GCRA Bursary Renewal

The Gauteng City Region Academy (GCRA) bursary program provides financial support to deserving students pursuing undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral qualifications. If you are a current GCRA bursary recipient, you must renew your bursary annually to continue receiving financial aid. This guide provides all the essential information about renewing your GCRA bursary for 2026.

How to Renew Your GCRA Bursary

Renewing your GCRA bursary is straightforward. Follow these steps to ensure your application is submitted successfully:

1. Register Online

  • Visit the official GCRA bursary portal at gcrabursary.gauteng.gov.za.
  • Log in with your existing credentials or create an account if needed.
  • Use a valid email address to register or update your account information.

2. Email Queries

If you encounter issues during the renewal process, email Bursaries.Gcra@gauteng.gov.za with your query.

3. Submit Required Documents

Ensure that all supporting documents are:

  • Certified (not older than three months)
  • In PDF format
  • Under 2MB per file

Important Dates

  • Application Closing Date: February 28, 2026
    Late applications will not be accepted.
  • If you haven’t received a response within two months after the closing date, your application is likely unsuccessful.

Eligibility Criteria for Renewal

To be eligible for renewal:

  1. Current Enrollment: You must be continuing your undergraduate, Master’s, or PhD qualification.
  2. Age Limit: Renewals are valid only for those between 18–35 years old, excluding bursaries awarded at age 35.
  3. Institution Criteria:
    • If your institution cannot claim allowances, the GCRA bursary will only cover tuition fees.
  4. Previous Funding: You must have been funded by the GCRA bursary in the prior academic year.

Required Documents for Renewal

Ensure that the following documents are submitted with your renewal application:

  • Certified ID document
  • Certified Matric certificate
  • Latest academic record (certified)
  • Proof of registration for the 2024 academic year at a recognised institution
  • Proof of address in Gauteng (e.g., utility bill, councilor letter)
  • Motivational letter (max. 2 pages)
  • Disability report, if applicable
  • Certified proof of parent/guardian income or affidavit if unemployed
  • Proof of any other bursaries you currently receive

💡 Pro Tip: Label your documents appropriately (e.g., “ID copy”) and ensure file sizes do not exceed 2MB.

Additional Information

Here’s what you should know about the GCRA bursary renewal process:

  • Renewals are only for students continuing their current studies.
  • If you received a bursary at age 35, it will not be renewed for subsequent years.
  • Automatic Qualification: Top achievers in Gauteng-based schools, no-fee-paying schools, and LSEN schools automatically qualify but still need to apply.

Fields of Study for Priority

Preference is given to students pursuing qualifications in GGT2030 priority sectors, including:

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  • Art and Design
  • Finance, Economics, and Accounting
  • Engineering (Electrical, Civil, and Mechanical Automotive)
  • Hospitality Management
  • IT and Computer Science
  • Tourism, Transport, and Logistics

 

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Complete Guide to NSFAS Online Loan Application for South African Students (2025)

If you are a South African student looking to pursue higher education but are facing financial difficulties, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is one of the most accessible funding options available. NSFAS provides financial aid in the form of bursaries and loans to qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the NSFAS loan application process, from eligibility requirements to application steps and frequently asked questions.

📌 What is NSFAS?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded financial aid scheme aimed at helping students from low- and middle-income households to access tertiary education without the burden of upfront fees.

NSFAS offers both bursaries and income-contingent loans:

  • Bursaries: For eligible students who meet academic and household income criteria (especially for TVET and university students).
  • Loans: For students who do not meet all bursary criteria or who are pursuing postgraduate qualifications not funded under bursary schemes.

✅ Who Qualifies for an NSFAS Loan?

To qualify for an NSFAS loan (especially for postgraduate students or programs not funded under the bursary system), you must:

  • Be a South African citizen.
  • Be financially needy, with a household income of less than R350,000 per year.
  • Have a valid South African ID.
  • Be enrolled or accepted to study at a public university or TVET college.
  • Not be funded through another bursary program that covers all expenses.
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress (returning students).

📚 Courses Funded by NSFAS

NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate qualifications, but certain postgraduate programs (e.g., PGCE, postgraduate diplomas in education, and professional courses like LLB) may be considered under the NSFAS loan scheme, not bursaries.

If you’re studying:

  • Undergraduate degree or diploma: You are likely eligible for a full NSFAS bursary.
  • Postgraduate study: You may qualify for a loan, depending on the course and funding availability.

📄 Required Documents for NSFAS Application

When applying, make sure you have the following documents scanned and ready:

  1. Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
  2. Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
  3. Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
  4. Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
  5. Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
  6. Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).

🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online

Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)

  1. Visit the NSFAS Website

    Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za

  2. Create an Account

    • Click on “MyNSFAS” and register your profile.
    • You’ll need a valid email address and South African cellphone number.
    • Choose a strong password and verify your account via email or SMS.

  3. Login and Start the Application

    • After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
    • Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.

  4. Fill in Your Personal Details

    • Input your ID number, name, surname, and other details exactly as they appear on your ID.
    • Provide household income information and living arrangements.

  5. Upload Required Documents

    • Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
    • Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.

  6. Submit Your Application

    • Review your application for accuracy.
    • Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.

  7. Track Your Application

    • Log in regularly to check your application status.
    • You will be notified via SMS and email at each stage of the process.

🗓️ Important NSFAS Dates (2025)

  • Application Opening Date: September 1, 2025
  • Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
  • Appeals Period: February 2026 (if rejected)
  • Disbursement: After registration and approval

Note: Dates are subject to change; always confirm on the official NSFAS website.

💸 What Does the NSFAS Loan Cover?

NSFAS funding typically includes:

  • Tuition fees
  • Registration fees
  • Accommodation (if living away from home)
  • Meals and transport
  • Learning materials (e.g., textbooks)

For loans, repayment is only required once you start working and earn above a threshold (around R30,000 annually, but subject to change).

🔄 NSFAS Loan Repayment

Repayments are:

  • Income-contingent – you only repay when you can afford to.
  • Administered by DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training).
  • Interest-bearing, but interest rates are low and favorable.

You can also apply for a partial loan conversion to a bursary if you perform well academically.

🔁 How to Appeal a Rejected NSFAS Application

If your application is rejected, you may submit an appeal via your MyNSFAS portal:

  1. Log into your MyNSFAS account.
  2. Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
  3. If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
  4. Upload any missing or corrected documents.
  5. Provide a clear explanation or motivation.

📱 NSFAS Contact Information

📝 Final Tips Before Applying

  • Apply early to avoid system overload near the deadline.
  • Use your own email and cellphone number (do not use someone else’s).
  • Double-check that all your documents are certified and legible.
  • Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for reference.

By following this guide, you can confidently apply for NSFAS funding and move one step closer to achieving your academic and career dreams—without the burden of immediate financial pressure.

 

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