contacted for interview – if no feedback in 6 weeks, regard as unsuccessful.
Supporting Documents Checklist
- Certified ID document – not older than 3 months
- Certified Matric certificate
- Certified previous academic transcripts
- Proof of enrolment – on university letterhead confirming BSc Computer Science 2nd year+
- Proof of Address
- Parents/guardians proof of income – 3 months bank statements or payslips, affidavit if unemployed
- Recommendation letters from academic or professional referees
- Disability assessment report – if disabled (for R600k threshold)
- Death certificate of parents – if orphaned
Contact GABS
Contact: Raymond Dakuse – Education Training and Development Practitioner | Email: raymonddakuse@gabs.co.za | Tel: 021 003 8555 | Official: Golden Arrow Bus Services (Pty) Ltd – 1300+ routes Cape Peninsula & Flats | Owned by HCI
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Golden Arrow Bursary open for 2026?
2025 was last confirmed intake. 2026/2027 not yet announced by Golden Arrow – expected October/November 2026 based on previous cycles. Email raymonddakuse@gabs.co.za to be added to notification list. Do not pay anyone claiming early application.
How much does Golden Arrow bursary pay?
Tuition fees, accommodation at actual university cost, transportation per DHET guidelines, plus R4000 per month stipend for incidental costs. Amount determined by GABS from time to time.
Does Golden Arrow bursary require work back?
Yes. 1 year work at Golden Arrow Bus Services for each year funded. If funded 2 years, you work 2 years in their IT department after graduation. Guaranteed job pipeline.
Can SASSA recipients apply for Golden Arrow bursary?
Yes. All SASSA grant recipients automatically qualify regardless of household income, but must still be 2nd year+ BSc Computer Science and willing to sign service contract.
Is there an application form for Golden Arrow bursary?
No. There is no form. You apply by emailing raymonddakuse@gabs.co.za with subject Golden Arrow Bursary 2025/2026 and attaching all certified documents as PDF.
What fields does Golden Arrow fund besides Computer Science?
2025 cycle funded only BSc Computer Science 2nd year+. Previous years via CPUT partnership also funded engineering. For 2026/2027, contact Raymond Dakuse – fields may expand to IT-related scarce skills.
Explore More IT Bursaries: IT Bursaries 2027 OPEN | Knight Piésold Bursary 2027 – 15 Aug | City of Cape Town Bursary 2027 – 17 Aug