The Gauteng City Region Academy Bursary Programme is offering financial assistance to South African students from Gauteng who wish to pursue their studies in the 2025 academic year. This bursary aims to support students by covering essential academic expenses, ensuring they can focus on achieving their educational goals. Applications for the Gauteng City Region Academy Bursary Programme are open until 28 February 2025.
About the Gauteng City Region Academy Bursary Programme
The Gauteng City Region Academy Bursary Programme is designed to alleviate the financial burden of tertiary education for students residing in Gauteng. The bursary provides funding for multiple academic expenses, including:
- Registration fees
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation costs:
- Up to R65 000 for residence accommodation
- Up to R47 000 for off-campus/private accommodation
- Books and study materials
- Laptop
- Living allowance (for off-campus/private accommodation)
This comprehensive funding package ensures that students from Gauteng can pursue their studies without financial strain.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the GCRA Bursary Programme, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- South African Citizenship: Only South African citizens are eligible to apply.
- Age Requirement: Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old.
- Residency: Only students residing within the Gauteng province are considered.
- Matric Completion: The applicant must have completed Matric in Gauteng.
- Institutional Acceptance: A valid acceptance or registration letter from a higher education institution for the 2025 academic year is required.
- Accredited Institution: The applicant must be registered at an accredited Post School Education and Training (PSET) institution in South Africa. These include:
- Universities
- Universities of Technology
- TVET Colleges
- Private Colleges
- Skills Development Providers
- Preferred Study Fields: Priority is given to students pursuing studies in sectors aligned with the GGT2030 strategy, including:
- Art and Design
- Finance, Economics, and Accounting
- Electrical Infrastructure Construction
- Civil Engineering Construction
- Hospitality Management
- IT and Computer Science
- Mechanical, Automotive, and Diesel Engineering
- Tourism
- Transport and Logistics
Additionally, top achievers from Gauteng-based schools, including the top three learners from no-fee schools and top three learners from LSEN (Learners with Special Education Needs) schools, automatically qualify. However, they must still submit an application.
How to Apply for the GCRA Bursary
Students interested in the GCRA Bursary Programme must submit their applications online through the GCRA Bursary Portal. The application process includes:
- Registering an Account: Applicants must first create an account on the GCRA portal.
- Logging In: Once registered, they must log in to start their application.
- Completing the Application: Applicants must provide personal information, academic history (including Matric results), details of their chosen tertiary institution, and upload the required supporting documents.
Application Categories
Applicants must specify their application category, choosing between:
- New Intake
- Renewal
- Top Achiever
- Top-up Funding
For more details on application categories, students should refer to the GCRA guidelines.
Required Documents
Applicants must submit certified copies of the following documents (in PDF format, each file not exceeding 2MB):
- South African ID
- Matric certificate
- Most recent academic record (if currently studying)
- Proof of acceptance/registration from a tertiary institution (on institution letterhead)
- Proof of residence in Gauteng (utility bill or letter from ward councillor/traditional authority)
- Motivational letter (max 2 pages) explaining why they deserve the bursary
- Disability/medical report (if applicable)
- Parents’/guardians’ proof of income (payslips or affidavit if unemployed)
- Proof of other financial assistance (if applicable)
Important Notes for Applicants
- Portal Issues: If the GCRA Bursary Portal is not working, applicants should check their internet connection or try using a different browser (Chrome, Safari, or Internet Explorer).
- Application Status: Successful applicants will be notified within 3 to 4 weeks after submission. If no response is received after four weeks, the application is considered unsuccessful.
- Payments: The GCRA Bursary Programme disburses funds directly to institutions, while allowances for laptops, books, and living expenses are paid directly to students.
- Assistive Devices: Students requiring assistive devices for their studies can request support via gdeinfo@gauteng.gov.za.
- Appeals: Declined applicants can appeal by sending an email to gdeinfo@gauteng.gov.za.
Application Deadline
The closing date for the GCRA Bursary Programme 2025 is 28 February 2025. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Prospective students are encouraged to apply early to avoid last-minute issues.
Check also: Sanlam Group Bursary Programme 2025
The GCRA Bursary Programme is a valuable opportunity for students in Gauteng to access higher education without financial hardship. With full coverage for tuition, accommodation, books, and living expenses, this bursary ensures that deserving students can focus on their academic goals without worrying about funding. Aspiring applicants should submit their applications before 28 February 2025 to secure this financial support.