Eastern Cape Department of Education (ECDOE) Bursary SA

The Eastern Cape Department of Education (ECDOE) aims to strengthen the provincial education system by improving access, supporting community-focused schools, and ensuring sustainable development. The department works to equip young people with the skills, qualifications, and opportunities required to contribute meaningfully to society.

Bursary Overview

For the 2026 academic year, the Eastern Cape Department of Education is offering multiple bursary opportunities to unemployed youth residing in the Eastern Cape. These bursaries are designed to support individuals who wish to study in the fields of education, special needs programmes, and skills-based training. Each bursary category has its own purpose and targets specific groups, allowing the department to uplift communities through skill development and teacher training.

Fields Covered

The ECDOE bursary includes four main categories:

Military Veteran Dependents Bursary

For unemployed youth who are dependents of Military Veterans. This bursary applies to studies in any field at a South African public university or TVET college.

Unemployed Youth with Disabilities Bursary

For individuals with disabilities who previously attended ECDoE Special Schools. Programmes offered include:
Art (Music, Ceramic Design, Fine Arts), Assistant Chef Programme, Autobody and Painting, Beadmaking, Boiler Making, Dressmaking, Hairdressing, Handyman Trades (Tiling, Bricklaying, Carpentry, Plumbing, Painting), Holistic Massage and Beauty.

PGCE Bursary

For unemployed youth who want to pursue a Post Graduate Certificate in Education in FET Phase subjects such as Pure Mathematics, Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, Geography, and technical fields.

BEd Bursary

For students studying towards a Bachelor of Education in Foundation, Intermediate or FET phases. Specific teaching subjects include:
Languages (English, Afrikaans, IsiXhosa, Sesotho), Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Technology, Agriculture-related subjects, Technical subjects, IT, Arts, SASL, Braille, Remedial Teaching, and Neurodevelopmental Needs.

Bursary Benefits

The bursary may cover the following, depending on the category:

• Registration fees
• Tuition costs
• Residence and meal allowances
• Books
• Possible funding for training venues and catering for skills programmes
• Maximum allocation for Military Veteran Dependants is up to R100 000

Coverage for the PGCE and BEd bursaries will be confirmed during the selection process.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the criteria for their chosen category:

Military Veteran Dependents

• Must be a dependent of a Military Veteran
• South African citizen aged 18 to 35
• Residing in the Eastern Cape
• Unemployed
• Completed Matric or currently in Matric
• Accepted or registered at a public Higher Education Institution
• Financial need and strong academics will receive preference

Youth with Disabilities

• Must have a disability
• Former learner of an ECDoE Special School
• South African citizen aged 18 to 45
• Residing in the Eastern Cape
• Unemployed
• Studying or planning to study within the listed skills fields
• Registered or accepted at a public Higher Education Institution
• Preference for financial need and academic strength

PGCE

• South African citizen aged 18 to 35
• Residing in the Eastern Cape
• Unemployed
• Studying a PGCE with at least two teaching subjects
• Accepted or registered at a public Higher Education Institution
• Preference for financial need and strong academics

BEd

• South African citizen aged 18 to 35
• Residing in the Eastern Cape
• Unemployed
• Completed Matric or currently in Matric
• Studying a BEd degree in approved fields
• Accepted or registered at a public Higher Education Institution
• Preference for financial need and good academic performance

How to Apply

Applicants must complete the official ECDOE Bursary Application Form for 2026.
In the section asking where you heard about the opportunity, you can write that you found the information through an online bursary source.

Required Documents

Submit the following certified copies with your form:

• ID document
• Latest Matric results (if currently in Matric)
• Matric certificate (if completed)
• Academic record (if studying)
• Qualifications, if applicable
• Proof of acceptance or admission
• Disability proof or functional assessment report, if applicable
• Proof of dependence on a Military Veteran, if applicable

Missing documents may result in disqualification.

Submission Method

Applications must be hand-delivered to your nearest district office.
Each district office has its own address and contact person, including locations such as Alfred Nzo East and West, Amathole East and West, Buffalo City Metro, Chris Hani East and West, Joe Gqabi, Nelson Mandela Bay, OR Tambo Coastal and Inland, and Sarah Baartman.

Closing Date

The closing date for the ECDOE bursary is 2 December 2025.
Late applications will not be accepted. Applicants are advised to submit well before the deadline to ensure consideration.

Contact Information

For queries regarding the bursary, applicants should contact their nearest ECDOE District Office using the contact details listed in the official notice.
Contacting the department after the closing date is not advised, as applications will already be closed.