External bursaries provide new hope and future opportunities for students
07 August 2026
The City of Cape Town’s Human Resources Department would like to remind all aspiring students planning to study next year to please apply for the City bursaries available to all external applicants before 31 August 2026. Individuals who plan to pursue studies within the City’s identified scarce skills categories will be prioritised. The financial support is open to students who are residents of Cape Town.
‘We consider each application we receive diligently and are so encouraged by the inspiring students we can provide financial assistance to each year, many of whom have secured skills development training opportunities or permanent positions within the municipality after completing their studies. Those interested in applying should not hesitate to download an application form from our website or collect one from the nearest City library, or City walk-in centres across Cape Town where they can also access the list of scarce skills,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Corporate Services, Alderman Theresa Uys
The bursaries cover registration, tuition and examination fees as well as capped allowances for study-aid, transport and meals.
To apply:
One of the great aspects of these City bursaries is that while the students are studying, the relevant department at the City helps them with any practical training needed for their course and appoints a mentor for the student from the department.
The City has also made an effort to collate a list of opportunities offered by other spheres of government and organisations for students to pursue via the following link: capetown.gov.za/work and business/jobs-and-skills-development/work-for-the-city-of-cape-town/financial-support-and-funding-from-the-city-of-cape-town
Meet Brent Jordaan, a 30-year-old from Brackenfell, a past recipient of an external City bursary who studied a Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering at Stellenbosch University.
Jordaan’s message to someone who is thinking of applying but doubts if they will be successful is to apply anyway, he says one should not let self-doubt hold you back.
‘Receiving the bursary took a massive financial burden off my shoulders and allowed me to focus 100% on my studies without financial stress. Beyond the money, it meant the City believed in my potential. Knowing that local government was investing in my future gave me the confidence and motivation to work hard and aim high.
‘I started my journey with the City in April 2022 as an Assistant Professional Officer in the Roads Infrastructure Management department and thus far it’s been an incredible journey applying my civil engineering degree directly to key infrastructure projects. Just this past Monday, I stepped into my newly promoted role as a Professional Officer. Being recognised for my work and growth over these past four years means a lot to me, and as I wrap up week one in this new position, I’m really excited for what the future holds.
‘The reality is that not everyone gets an opportunity like this external bursary, it is rare, selective and life-changing. If you take that chance, put yourself out there and if you earn it, know that you truly deserve it. Taking that small step to apply, changed my entire trajectory, and it could do the exact same for you,’ says Jordaan.
Meet Luke Rossouw, a 23-year-old from Grassy Park, a past recipient of an external City bursary who studied Architectural Technology at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT).
‘The bursary meant the world to me, to be honest. This bursary shows that the City of Cape Town is investing in young people and that your background does not limit your future. I officially started my career with the City last year and it has been a massive learning curve. I’ve learned so much more about the technical side of architecture and planning and the best part has been working directly with the public, connecting with people from all walks of life, understanding their needs and seeing our true impact as City officials. I love that I get to connect with the community and help people get their buildings approved, ensuring our neighbourhoods are safer and better built,’ said Luke Rossouw.
The scarce skills list focuses on career pathways in fields such as Accounting; Artisan work; Auditing; Construction Management; Urban Design; Landscaping; Planning; Architecture; Supply Chain Management; Science; Renewable Energy; Public Health; Project Management; Pharmacy; Nursing; Medicine; Library Sciences; Legal; Information Systems and Technology; Psychology; Graphic Design and Environmental Management to name a few. For the full list visit: Scarce_Skills_List.pdf (capetown.gov.za)
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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
