Gert-Johan Coetzee Bursary South Africa 2026

The Gert‑Johan Coetzee Bursary, founded by celebrated South African fashion designer Gert‑Johan Coetzee, opens pathways for aspiring fashion designers to receive full academic and professional support. Offered through the North West School of Design (NWSD) in Klerksdorp, the bursary serves as a springboard for creative talent to enter the fashion industry equipped with hands-on training, tools, and mentorship.

Established as a way for Coetzee to “pass the torch” and cultivate future leaders in fashion, the bursary reflects his dedication to nurturing local design skills from foundational training through to industry immersion.

Fields of Study Supported

This bursary covers the full three-year Fashion Design diploma offered at NWSD. It includes comprehensive coursework in areas such as fashion illustration, apparel construction, computer-aided design, pattern drafting, and retail management. The program delivers end-to-end fashion training to set recipients on a professional path in design.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be South African citizens aged 18 or older
• Hold a valid Grade 12 certificate or equivalent qualification with a diploma exemption
• Have no prior fashion training, making the bursary accessible even to complete beginners

These inclusive criteria ensure fresh talent across the nation can apply regardless of their background in fashion.

What the Bursary Covers

The bursary provides:

• Full tuition for the three-year Fashion Design diploma (valued at approximately R195,120)
• A Bernina (Bernette Chicago 5) sewing machine and a personal laptop (previous sponsorships have included Acer models)
• Mentorship and two internships per year at the Gert‑Johan Coetzee design studio

This robust support package—valued at around R200,000—equips students with the tools, training, and real-world exposure needed to thrive.

Selection and Assessment

This funding is highly sought after and competitive. The application process includes submission of a design-based portfolio with sketches, a mood board reflecting a chosen subculture or style tribe theme, and creatives such as an introductory video. Shortlisted finalists may face additional assignments or interviews.

NWSD finalizes bursary awards through a structured selection process, with no provision for appeal once decisions are made.

How to Apply

The application timeline for 2026 is as follows:

• Applications open 1 August 2025
• Applications close 1 September 2025
• Finalists are selected by 5 September 2025
• The successful applicant begins studies in February 2026

To apply, candidates must complete the NWSD online application form and upload requirements, including design sketches, a mood board, and optional video submissions introducing themselves and their design inspiration.

Final Thoughts

The Gert‑Johan Coetzee Bursary stands out as more than just tuition assistance—it’s a launchpad into South African fashion, providing tuition, tools, real-world experience, and mentorship. For South African creatives aged eighteen and above eager to build a career in fashion design, this bursary offers the education and industry entrance they need to succeed.