If you are a resident of Gauteng, aged between 18-35, and have completed Matric or are already in tertiary studies (undergraduate or postgraduate), the GCRA Bursary 2025 offered full support for tuition, registration, accommodation, books, laptop and living allowance (for private/off-campus housing). The deadline was 28 February 2025. At BursaryForms, we are your guide to success!

About the GCRA

The Gauteng City Region Academy (GCRA) is part of the Gauteng Department of Education. It seeks to build a skilled, capable, and ethical workforce for the Gauteng City Region by supporting young people through bursaries, internships, learnerships and other skills programmes.

Fields Covered by the GCRA Bursary

The GCRA bursary is broad in terms of eligible fields. It supports studies in any undergraduate or postgraduate field at accredited institutions. Preference is given to students in priority sectors under the Gauteng Growth & Transformation Plan 2030 (GGT2030), such as:

  • Art & Design
  • Finance, Economics & Accounting
  • Electrical Infrastructure Construction
  • Civil Engineering Construction
  • Hospitality Management
  • IT & Computer Science
  • Mechanical / Automotive / Diesel Engineering
  • Tourism
  • Transport & Logistics

Expenses Covered by the GCRA Bursary

The bursary in 2025 covered all major study costs, subject to contractual terms, including:

  • Registration / tuition fees
  • Accommodation costs (on-campus: up to R65,000; off-campus/private up to R47,000)
  • Books and prescribed learning materials
  • Laptop
  • Living allowance for students staying off-campus/private accommodation

Eligibility Requirements for the GCRA Bursary

To apply, applicants needed to meet all of these criteria in 2025:

  • Be a South African citizen.
  • Be aged between 18 and 35 years.
  • Reside in Gauteng province.
  • Have completed Matric (or equivalent) or be currently registered/accepted for undergraduate/postgraduate studies at a recognised Post-School Education & Training (PSET) institution in South Africa.
  • Preference given to students in priority sectors (as listed above).

At BursaryForms, we are supporting you with preparation tips:

  • Ensure all your documents are certified and legible early (ID, Matric/academic record, proof of residence, acceptance letter etc.).
  • Check whether your field is among the priority sectors under GGT2030 – applying in those may increase your chance.
  • Submit the online application before the deadline – late or incomplete applications are disqualified.

This page was updated on October 7, 2025 to provide the most current bursary information.

Indicate “www.bursaryforms.co.za” when asked how you heard about this bursary.

How to Apply for the GCRA Bursary

Here’s how the 2025 application process was structured:

  • Register an account on the GCRA Bursary Portal (via the GCRA / Gauteng funding website).
  • Log in and complete the application form. Attach required supporting documents: certified ID, Matric certificate or latest results, proof of acceptance or registration at an accredited institution, proof of residence, etc.
  • Submit the application online before the closing date.

Related Bursaries in South Africa

Apply for multiple bursaries in South Africa to increase your chances of receiving funding this year.

Closing Date for the GCRA Bursary

28 February 2025 was the deadline.

This deadline has passed. Late applications were not accepted.

Contact the GCRA Provider

If you have questions or need to follow up:

Gauteng City Region Academy (GCRA)
Email: gdeinfo@gauteng.gov.za
Tel: 0800 000 789 / 011 355 0000
Website: gcra.gautengfunding.co.za

Frequently Asked Questions

Click each question to see its answer about the GCRA Bursary.

Is the GCRA Bursary 2026 open yet?+
No confirmed public announcement for the 2026 round was found as of the latest search.
Can I apply if I’m studying outside Gauteng?+
No. You must be a resident of Gauteng.
Will the bursary cover a laptop?+
Yes. A laptop is included among the benefits.
Is there a living allowance?+
Yes, for students staying off-campus/private accommodation.
Are students at TVET colleges eligible?+
Yes — students at recognized PSET institutions including HEIs and TVET colleges are eligible.
What happens if I miss the deadline?+
Then the application is not considered. The 2025 deadline (28 February) was firm.
Who do I contact about bursary renewals?+
Use Email: Bursaries.Gcra@gauteng.gov.za for renewal queries.
Is there a preference for high achievers?+
Yes. The top 3 Grade 12 learners from no-fee, SSIP and LSEN government schools get preference.
Do I need to provide proof of acceptance?+
Yes. Proof of acceptance or registration at a recognized institution is required.

Before you apply for any bursary, make sure you have a clear plan. Download our comprehensive Bursary Application Checklist to stay organized, submit your documents correctly, and increase your chances of success.

Bursary Application Checklist