The Gauteng City Region Academy (GCRA) is now inviting applications for the 2024 academic year. Whether you’re pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate studies, this bursary offers financial support for students residing in Gauteng. Here’s your comprehensive guide to understanding the GCRA bursary program and how to apply.

What is the GCRA Bursary?

The GCRA Bursary is designed to support students from Gauteng by funding their academic pursuits in any field of study at accredited institutions. The bursary aligns with Gauteng’s Growth and Development Strategy (GGT2030), with a preference for priority sectors like:

• Art and Design
• Finance, Economics, and Accounting
• Civil Engineering
• IT and Computer Science
• Tourism, Hospitality Management, and more.

What Does the GCRA Bursary Cover?

The bursary offers substantial financial support, covering:

• Registration and Tuition Fees
• Accommodation: Up to R65,000 for on-campus and R47,000 for off-campus accommodation.
• Books and Laptop Allowance
• Living Allowance for off-campus accommodation.

Note: Funds are paid directly to institutions, except for allowances, which may be disbursed to students.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, you must:

• Be a South African citizen aged between 18 and 35 years.
• Reside within the Gauteng province.
• Have completed Matric in Gauteng.
• Be registered or accepted for undergraduate or postgraduate studies in 2024.
• Study at a recognized PSET institution in South Africa.

Automatic Qualification:
You qualify automatically if you are:

1. A top achiever from a Gauteng school.
2. Among the Top 3 learners from no-fee or LSEN schools in Gauteng.

Required Documents

Ensure your application includes the following certified documents:

1. ID document
2. Matric certificate
3. Most recent academic record
4. Proof of registration or acceptance at an accredited institution
5. Proof of address in Gauteng
6. A motivational letter (max. 2 pages)
7. Disability/medical report (if applicable)
8. Parents’ or guardians’ proof of income
9. Proof of other bursaries (if applicable)

Important: Save documents in PDF format, label them correctly, and ensure the file size does not exceed 2MB.

How to Apply for the GCRA Bursary

Follow these steps to apply:

1. Visit the official GCRA Bursary Application Portal.
2. Create a profile and complete the online form, including:
   • Personal and contact details.
   • Matric and tertiary institution details.
   • Upload all supporting documents.
3. Submit your application before the deadline.

Types of Applications

When applying, choose the appropriate category:

• New Intake: First-time applicants.
• Renewal: Returning bursary recipients.
• Reinstatement: Previously suspended bursaries.
• Top Achievers: High-performing students.
• Financial Assistance/Top-Ups: For students needing additional funding.

Closing Date

The application deadline is 29 February 2025. Late submissions will not be considered, so apply early to secure your spot.

Contact Information

For queries, reach out to GCRA via:

• New Bursary Queries:
  Email: gdeinfo@gauteng.gov.za | Tel: 0800 000 789 / 011 355 0000
• Renewals:
  Email: Bursaries.Gcra@gauteng.gov.za
• Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 AM – 4 PM