The GCRA Bursary 2026 is a major funding opportunity for students living in the Gauteng Province, South Africa, who want financial support for tertiary education.
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The bursary is offered by the Gauteng City Region Academy (GCRA) under the Gauteng Department of Education.
This funding helps students pay for study costs like tuition, accommodation, books, and allowances.
It is open to both undergraduate and postgraduate applicants. The application deadline for this bursary is 28 February 2026.
All applications must be submitted online through the official bursary portal.
Getting this bursary can greatly reduce the financial burden of study and make tertiary education more accessible for qualifying students.
What is the GCRA Bursary?
The GCRA Bursary is a financial support programme that helps youth in Gauteng pursue higher education.
It can cover full study costs, subject to the bursary contract terms.
Funding can include registration fees, tuition fees, accommodation costs, books, a laptop allowance, and a living allowance for students living off-campus.
The programme is part of the Gauteng City Region Academy’s initiative to develop a skilled workforce in the province.
Students in almost any field of study can apply, although priority is sometimes given to sectors aligned with Gauteng’s growth strategies.
Who Can Apply for the GCRA Bursary?
To apply for the GCRA Bursary 2026, applicants must meet certain criteria:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Be between 18 and 35 years old.
- Reside in Gauteng Province.
- Have completed Matric and been accepted or registered at a recognised tertiary institution for undergraduate or postgraduate studies.
- Provide all required supporting documents when applying online.
Applicants must upload certified copies of their ID, proof of residence, academic records, proof of acceptance or registration, and proof of household income or an affidavit if applicable.
Students with disabilities should include a medical or disability report where necessary.
What Fields of Study Does the GCRA Bursary Cover?
The GCRA Bursary 2026 supports students studying any field of study at accredited institutions in South Africa.
This includes both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
While all fields are eligible, preference may be given to qualifications that align with priority growth sectors in Gauteng.
These sectors include art and design, finance and accounting, civil and electrical infrastructure, hospitality management, information technology, mechanical and automotive engineering, and tourism and transport logistics.
Students in these priority areas may have a stronger chance of receiving funding, but applicants from other fields can still apply and be considered.
How Do I Apply for the GCRA Bursary 2026?
All applications for the GCRA Bursary 2026 must be submitted online through the official GCRA bursary portal. To begin the process:
- Visit the official application site: https://gcrabursary.gauteng.gov.za.
- Register an account if you are a first-time applicant.
- Log in to your account.
- Complete the online application form with correct personal and academic details.
- Upload all required documents in the correct format.
- Agree to all terms and conditions.
- Submit your application before the closing date.
Make sure you save your login details and double-check all information before submission. Once submitted, the application cannot be changed.
What Documents Are Needed for the Application?
When applying for the GCRA Bursary, you must provide clear and certified copies of specific documents. These usually include:
- Your South African ID document.
- Matric certificate or latest academic results.
- Proof of acceptance or registration at a recognised institution.
- Proof of residence in Gauteng, such as a utility bill.
- Proof of household income from parents or guardians, or an affidavit where applicable.
- A motivation letter explaining why you need the bursary.
- Medical or disability reports if relevant.
Incomplete or incorrect documentation may lead to your application being disqualified.
Ensure each file is named correctly and meets the size requirements before uploading.
What Is the Closing Date for the GCRA Bursary?
The official closing date for the GCRA Bursary 2026 is 28 February 2026.Â
Applications submitted after 23:59 on this date will not be accepted or considered.
It is important to apply as early as possible to avoid last-minute technical issues or missing documents.
Late applications are not permitted under any circumstances.
What Happens After I Submit My Bursary Application?
After you submit your application, the GCRA will review all submissions.
Shortlisted candidates are usually contacted three to four weeks after the closing date via email or SMS.
If you do not receive any feedback within this period, it likely means that your application was not successful.
Students who are not successful can improve future applications by ensuring all documents are correct, submitting on time, and meeting all eligibility criteria.
Contact details for enquiries are available on the official bursary site.