GrandWest Bursary Programme 2026
The GrandWest Bursary Programme invites eligible Western Cape students to apply for this year’s 2026 funding. The closing date for applications is 15 January 2026.
What is the GrandWest Bursary?
If you live in the Western Cape and want to study at university but feel the cost of tuition is a roadblock, the GrandWest Bursary could be the answer. This scholarship gives money to undergraduate students who are looking to enter fields that the job market is looking for now and in the future.
Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Bursary name | GrandWest Bursary Programme 2026 |
| Application deadline | 15 January 2026 |
| Study level | Full‑time undergraduate |
| Eligible province | Western Cape only |
| Covered fields | Tourism & Hospitality, IT, Agriculture, Entrepreneurship, HR, Marketing, Finance, Electrical & Mechanical Engineering |
| Eligible universities | University of the Western Cape, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, University of Cape Town, Stellenbosch University |
| Special note | Students with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply |
| Contact e‑mail | studywithgrandwest@suninternational.com |
Why These Fields Matter
GrandWest chose its scholarship areas based on the skills that companies need right now and in the coming years.
| Field | Typical Careers | Why It’s Useful |
|---|---|---|
| Tourism & Hospitality | Hotel manager, event planner, tourism development officer, chef or hospitality manager | Growing industry, lots of jobs in South Africa |
| Information Technology | Software developer, data analyst, systems administrator | Every sector uses digital tech |
| Agriculture | Sustainable farming specialist, agribusiness manager, food systems coordinator | Food security and rural development |
| Entrepreneurship | Startup founder, business coach, product innovator | Creates jobs, drives economic growth |
| Human Resources | Talent manager, labour relations officer, HR analyst | Key for any business to run smoothly |
| Marketing | Digital marketing strategist, brand manager, communications officer | Helps businesses reach customers |
| Finance | Accountant, financial analyst, economist | Keeps companies solvent and growing |
| Electrical & Mechanical Engineering | Civil engineer, renewable energy engineer, production manager | Builds infrastructure and technology |
Who Can Apply?
Check all these boxes before you send your application:
- You live in the Western Cape.
- You are enrolled in a full‑time undergraduate program.
- You completed matric in South Africa.
- You are a student at UWC, CPUT, UCT, or Stellenbosch University.
- Your major is one of the fields listed above.
Students with disabilities—such as dyslexia, diabetes type 1, epilepsy, visual or hearing impairments—are welcomed and encouraged to apply.
How to Put Your Best Foot Forward
Step 1 – Gather your paperwork
- A copy of your ID.
- Proof that you live in the Western Cape (utility bill, lease, etc.).
- Your academic transcript.
- Evidence of university registration for 2026.
Step 2 – Make sure your subject matches
If you’re studying something outside the listed fields, you’ll need to explain why you’re still interested in the scholarship.
Step 3 – Send the request
Email studywithgrandwest@suninternational.com to ask for the application form.
Send your completed application well before 15 January 2026 so you don’t miss any details.
Tips to Strengthen Your Application
- Apply early; don’t wait until the deadline day.
- Keep your CV tidy and professional.
- Double‑check that all proof‑of‑residence documents are up‑to‑date.
- If you have a disability, include it in your application—this scholarship is designed to be inclusive.
- Ask a teacher or mentor to review your application before you submit it.
What Happens After You Get the Bursary?
The scholarship isn’t just money—it opens doors. Many recipients go on to:
- Land entry‑level jobs right after graduation.
- Enter graduate training or internship programmes.
- Build their own businesses.
- Become mentors for future students.
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is it only for undergraduates? | Yes, postgraduates are not eligible. |
| Can I be from outside the Western Cape? | No, the bursary is exclusive to Western Cape residents. |
| Do I need to study at a specific university? | Only students at UWC, CPUT, UCT or Stellenbosch University can apply. |
| Is there a maximum amount? | The exact financial details are not listed; contact the email address for confirmation. |
| What if I have a disability? | You are encouraged to apply – the scholarship supports inclusive education. |
| Any age restrictions? | The bursary has no specific age limit, only the eligibility conditions above. |
Important Notice
- The scholarship is administered by GrandWest and Sun International.
- All final decisions are made by the bursary provider.
- Always verify the latest details by emailing studywithgrandwest@suninternational.com.
Stay Informed
If you’re serious about your future and want a chance to study in a career that matters, consider applying for the GrandWest Bursary Programme 2026. Don’t wait—send your application well before the 15 January 2026 deadline, and give yourself the best chance to succeed.
