Western Cape Health Bursaries 2027: Fund Your Health Science Studies

The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness is offering bursaries for the 2027 academic year to unemployed South African students residing in the Western Cape. This program aims to support students pursuing careers in priority health-related fields. The application deadline is September 30, 2026.

About the Western Cape Health Bursary Programme

This bursary program is designed to help students who want to study in important health science fields. It is specifically for unemployed individuals living in the Western Cape who have already finished their Matric. If you get the bursary, you will need to sign an agreement promising to work for the Department after you finish your studies. The goal of the bursary is to help the province get more skilled healthcare workers. It supports full-time study in certain health qualifications.

About the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness

The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness is in charge of providing healthcare services to people in the Western Cape province. They run many health centers and programs to improve public health and well-being. The department works to make sure everyone in the region can get good healthcare.

Available Bursary Opportunities

The bursary can help you study for these health science qualifications:

• Emergency Care Assistant – Higher Certificate
• Emergency Medical Care – National Diploma
• Medicine – MBChB Degree
• Nursing R169 – Higher Certificate
• Nursing R171 General Nurse – Diploma
• Nursing R174
• Nursing – Bachelor’s Degree
• Occupational Therapy
• Pharmacy
• Physiotherapy
• Speech Therapy

The Department might change this list based on what health services are needed most in the province.

What the Bursary Covers

If you are chosen for the bursary, it can pay for:

• Registration fees
• Tuition fees
• Examination fees

The bursary does not cover accommodation costs. You will need to arrange and pay for your own housing.

Programme Duration and Location

This bursary is for full-time study at a recognized Higher Education Institution in the Western Cape. The length of the bursary will match the length of the qualification you choose. The time you will need to work for the Department after graduating will be explained in the bursary agreement.

Minimum Requirements

To be considered for this bursary, you must meet these requirements:

• Be a South African citizen.
• Live in the Western Cape.
• Be unemployed.
• Have completed Matric.
• Be studying or plan to study full-time.
• Be pursuing one of the listed health science qualifications.
• Be studying, accepted, or waiting for acceptance at a recognized Higher Education Institution.
• Be willing to complete any required clinical hours and practical training.
• Be willing to sign a full-time bursary contract.
• Agree to the work-back obligation after finishing your studies.
• Have no criminal record.

Who Should Apply?

This bursary is a great chance for unemployed young people in the Western Cape who have finished Matric. It is for those who are passionate about working in healthcare and want to help the community through public health. If you have been accepted or are waiting to hear back from a university for one of the health science courses, this bursary can help pay for your education.

Required Documents

You will need to get certified copies of these documents:

• South African ID document
• Matric certificate
• Your most recent qualification or academic results
• Proof that you live in the Western Cape
• Proof of disability, if this applies to you

You also need to provide:

• A motivational letter explaining why you want the bursary.
• Proof of income for your parents or guardians (like recent payslips, SASSA confirmation, or SARS tax certificate).

How to Apply

You need to apply online through the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness bursary website. You will have to register an account using your 13-digit South African ID number. After registering, fill out the online application form and upload all the necessary supporting documents.

Important Notes

• You must be a South African citizen and live in the Western Cape.
• You must be unemployed and have completed Matric.
• The bursary covers registration, tuition, and exam fees, but not accommodation.
• You will have to work for the Department after you finish your studies. Community service counts towards your first year of this obligation.
• You need to submit a motivational letter and certified copies of your documents.
• Applications close on September 30, 2026. Only those who are shortlisted will be contacted.

Closing Date

The last day to apply is September 30, 2026. Make sure you submit all your documents correctly before this date.