Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness Bursary
Bursary Name | Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness Bursary |
Bursary Closing Date | September 30, 2025 |
Bursary Sponsor | WESTERN CAPE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND WELLNESS |
Funded Items | Registration fees, Tuition fees, Examination fees |
The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness was established in 1994 to provide accessible public healthcare services to residents of the Western Cape province. The department operates numerous health facilities, including clinics, community health centres, rehabilitation centres, psychiatric hospitals, and tuberculosis hospitals.
There are currently over 428 public primary healthcare facilities in the province, some operated by the department and others by the City of Cape Town.
About the Bursary Programme – Fields Covered
The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness is inviting students to apply for bursary funding for the 2026 academic year.
Bursaries will be awarded to students residing in the Western Cape for studies in the following Health Science qualifications:
- Dental Surgery (BSc)
- Emergency Care Assistant (Higher Certificate)
- Emergency Medical Care (National Diploma)
- Medicine (Degree)
- Nursing (Bachelor’s Degree)
- Nursing (B Tech)
- Nursing (Higher Certificate R169)
- Nursing R171 (Diploma)
- Nursing R174
- Occupational Therapy (BSc)
- Pharmacy (Degree)
- Physiotherapy (BSc)
- Radiography in Diagnostic (BSc)
- Radiography in Therapy (BSc)
- Radiography in Ultrasound (BSc)
- Speech Therapy (Degree)
Note: Fields covered may change annually based on departmental service delivery needs.
About the Bursary – Expenses Covered and Service Contract
The bursary will cover:
- Registration fees
- Tuition fees
- Examination fees
Accommodation costs are not covered.
Students must sign a full-time bursary contract with the Department of Health and Wellness. Upon graduation, recipients will be required to complete community service (where applicable), which will count toward the first year of their bursary work-back obligation. Thereafter, they must apply for a position within the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness to complete the remaining years of their service obligation.
Internships do not count toward the service obligation. Students who do not fulfill the work-back requirement must repay all bursary funds received.
Eligibility Requirements for the Bursary
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must reside in the Western Cape province
- Must have completed Matric
- Must be studying or intend to study full-time in a Health Science field listed above
- Must be accepted or awaiting acceptance at a recognised and accredited Higher Education Institution
- Must be dedicated, hardworking, and committed to their studies
- Must be willing to complete required clinical hours
- Must have no criminal record
How to Apply for the Bursary
Follow these steps to apply:
Step 1: Register an account on the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness Bursary Platform
Step 2: Log in to the bursary portal
Step 3: Complete the online application form
Step 4: Upload the required documents:
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Certified copy of Matric certificate
- Certified copy of the latest academic results
- Certified proof of residence
- Certified proof of parents’ or guardians’ income (recent payslips, SASSA letter, or SARS tax certificate)
- Certified proof of disability (if applicable)
- Motivational letter
Closing Date for the Bursary
30 September 2025
(Late applications will not be considered. Apply on or before the deadline.)