2024 Bursaries: GCRA and NRF-DAAD Scholarships in South Africa

Application Period: November 1, 2023 – February 29, 2024

HOW TO APPLY:
To initiate the application process, follow these steps:

• Ensure internet access.
• Possess a valid email address, which will serve as your “Username.”
• Have a valid South African ID.
• Register and create a profile online using the application link: https://gcrabursary.gauteng.gov.za.
• Once your profile is created, log in with the provided credentials on https://gcrabursary.gauteng.gov.za/Account/Login.
• Navigate to the application tab and begin the application process by providing the required information.

BURSARY TYPES:

• Top Achiever Certificate (awarded by the MEC for Education and Youth Development).
• Financial Assistance (for those not in the Top 3 or Top Achiever categories).
• Bursary Renewal (for continuing the same qualification previously funded by GCRA).
• Bursary Reinstatement (for those suspended and now applying to be reinstated).

SUBMITTING THE APPLICATION:

• Accept the Terms and Conditions.
• Submit the application.
• Receive an SMS with a reference number confirming your application (keep it safe).
• Amend and resubmit the application before the closing date if needed.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY:

• South African citizen.
• Youth who matriculated and reside in Gauteng.
• Ages 18 to 35 years.
• Intending to study a full-time undergraduate/postgraduate program.
• Accepted at any accredited Higher Education Institution in South Africa.
• Those under financial assistance studying towards STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) qualifications.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

• Certified ID Copy.
• Certified Matric results or statement.
• Acceptance letter from an accredited Higher Education Institution.
• Proof of Residence (Municipality bill or letter from Ward councillor).
• Motivational letter written by the applicant.
• Academic record (if continuing with undergraduate/postgraduate studies).
• Certified IDs from both parents.
• Certified salary advice/proof of income for both parents.
• In the case of deceased parent/s, provide death certificate/s.
• Single parents, attach proof in the form of an affidavit.
• Parents or pensioners earning Social Grants, provide SASSA letter/affidavit.

NB:

• Bursary type determines the required documents for your application.
• All documents submitted must be certified, not older than 3 months, and in PDF format.

DISCLAIMER:

• Bursaries will not be renewed for students who received one after turning 35.
• If your institution cannot claim allowances from GCRA through invoice, GCRA will only pay tuition fees.
• If you haven’t heard from GCRA two months after the closing date, consider your application unsuccessful.

NRF-DAAD In-Country Scholarships in South Africa

The NRF-DAAD In-Country Scholarship is a collaborative initiative by the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) and the NRF (National Research Foundation) designed for full-time Master’s and PhD students in South Africa across all fields of study at any South African university.

Key Information:

• Application Deadline: July 11, 2024

Eligibility Criteria:

• Applicants must be 30 years old or younger for Master’s and 32 years old or younger for PhD in the year of application.
• South African citizenship or permanent South African residency is a requirement.
• Minimum academic requirement for postgraduate funding is 65%.

Application Procedure:

• Interested candidates must submit an online application through the provided application form.
• Supporting documents include a hand-signed curriculum vitae, a letter of admission for the host university/institution/network, and certified copies of university degree certificates, transcripts, and passport.

Benefits:
The scholarship program will provide study funds to successful candidates for the year 2024.

For detailed information and to apply, visit the NRF-DAAD In-Country Scholarship Application.