The GCRA bursary, run by the Gauteng City Region Academy, is open to qualifying South African youth, with particular preference given to youth from Gauteng. The criteria list asks for a South African citizen aged 18 to 35 who lives in Gauteng and has been accepted at, or is registered with, an accredited post-school education and training institution.
The portal wording on residence is mixed: it says the programme is open to all qualifying youth with a preference for Gauteng, yet the criteria refer to youth residing in Gauteng. If you live outside Gauteng, ask GCRA before you apply. Applications for the 2026 intake have closed on the GCRA bursary portal.
Eligibility Requirements at a Glance
The programme covers undergraduate and postgraduate study at an accredited, registered institution in South Africa. To qualify you need to meet these requirements.
- Be a South African citizen and a young person aged between 18 and 35.
- Live in Gauteng (preference is given to Gauteng youth).
- Have been accepted at an accredited institution, or be currently registered at one. Postgraduate applicants must also have been accepted.
The top three Grade 12 learners at every no-fee, SSIP and LSEN government school in Gauteng qualify for a bursary. They must still apply online.
Income and Affordability Requirements
The application asks for proof of your parent or guardian’s income, or an affidavit where there is no income. The portal does not publish a household income threshold, so ask GCRA how income is weighed before you assume you do or do not qualify.
Credit and Financial Requirements
The bursary does not check your credit record. It covers the full cost of study, with conditions, as set out in the bursary contract. Read the contract carefully before you sign, and ask GCRA about anything it says on service, placement or academic progress, because the portal does not set these out.
Documents and Verification Required
Have these ready to upload.
- A certified copy of your South African ID.
- Proof of Gauteng residence, such as a utility bill or a letter from your ward councillor.
- Your certified matric certificate or latest results.
- Proof of your parent or guardian’s income, or an affidavit.
- A motivation letter of no more than two pages.
- Proof of registration or acceptance at your institution.
- A disability or medical report, where applicable.
How to Apply and Improve Approval Readiness
Apply online on the GCRA bursary portal. Application is in two steps. Step 1 is your profile: personal details, address, matric information and guardian details. Step 2 is the application itself: your institution details, any other sponsor, your compulsory documents and acceptance of the terms.
The 2026 window has closed and no 2027 opening or closing dates are published yet. Check the portal regularly, and scan your certified documents beforehand so you can apply as soon as it opens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to live in Gauteng?
The criteria require youth residing in Gauteng, and you must submit proof of Gauteng residence. The programme also describes itself as open to all qualifying youth with a preference for Gauteng youth, so if you live elsewhere, confirm with GCRA first.
What is the age limit for the GCRA bursary?
Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old.
Who qualifies automatically?
The top three Grade 12 learners from all no-fee, SSIP and LSEN government schools in Gauteng qualify for a bursary. They still have to apply online.
Does the bursary cover postgraduate study?
Yes. It covers undergraduate and postgraduate study at an accredited, registered institution, and postgraduate applicants must have been accepted.
What does the GCRA bursary cover?
The full cost of study, with conditions, as stipulated in your bursary contract.
Are applications open now?
The 2026 applications have closed. Watch the portal for the next intake.
Confirm current criteria and dates with the Gauteng City Region Academy. See loan requirements if you need other funding, read the bursary requirements and NSFAS requirements, and browse all finance and funding requirements.