The Northern Cape Provincial Government is calling on unemployed youth in the province to apply for its 2027 bursary programme. Applications close on 30 September 2026. The initiative targets those seeking undergraduate qualifications in fields where skills are in short supply.
Bursary Programme Details And Eligibility
The bursary is open to South African citizens aged 18 to 30 who live in the Northern Cape and are currently unemployed. Applicants must be completing or have completed Matric and intend to study full-time or online towards a first-degree qualification. The programme is specifically aimed at those pursuing studies in areas identified as scarce or critical skills.
Preference will be given to students who demonstrate both academic merit and financial need. The government has stated that priority will be given to applicants in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics fields.
Fields Of Study And Covered Expenses
The bursary supports undergraduate studies in disciplines linked to hard-to-fill vacancies in both the public and private sectors. While the list of eligible qualifications is not exhaustive, applicants are encouraged to confirm their chosen field’s eligibility on the application form. Priority is placed on STEM-related qualifications.
The bursary may cover registration fees, tuition, prescribed books and accommodation. However, it will not settle outstanding or pre-existing study debt. Applicants are advised not to include unpaid fees from previous years in their funding requests for 2027.
Bursary Value And Financial Assessment
The value of the bursary is determined by a sliding scale based on household income. For households earning up to R350,000 annually, the maximum bursary value is R120,000. Those with incomes between R350,001 and R550,000 may receive up to R100,000, while households earning up to R800,000 could qualify for R80,000. The final amount awarded depends on financial circumstances, academic needs and available funding.
Applicants must provide detailed and accurate financial information, including household income, bank statements, tax status and employment details. Incomplete or missing information may result in delays or disqualification.
Application Process And Required Documentation
Applicants must submit a completed application form along with certified copies of their identity document, latest academic results, proof of acceptance or registration, and a curriculum plan. Additional documents related to financial and family circumstances are also required. All certifications must be dated within the previous six months.
Unemployed applicants aged 23 to 30 must include a SARS confirmation letter reflecting their tax status. Depending on individual circumstances, documents for parents, guardians or spouses may also be necessary, such as proof of income, bank statements, tax assessments, affidavits or social grant slips.
Selection Criteria And Notification
Applications will be evaluated on eligibility, academic performance, financial need and the relevance of the chosen qualification. Preference is given to financially needy and academically deserving students, those attending public institutions, students with disabilities and those pursuing priority STEM qualifications.
Meeting preference criteria does not guarantee a bursary award. Successful applicants will be contacted by 26 February 2027. Those who do not receive feedback by this date should consider their applications unsuccessful.
Submission Methods And Collection Points
Completed applications can be submitted via email or hand-delivered to the designated office in Kimberley. Forms are available for collection at various government offices, Thusong Centres, TVET colleges and the Department of Basic Education. Applicants are encouraged to apply early, as gathering the necessary documents may take time.
Contractual Obligations And Important Reminders
Successful candidates will be required to sign a contract with the Northern Cape Provincial Government. Applicants are advised to review the agreement carefully before accepting the bursary. The government has not disclosed the full contractual terms or any service obligations at this stage.
Applicants should ensure all documents are complete and certified, and that their application is submitted before the closing date. Late or incomplete applications may not be considered.