The City awards bursaries to external applicants each year. With the addition of the 22 new bursary recipients, the City now has a total of 87 students receiving financial support. The bursaries will be funded from a budget of R6,4 million that has been set aside this year specifically for this programme. The City has also assigned a mentor to all of the proud recipients who will assist the students to successfully complete their studies and help overcome any challenges they may experience.

Since 2008, the City has provided financial support to over 800 students. Bursaries are awarded to applicants from across Cape Town. Over the years a number of students have been absorbed by the City and some have even secured permanent positions in various departments.

‘It is such a privilege for us to award financial support to these ambitious and deserving recipients. We look forward to walking this journey with the group of students and want to encourage them to press on towards achieving their goals. All we ask is that they keep the vision, which they have demonstrated to us, alive,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Corporate Services, Councillor Sharon Cottle.

During 2018, the City approved 33 fields of study linked to the City's Scarce skills list against which the external financial support for the 2019 academic year was awarded.

Of the over 2 000 applicants, 223 made the shortlist and eventually 22 successful applicants, who made it through the interview process, received financial support for their chosen qualification.

Interviews were conducted by a bursary committee who considered the financial need, previous academic record, overall knowledge and interest of the chosen field of study as well as the staffing strategies of the respective City departments.

Where possible provision will be made, upon completion of their studies, for the students to be placed in a funded position at the City of Cape Town for a period equal to the duration of the financial support granted.