The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness invites unemployed South African students residing in the Western Cape to apply for the Health Bursary Programme for the 2027 academic year.
Bursary Application Closing Date: 30 September 2026
Bursary Location: Western Cape, South Africa
Western Cape Health Bursary Programme 2027
The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness is offering bursary funding to qualifying students who want to pursue careers in priority health-related fields.
The bursary is aimed at unemployed South Africans who reside in the Western Cape and have completed Matric.
Successful recipients will be required to enter into a bursary agreement that includes a work-back obligation after completing their studies.
Bursary Programme Overview
Organisation: Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness
Programme: Health Bursary Programme 2027
Province: Western Cape
Target Group: Unemployed South Africans residing in the Western Cape
Study Mode: Full-time
Closing Date: 30 September 2026
Application Method: Online
Fields of Study Funded
The bursary supports selected health science qualifications, including:
- 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 may adjust the list of funded qualifications depending on its service-delivery needs.
What the Bursary Covers
According to the supplied information, the bursary may cover:
- Registration fees.
- Tuition fees.
- Examination fees.
Accommodation
Applicants should note that:
Accommodation is not covered by this bursary.
Students should therefore plan separately for accommodation costs where applicable.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must:
- Be South African citizens.
- Reside in the Western Cape.
- Be unemployed.
- Have completed Matric.
- Be studying or intending to study full-time.
- Be pursuing one of the eligible health science qualifications.
- Be studying, accepted or awaiting acceptance at an accredited Higher Education Institution.
- Be willing to complete clinical hours where required.
- Be willing to sign a full-time bursary contract.
- Accept the applicable work-back obligation.
- Have no criminal record.
Matric Requirement
Applicants must have:
Completed Matric
The supplied information does not indicate that current Grade 12 learners who have not yet completed Matric are eligible.
Study Institution Requirement
Applicants must be studying, accepted or awaiting acceptance at an:
Accredited Higher Education Institution
The qualification must fall within one of the fields supported by the Department.
Clinical Training Requirement
Applicants studying qualifications that include clinical components must be willing to complete the required:
- Clinical hours.
- Practical training.
- Workplace-based learning requirements.
Work-Back Obligation
Successful bursary recipients will be required to sign a bursary contract that includes a work-back obligation.
After completing their studies, recipients will be expected to work for the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness for the period specified in their bursary agreement.
The supplied information states that the:
Community service year counts as the first year of the work-back obligation.
Applicants should carefully review the final bursary agreement before accepting the funding.
Required Supporting Documents
Applicants must prepare certified copies of:
- South African ID document.
- Matric certificate.
- Most recent qualification or academic results.
- Proof of residence in the Western Cape.
- Proof of disability, where applicable.
Applicants must also submit:
- Motivational letter.
- Parents’ or guardians’ proof of income.
Proof of Household Income
Depending on the household circumstances, proof of income may include:
- Latest payslips.
- SASSA confirmation letter.
- SARS tax certificate.
The supplied information states that these documents should be certified.
Motivational Letter
Applicants must submit a motivational letter supporting their application.
The letter should explain:
- Why the applicant is applying for the bursary.
- Their interest in a health-related career.
- Their commitment to public health.
- Why they should be considered for funding.
How to Apply for Western Cape Health Bursary Programme 2027
Applications must be submitted online through the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness bursary platform.
Click here to apply for Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness Bursary Programme 2027
Applicants will need to register an account using their:
13-digit South African ID number
After registering, applicants should complete the online application form and upload all compulsory supporting documents.
Bursary Application Closing Date
Applications close on:
30 September 2026
Applicants should submit complete applications before the deadline.
Application Outcome
The supplied information indicates that the bursary selection process is expected to be concluded around:
January to February 2027
Applicants should keep proof or confirmation of their submitted application.
Important Application Notes
Applicants should note that:
- South African citizenship is required.
- Applicants must reside in the Western Cape.
- Applicants must be unemployed.
- Matric must already be completed.
- Studies must be full-time.
- The bursary supports selected health science qualifications.
- Registration, tuition and examination fees are covered.
- Accommodation is not covered.
- A work-back obligation applies.
- Community service may count towards the first year of the work-back obligation.
- A motivational letter is required.
- Supporting documents must be uploaded.
- Applications close on 30 September 2026.