Each year the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness (formerly the Department of Health) awards a limited number of bursaries for full-time study in health professions. The department aims the programme at unemployed people living in the Western Cape, and every bursary comes with a contract to work for the department after qualifying.
The 2027 round closed on 30 September 2026
Applications for bursaries for the 2027 academic year opened on 15 June 2026 and closed on 30 September 2026, according to the department’s online bursary system. The department says outcomes will only be finalised in January or February 2027, so applicants should not expect an answer before then.
If you missed this round, plan for the next one. The department has not yet announced dates for 2028 bursaries. The 2027 window ran from mid-June to the end of September. Check the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness bursary system from mid-2027.
Qualifications the department funds
- Emergency care: Higher Certificate in Emergency Care Assistant and National Diploma in Emergency Medical Care
- Nursing: Higher Certificate in Nursing (R169), Diploma in Nursing (R171, general nurse), the R174 nursing degree and the B Nursing
- Rehabilitation therapies: occupational therapy, speech therapy and physiotherapy degrees
- Medicine
- Pharmacy
Students outside these fields can look at other medical and health bursaries, such as the DENOSA bursary for nurses.
Who the department considers
- A South African citizen living in the Western Cape
- Unemployed
- Holding a matric certificate
- Accepted, or awaiting acceptance, at an accredited higher education institution for the qualification
- No criminal record
Apply to your university or college first, then apply for the bursary. The department’s system takes applications online only: you register, fill in the form and upload your documents on the system.
Fees covered, accommodation not
Once you sign a full-time bursary contract, the Department of Health and Wellness pays your registration, study and examination fees. The department does not pay for accommodation, so arrange housing and living costs separately before you accept.
How the work-back obligation is paid off
The department’s FAQs set out two stages. First, you complete community service where your profession requires it. After that, you must apply for a post in the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness and work there for the remaining years in your contract. If you do not work back the obligation, you must repay the bursary money.
For questions, use the contact page on the Department of Health and Wellness bursary system. Gauteng students hoping to study medicine on a provincial bursary can compare the Gauteng Department of Health’s Cuba medical programme.
Can I apply if I live in another province but study in Cape Town?
The department lists residence in the Western Cape as a requirement. Students from other provinces should check their own provincial health department’s bursary.
Does community service count towards my obligation?
Yes. The department counts the community service year as the first part of the work-back. The rest is served in a Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness post.