Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness Bursary

Who can apply

• You must be a South African citizen
• You must reside within the Western Cape province
• You must be unemployed
• You must have completed Matric
• You must be studying or intend on studying full time towards one of the Health Science qualifications listed above
• You must be studying, accepted to study or awaiting acceptance to study at a relevant accredited Higher Education Institution (HEI)
• You must be enthusiastic, hardworking and committed to your studies
• You must be willing to complete clinical hours, where required
• You must NOT have a criminal record

How to apply

Applications are submitted directly to Western Cape Department Health - we do not collect applications. Read the eligibility criteria, prepare your supporting documents, then complete your application on the official page.

Full details

Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness Bursary South Africa 2027

WHAT FIELDS OF STUDY DOES THE WESTERN CAPE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH BURSARY COVER?

The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness is inviting students to apply for their bursary programme, for the 2027 academic year.

Bursaries will be awarded to students residing in the Western Cape, for studies towards the following Health Science qualifications:

• Emergency Care Assistant (Higher Certificate)
• Emergency Medical Care (National Diploma)
• Medicine (Degree)
• Nursing R169 (Higher Certificate)
• Nursing R171 (General Nurse) (Diploma)
• Nursing R174
• Nursing (B Degree)
• Occupational Therapy (Bachelor of Science)
• Pharmacy (Degree)
• Physiotherapy (Degree)
• Speech Therapy (Degree)

(Note: the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness may add or remove health science qualifications covered by the bursary each year, depending on the Departmental service delivery needs).

WHAT EXPENSES DOES THE WC DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH BURSARY COVER?

The bursary will provide financial assistance towards the following expenses: registration fees, tuition fees and examination fees. Accommodation fees will not be covered.

The outcome of the bursary will be concluded in January to February 2026.

WHAT ARE THE OBLIGATIONS OF THE WC DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH BURSARY?

Students will be required to sign a full-time bursary contract with the Department of Health and Wellness.

After graduation, bursary recipients will be required to work for the government. Bursary recipients will be required to complete a community service year (where required), which will count towards the bursary holder’s first year of the bursary obligation. Thereafter, the bursary holder must apply for a post within the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness. The bursary holder must then work back the remaining years as per the contractual agreement.

Internship does not count as working back obligation. If bursary holders do not work back their bursary obligation, they must refund the department for all bursary expenses.

WHAT ARE THE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR THE WESTERN CAPE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH BURSARY?

Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying (please note that failure to satisfy all the requirements will lead to your application not being considered):

HOW CAN I APPLY FOR THE WESTERN CAPE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH BURSARY?

Candidates who meet all of the above criteria, may follow these steps to apply:

• Step 1: Register an account on the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness Bursary Platform
• Step 2: Login to the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness Bursary Platform
• Step 3: Complete the online application form Enter “www.zabursaries.co.za” in the field asking how you heard about the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness Bursary.
• Step 4: Upload clear copies of the following supporting documentation, listed below.

WHAT DOCUMENTS MUST I SUBMIT FOR THE WESTERN CAPE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH BURSARY?

Upload clear copies of the following supporting documentation (the submission of these documents is compulsory - if any items are missing, your application may be disqualified):

• ID document (certified copy)
• Matric certificate (certified copy)
• Most recent qualification/ academic results (certified copy)
• Proof of residence (certified copy)
• Parents or guardians proof of income (latest payslips/ SASSA letter or SARS tax certificate) (certified copy)
• Proof of disability, if applicable (certified copy)
• Motivational letter to support your application ((read our tips on how to write a motivational letter for your bursary application)

WHEN IS THE CLOSING DATE FOR THE WESTERN CAPE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH BURSARY?

30 September 2026.

(Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted - please apply before the closing date to ensure your application is considered.)

HOW CAN I CONTACT THE BURSARY PROVIDER?

For any queries related to this bursary programme, please contact the Western Cape Government Department of Health and Wellness directly:

• Contact person 1: Monray Strydom (Project Coordinator) - Tel: 021 483 6610 / Email: [email protected]
• Contact person 2: Sisipho Folose (First line support) - Tel: 021 483 6597 / Email: [email protected]
• Contact person 3: Nathan Kantwe - Tel: 021 483 7038 / Email: [email protected]
• Read the FAQ section and the Help section

WHAT DOES THE WESTERN CAPE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND WELLNESS DO?

The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness, formed in 1994, is responsible for delivering public healthcare and health services to people who reside within the province. They are also in charge of various specialised facilities, which include rehabilitation centres; psychiatric hospitals and tuberculosis hospitals.

The Western Cape currently has 428 public primary care facilities, of which some are operated by the Department of Health and others by the City of Cape Town - these include community health centres and clinics.

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