City of Cape Town
City of Cape Town Bursary
Closes
17 August 2026
Value
Tuition, exams, registration
Level
Undergraduate to Doctorate
For
Cape Town residents
Sector
Local Government
Work-back
1 year per year funded
About this bursary
The City of Cape Town offers financial support to residents of the Western Cape capital who are pursuing qualifications in municipal scarce skills. The award pays for core study costs including tuition charges, registration, and official examination fees.
Funding covers a wide range of study levels, starting from undergraduate degrees up to doctoral studies. The programme aims to develop qualified personnel in local demand areas such as engineering, data analytics, urban planning, and environmental management.
Recipients agree to work for the local municipality following graduation. The work commitment equals one year of service for every academic year supported by the grant.
Obligation
Graduates must complete one year of employment at the City of Cape Town for each year funded.
Courses of study covered
What the bursary covers
Who can apply
You qualify if
- Applicants must be South African citizens living in the Cape Town metropolitan area.
- Candidates must be currently enrolled in matric or hold a completed matric certificate with an overall average of at least 65%.
- Studies must be in an identified scarce skill field at a recognised tertiary institution, university of technology, or TVET college in South Africa.
- Full-time enrollment is required, though part-time study may be permitted if a course is only offered part-time with institutional confirmation.
- Applicants must not hold any other bursaries, scholarships, or financial assistance, including NSFAS.
You do not qualify if
- Students living outside the Cape Town municipal boundaries are ineligible.
- Applicants currently receiving NSFAS or other bursary funding will not be considered.
Documents you need to submit
- Certified copy of South African identity document
- Mid-year matric results for current grade 12 pupils
- Matric certificate for past school leavers
- Full academic record on official letterhead for current tertiary students
- Proof of tertiary registration or provisional admission letter
- Statement of student account if currently enrolled at tertiary level
- Proof of residence within Cape Town
- Two contactable references with current details
- Recommendation letter from a mentor, teacher, or peer
- Copies of relevant awards or certificates if available
Certified copies must not be older than three months.
How to apply
- 1Download the application form or collect one from a Cape Town library or municipal walk-in centre.
- 2Complete all sections of the form with accurate information.
- 3Attach all compulsory supporting documents to your completed form.
- 4Submit your application via email or deliver it in person to a designated municipal walk-in centre.
When emailing, include City of Cape Town Bursary 2027 in the subject line.
How you are selected
Forms, downloads and links
Application form (PDF)
resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Forms,%20notices,%20tariffs%20and%20lists/External-Bursary-Application-Form.pdfEmail the bursary team
[email protected]City libraries information
capetown.gov.za/Work%20and%20business/See-all-City-facilities/Our-service-facilities/Libraries