City of Cape Town Bursary 2027 for Scarce Skills
Bursary Description
The City of Cape Town is offering a comprehensive bursary programme for the 2027 academic year, aimed at supporting students who reside within the Cape Town metropolitan area. This initiative is specifically designed to address critical skills shortages within the municipality and the broader Western Cape region. By investing in the education of its residents, the City of Cape Town aims to cultivate a future workforce equipped to tackle the complex challenges facing urban development, public service, and environmental sustainability. This bursary represents a significant opportunity for aspiring students to pursue higher education in fields deemed essential for the city's growth and well-being, fostering local talent and ensuring a pipeline of skilled professionals for municipal service. The programme is open to individuals pursuing undergraduate, postgraduate, Honours, Masters, or Doctorate degrees. It underscores the City's commitment to empowering its youth and contributing to the socio-economic development of Cape Town by providing access to quality education in areas of high demand. The bursary seeks to attract and retain talent within the city, encouraging recipients to contribute their expertise to public service upon completion of their studies.
What the Bursary Covers
Registration fees
Examinations and Tuition fees
Who Should Apply
Applicants must be South African citizens residing in Cape Town, Western Cape. They should either be currently in Matric or have completed Matric with a minimum overall average of 65%. The bursary is intended for students who are studying or intend to study full-time towards a qualification in one of the specified scarce skills fields at a recognised and accredited South African tertiary institution (University, University of Technology, or TVET College). Part-time studies may be considered if the qualification is not offered full-time, with written confirmation from the academic institution. Importantly, applicants must not be receiving any other bursary awards or financial assistance, including NSFAS.
Why This Bursary Stands Out
This bursary offers a unique opportunity for students to gain invaluable, hands-on work experience through a mandatory year-for-a-year service commitment at the City of Cape Town after graduation. This commitment not only fulfills an obligation but also provides a direct pathway into public service, allowing recipients to apply their academic knowledge in a practical, impactful environment. It serves as a crucial stepping stone for career development within the municipal sector, offering exposure to real-world challenges and contributing to the betterment of the community. The focus on scarce skills ensures that recipients are entering fields with high employment potential and significant societal relevance.
How to Apply
Download City of Cape Town Bursary Application Form 2027 (.pdf)
Alternatively, you may collect a copy of the application form at one of the City libraries or Walk-in Centres listed below.
Required Documents
Submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation along with your completed application form:
ID document (certified copy – not older than 3 months)
Matric mid-year results, if currently in Matric
Matric certificate, if completed Matric
Full academic record/ transcripts, if currently studying (on institutions letterhead)
Proof of registration or provisional acceptance at a tertiary institution, if not studying yet (on institutions letterhead)
Statement of account from tertiary institution, if registered and studying
Awards or certificates won, if applicable
Recommendation letter from a teacher/ mentor/ peer, if applicable
2 contactable references (with their contact details)
Proof of residence
Proof of work completed in your chosen field of study, if applicable
Applications can be submitted in either of the following ways:
Email: external.bursaries@capetown.gov.za (Insert the words “City of Cape Town Bursary 2027” in the email subject line).
Or
Hand delivery to any of the following Walk-in Centre:
Bellville Municipal Office Walk-in Centre: Reed Street, Bellville, 7530
Brackenfell Walk-in Centre: Cnr Paradys and Old Paarl Roads, Brackenfell, 7560
Cape Town Civic Centre Walk-in Centre: Civic Centre, 2nd Floor Podium (Cash office & MVR), 12 Hertzog Boulevard, Cape Town, 8000
Parow Walk-in Centre: Civic Centre, Voortrekker Road, Parow, 7500
Plumstead Walk-in Centre: Municipal Office/ MVR, Cnr Victoria and Main Roads, Plumstead, 7140
Strand Walk-in Centre: Ground Floor, Municipal Office/ MVR Office, Cnr Fagan and Main Roads, Strand, 714
Requirements
Must be a South African citizen
Must reside in Cape Town, Western Cape province
Must be currently in Matric or have completed Matric
Must have achieved a minimum overall average result of 65% in Matric
Must be studying or intend on studying full-time towards a qualification within one of the scarce skills areas listed
Part-time studies may be considered if the qualification is not offered full-time, subject to written confirmation from the academic institution
Must be studying or registered to study at a recognised and accredited tertiary institution in South Africa (University, University of Technology or TVET College)
Must NOT be receiving any other bursary awards or financial assistance (including NSFAS)