Eastern Cape Department of Education Invites You to Apply for the 2026 Bursary Programme
The deadline for applications is 02 December 2025.
What is the 2026 Bursary Programme?
The Eastern Cape Department of Education (ECDOE) is looking for unemployed young people in the province who want to study full‑time at a public South African university or TVET college.
If you can’t afford school, this bursary may cover most of your costs – from registration fees to books, meals and even rent for the year.
Who can apply?
- Anyone who is 18 to 35 years old (you can go up to 45 if you have a disability)
- Must be a South African citizen living in the Eastern Cape
- Must want to study at a public university or TVET college
- Must meet the academic and demographic requirements listed below
- First‑time bursary recipients get priority
How much can you get?
The bursary can pay up to R100 000 per year, depending on the institution. It covers:
- Registration fees
- Tuition fees
- Books and study materials
- Room and board (where applicable)
- Daily meals
Special Bursaries
| Bursary | What It Covers | Who It Helps |
|---|---|---|
| Military Veteran Dependants | All the items above + extra up to R100 000 per year | Dependants of military veterans who are unemployed and want to study at a public institution |
| Disability Bursary | Registration, tuition, books, accommodation, meals | Unemployed youths with a disability who were students at an ECDOE special school |
| Teaching Bursaries (PGCE & B.Ed.) | Full tuition, books, venue and catering for practical courses | Graduates with at least two teaching subjects or those who want to train as teachers in high‑demand subjects |
How to Apply
- Grab the application form – you can download it from the ECDOE website.
- Fill it out carefully and use the official checklist to make sure nothing is missing.
- Collect the required documents (see the list below for each bursary).
- Take the complete application to your nearest district office – you can’t apply online.
Documents Needed
| Bursary | Typical Documents |
|---|---|
| General | Application letter, completed bursary form, proof of ID, matric certificate, proof of registration at a public institution |
| Military Veteran Dependants | Additional proof that you depend on a veteran (e.g., a letter or certificate) |
| Disability | Medical certificate confirming disability, testimonial from your former special school |
| Teaching Bursaries | Proof of two teaching subjects in your degree, list of subjects you want to teach |
Popular Courses for the Disability Bursary
- Handyman: tiling, plastering, bricklaying, carpentry, plumbing, painting
- Assistant Chef
- Hairdressing
- Arts: music, ceramic design, fine arts
- Dressmaking, beadmaking, boiler making
- Auto body & painting
- Holistic massage & beauty
Priority Areas for Study
The ECDOE focuses on skills that are scarce or critical for the province:
- Mathematics
- Life Sciences
- Physical Sciences
- Geography
- Technical subjects
- Agriculture, IT & coding
- Design, engineering graphics
- Braille & sign language (SASL)
- Neurodevelopmental support
District Allocation (Sample)
| District | Military | Disability | PGCE | B.Ed & Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alfred Nzo East | 2 | 10 | 10 | 5 |
| Alfred Nzo West | 3 | 10 | 10 | 5 |
| … | … | … | … | … |
| Total | 19 | 119 | 90 | 68 |
(Each district receives a specific number of bursaries based on the funding model. Check your own district’s limits on the official advert.)
Quick Checklist Before You Submit
- Are you 18–35 years old? (45 if you qualify for disability).
- Do you live in the Eastern Cape?
- Are you applying to a public university or TVET college?
- Do you meet the academic requirements?
- Have you filled out the application completely?
- Have you gathered all the documents listed?
If you answered “yes” to all of these, you’re ready to hand your application over to a district office.
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Short Answer |
|---|---|
| Can Grade 12 students apply? | Yes – if you’re from the Eastern Cape. |
| Does it pay everything? | Most bursaries cover tuition, registration, books, meals, and accommodation. |
| What if I’m already studying? | Yes, if you’re enrolled at a public institution and you’re not funded. |
| How do I apply online? | You can’t – submit the paper form at your district office. |
| Which fields get priority? | Education, scarce skills, technical subjects, and disability‑focused programmes. |
Next Steps
- Download the full advert and the application form from the ECDOE website.
- Prepare your documents as outlined above.
- Go to your nearest district office and hand in your application before 02 December 2025.
Good luck, and remember – this bursary is a chance to build a better future without the financial pressure of college costs.
