- Bursaries in South Africa are essential means for young people to gain access to higher education amid the increasing costs associated with the pursuit of post-secondary degrees. The Gauteng City Region Academy (GCRA) Bursary Programme, for 2026, is among the most powerful and most accessible funding opportunities for young people in South Africa. This bursary, provided by the Gauteng Provincial Government, targets academically deserving and financially needy students regardless of the field of study.
#### GCRA Bursary Programme Overview 2026
The GCRA Bursary Programme is a full-cost (subject to contract condition) bursary intending to empower young people from Gauteng to access post-secondary education. In contrast to the majority of bursaries that are targeted only to certain scarce skills, GCRA bursaries are applicable for both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees across all fields and are hence beneficial to students from all academic disciplines, including education, humanities, commerce, science, engineering, health sciences, and the creative industries.
**The deadline for submission of applications is 28 February 2026,** and eligible students are advised to submit their applications sooner to avoid missing out on the opportunity.
#### Who is Eligible for the GCRA Bursary?
The GCRA Bursary Programme has several eligibility categories, subject to some minimum requirements. Eligible candidates include the following:
* Learners who have completed Matric and are residents of Gauteng (residency proof is needed)
* Learners planning to obtain an undergraduate degree and who have received admission offers or have registered at a recognized accredited institution
* Learners who have already commenced their postgraduate studies and have gained admission to an accredited university
The broadness of eligibility criteria provides an opportunity for school leavers, university students, and postgraduates to apply for the bursary.
#### Automatically Qualifying Categories
The bursary programme acknowledges some exceptional high school students, who because of their commendable academic track record are automatically considered for the award. These categories of students, however, must still complete the online application. They include:
* Gauteng school top achievers
* Gauteng top achiever from a no-fee paying school
* Gauteng top three achievers from LSEN (Learners with Special Educational Needs) schools
This is a strong demonstration of the programme to recognize and reward positive academic performance and mainstream children with disabilities.
Minimum Eligibility Requirements
In order to qualify for the GCRA Bursary Award, applicants must fulfill the following criteria:
* Must be a South African Citizen by birth
* Must be 18 years and not older than 35 years
* Youth from Gauteng will be prioritized
* Must be studying or plan to study at a South African accredited higher learning institution
These criteria do not mean that you will be guaranteed funding, and not adhering to them will be a basis for disqualification.
Fields of Study Covered
A Bursary Programme funded by the GCRA has many positive attributes, one of which is that it considers applications from all study fields. A student not only pursuing a degree but also a postgraduate qualification should not feel restricted to pursue their interests from a career point of view. The Bursary Programme will fund the studies of students for a qualification in any field.
## Supporting Documents Needed
To process your application, please upload your certified and valid documents listed below:
* A certified copy of your South African ID (birth certificate)
* Proof of residence within Gauteng (e.g., utility bill or letter from ward councillor)
* Certified copy of your Matric certificate and/or your most recent academic results
* Proof of your parent(s) or guardian(s) income or a sworn affidavit
* A motivation letter (keeping it under two pages)
* Your proof of registration or your acceptance letter from a recognized institution
* A medical report, if applicable
Remember that **applications may be disqualified if incomplete**, so please be careful and check every upload before you submit.
## Why is the GCRA Bursary Important
The GCRA Bursary Programme is an essential part of fighting the inequality and the slow development of skills within Gauteng. The programme provides full-cost funding while covering an extensive list of fields of study. This helps remove financial obstacles and allows more young people to participate productively within the economic and social development of Gauteng.
How to Apply for the GCRA Bursary 2026
Applications must be submitted online via the GCRA Bursary Portal.
Step-by-step Application Process
- Register an account
 Click here to register:
https://gcrabursary.gauteng.gov.za/Account/Register - Login to your account https://gcrabursary.gauteng.gov.za/Account/Login
- Complete the online application
- Provide personal and academic details
- Enter institution and course information
- Upload all required supporting documents
Students who choose to study in 2026 can take full advantage of the GCRA Bursary Programme, allowing them to concentrate on their studies without the stress of financial burdens. As the call for applications approaches, interested students should begin sourcing their documents, drafting their motivation letters, and submitting their applications on or before the **28 February 2026 deadline**. This bursary will unlock many possibilities for students.
