City of Cape Town Bursaries 2027: Apply for Scarce Skills Funding

The City of Cape Town is offering bursaries for the 2027 academic year to South African students residing in Cape Town who are pursuing studies in fields identified as scarce skills. This programme aims to support individuals studying towards qualifications that are in high demand within the municipality.

Application Closing Date: 17 August 2026
Location: Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
Programme Duration: Not specified
Stipend: Not specified (covers registration, examination, and tuition fees)
Minimum Qualification: Matric with 65% average
Opportunity Type: Bursary

About the City of Cape Town Bursary Programme 2027

The City of Cape Town’s bursary programme is designed to address the shortage of professionals in critical sectors within the municipality. It provides financial assistance to students undertaking undergraduate and postgraduate studies, including Honours, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees. The focus is on qualifications that align with the City’s service delivery needs and future development plans.

This initiative supports students who are committed to developing their careers in areas essential for the functioning and growth of Cape Town. By investing in education for scarce skills, the City aims to build a capable workforce for its various departments.

About the City of Cape Town

The City of Cape Town is the local government responsible for the administration of the City of Cape Town metropolitan municipality. It is one of the eight metropolitan municipalities in South Africa. The City provides a wide range of services to its residents, including water, sanitation, electricity, waste management, and public transport. It also plays a key role in urban planning, economic development, and social services.

Fields of Study Covered

The bursary specifically targets qualifications in fields identified as scarce skills by the City of Cape Town. These fields are crucial for the municipality’s operations and strategic objectives.

The supported study areas include:

• Accounting
• Auditing and Internal Auditing
• Chemistry and Analytical Chemistry
• Contract Management
• Data Science and Statistics
• Economics
• Various Engineering disciplines (Civil, Chemical, Electrical, Mechanical, Industrial)
• Environmental Management and Water Sciences
• Ecology
• Geographic Information Systems and Geohydrology
• Information Technology, Systems, and Management
• Law
• Library Sciences
• Logistics Management
• Marine Biology and Microbiology
• Atmospheric Science
• Regional, Urban, and Town Planning
• Project Management
• Industrial and Organisational Psychology
• Water and Waste Management
• Urban Design and Landscape-related studies
• Surveying
• Architecture

Qualifications outside these areas may not be considered unless specifically approved.

What the Bursary Offers

Successful applicants will receive financial support for their studies. The bursary covers:

• Registration fees
• Examination fees
• Tuition fees

The provided information does not confirm funding for accommodation, meals, transport, textbooks, laptops, study equipment, or personal allowances. Applicants should be prepared to cover these expenses themselves.

Programme Duration and Location

The bursary is intended for the 2027 academic year. The programme duration for individual studies will vary depending on the chosen qualification. The bursary is specifically for students residing in Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa.

Minimum Requirements

To be considered for the City of Cape Town Bursary Programme, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be South African citizens.
• Reside in Cape Town, Western Cape.
• Be currently completing Matric or have already completed Matric.
• Achieve a minimum overall Matric average of 65%.
• Be studying or planning to study towards one of the listed scarce-skills qualifications.
• Intend to study full-time, with limited exceptions for part-time studies if a qualification is not offered full-time.
• Be registered or accepted at a recognised and accredited South African tertiary institution.
• Not be receiving another bursary or financial assistance.
• Not be funded by NSFAS.

Matric Academic Requirement

A minimum overall Matric average of 65% is required. Current Matric learners must submit their latest available mid-year results. Those who have completed Matric must submit their final Matric certificate.

Study Institution Requirements

Applicants must study, or intend to study, at a recognised and accredited institution in South Africa. This includes Universities, Universities of Technology, and TVET Colleges.

Full-Time and Part-Time Study

The bursary is primarily for full-time students. Part-time studies will only be considered if the qualification is not available on a full-time basis, requiring written confirmation from the institution.

Other Bursaries and Financial Assistance

Applicants must not be receiving any other bursary award, NSFAS funding, or other financial assistance for the same studies.

Required Documents

Applicants must submit the completed application form along with clear copies of the following compulsory documents:

• Certified copy of the applicant’s identity document (not older than three months).
• Matric mid-year results (if currently completing Matric).
• Matric certificate (if Matric has already been completed).
• Full academic record or transcript (if currently studying).
• Proof of registration or provisional acceptance (if not yet studying).
• Tertiary institution statement of account (if currently registered).
• Proof of residence.
• Contact details for two references.

Additional documents that may be submitted include awards, certificates, recommendation letters, or proof of work completed in the chosen field.

Academic Record Requirements

Current tertiary students need to submit a complete academic record or transcript from their institution, showing student details, qualification, subjects, marks, and academic status.

Proof of Registration or Acceptance

Applicants who have not yet started studying must provide proof of provisional acceptance. Those already studying need to submit proof of registration, academic record, and statement of account.

Proof of Residence

Applicants must provide current proof of their residential address within Cape Town.

Selection Process

Applications will be assessed based on eligibility, academic performance, scarce-skills alignment, residency, funding availability, and completeness of the application. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by 15 January 2027.

Service Commitment After Graduation

Bursary recipients are required to complete a year-for-a-year service commitment with the City of Cape Town after graduation. This commitment period will align with the number of years the bursary was received.

How to Apply for the City of Cape Town Bursary South Africa 2027

Applicants must download and complete the official City of Cape Town bursary application form. The form can be accessed via the provided link. Application forms can also be collected from participating City libraries or Walk-in Centres.

Click here to apply for the City of Cape Town Bursary South Africa 2027

Completed applications, along with all supporting documents, must be hand-delivered to one of the specified City of Cape Town Walk-in Centres.

Bursary Application Closing Date

Applications close on 17 August 2026. Late or incomplete applications may not be considered. It is advisable to apply early to ensure all documents are prepared and submitted on time.

Important Application Checklist

Before submitting your application, please confirm that:

• You are a South African citizen residing in Cape Town.
• You meet the minimum Matric average of 65%.
• Your chosen qualification is on the scarce-skills list.
• Your institution is recognised and accredited.
• You are not receiving NSFAS or another bursary.
• Your ID, academic results, proof of residence, and acceptance/registration proof are attached.
• The application form is fully completed and signed.
• Your application is submitted by the closing date of 17 August 2026.

SHARE THIS POST WITH OTHERS.