• The Gauteng City Region Academy is offering bursaries to students to study at tertiary institutions in 2023.
• Those awarded bursaries will have their registration fees, tuition fees, accommodation and even a notebook covered by the GCRA.
• Applications close on the 28th of February 2023 and there is a host of criteria applicants must meet.

The Gauteng Department of Education has announced opportunities for new 2023 bursaries have been launched by the Gauteng City Region Academy (GCRA).

[BURSARY OPPORTUNITY] Applications for the Gauteng City Region Academy (GCRA) Bursary are now open!

Eligible youth in Gauteng are encouraged to carefully read the criteria below & apply before 28 February 2023.

To apply, visit: https://t.co/KS9Qf7FmNv

Apply Now! 📚🎓 pic.twitter.com/7TJ66nLtEu

— Gauteng Department of Education (@EducationGP1) November 1, 2022

South African learners are currently right in the middle of the fourth day of the end of year matric exams. Today thousands across the country will be sitting down for their first History paper and later for their first Engineering, Graphics and Design exam (check out the official 2022 NSC timetable here.)

The matric exams will run until the first weeks of December then matrics will be able to enjoy a break before results are released. This is obviously a time of great confusion in the lives of many young people who are still deciding what to do next year.

The GCRA is looking to make this decision a bit easier and is offering bursaries for eligible youth in Gauteng. Those interested should read the criteria and apply before 28th February 2023.

“GCRA is offering financial assistance to students who want to continue their education but lack the resources to cover the cost of study,” says All Bursaries South Africa.

Bursaries from the GCRA are for students who wish to “study for an undergraduate and/or post-graduate programme at an accredited and registered Post School Education and Training institution in South Africa,” according to the programme.

Once awarded, the bursaries will cover the following expenses (as per the respective contract):

• Registration fees,
• Tuition fees,
• Accommodation cost,
• Books,
• It even covers the costs of a notebook.

Bursary awardees staying in residence a maximum amount of R65 000. Students residing off-campus or in private accommodation will receive a maximum of R47 000. GCRA says that it will calculate the final amount each bursar will receive.

The GCRA says for students to be awarded bursaries they will need to fulfil a list of several eligibility criteria. There is also a limited number of bursaries on offer so not everyone who applies will receive on. Therefore those interested should apply sooner rather than later to maximise their chances.

The eligibility requirements for GCRA 2022 – 2023 bursaries are:

• Must be a South African citizen;
• Must reside within the Gauteng province;
• Must be between the age of 18 to 35 at the time of applying;
• Importantly, those who apply must have completed Matriculation;
• Students on an undergraduate programme must be either studying or have registered themselves to study at a PSET (Post School Education and Training) institution that is registered and accredited, such as Wits University or UJ, among others;
• Postgrad students must be either studying or have registered themselves to study at a tertiary institution of higher learning towards a postgraduate qualification;
• Applicants must also have a “strong academic record”.

The GCRA also outlines the criteria that will see applicants get preference over others. The following will see learners get automatically selected for the bursary:

• The applicant is the top achiever at their school in Gauteng;
• Applicant belongs to the top three learners if studying at a no-fee paying school in Gauteng;
• applicant belongs to the top three learners if studying at an LSEN (Learners with Special Education Needs) government school in Gauteng.

How to apply for GCRA bursaries:

The application process for the 2023 GCRA bursaries is entirely online. However, the academy warns that, “while it’s simple, you need to be diligent and attentive while completing the steps. Incomplete or erroneous submissions are rejected without further consideration.”

Applicants should go here for the form – simply click on Apply/Register. Alternatively, if you already have an account with the GCRA, click here.

Then you will have a chance to look over the criteria for the bursary. If you meet these, click on next. Here you will have to register an account with your personal details before you can login and apply.

You will also be required to input your final Matric results, so students currently writing will have to wait to apply (but it doesn’t hurt getting the rest of the information ready to go so consider bookmarking this article till then).

Once logged in, you will have to choose which of the bursaries you will be applying for. There is a whole host of processes here, from new intake to bursary renewals and even top achiever bursaries.

Now, applicants should begin preparing the host of information they will need, including certified copies of their Matric Certificates and results during a semester course, as well as a certified ID copy, proof of registration with a tertiary institution (if you’re applying for an undergrad or postgrad bursary), a proof of residence, and then you will require a Letter of Motivation indicating why you desire the bursary.

Any applicable medical or disability information compiled in a report, proof of income of parents/guardians and affidavits will be required if you are from a single-parent home, if your parents are unemployed, if you live with a guardian, if you are an orphan, or if your surname is different from your parents or guardians.

For any queries, you can reach the GCRA at this email address – gdeinfo@gauteng.gov.za.

Remember to apply before 28th February 2023 after which the bursaries will close. Good luck.

For a full, detailed guide to apply, click here (PDF).

[Image – CC 0 Emily Ranquist on Pexels]