The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness is inviting eligible South African students to apply for its Health Science Bursary Programme 2027. This bursary programme is aimed at unemployed students residing in the Western Cape who wish to pursue full-time studies in selected healthcare and health science fields.

The bursary provides financial support to students pursuing careers in critical healthcare professions while helping the province develop skilled healthcare practitioners who can contribute to public health services in the future.

About the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness Bursary

The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness bursary programme was established to assist deserving students who require financial support to pursue studies in scarce and critical healthcare disciplines.

Successful applicants will receive financial assistance towards approved study expenses and will enter into a contractual agreement with the Department. In return, bursary recipients will be expected to fulfil a work-back obligation after completing their studies.

The programme plays an important role in strengthening healthcare service delivery across the province by developing future healthcare professionals in high-demand fields.

Fields of Study Covered

Bursaries will be awarded to students pursuing studies in the following healthcare disciplines:

Emergency Medical Care

• Emergency Care Assistant (Higher Certificate)
• Emergency Medical Care (National Diploma)

Medicine

• Bachelor of Medicine Degree

Nursing

• Nursing R169 (Higher Certificate)
• Nursing R171 (General Nursing Diploma)
• Nursing R174
• Bachelor of Nursing Degree

Allied Health Sciences

• Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy
• Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy
• Bachelor of Science in Speech Therapy

Pharmacy

• Bachelor of Pharmacy Degree

The Department reserves the right to add, amend, or remove study fields annually based on healthcare workforce needs and service delivery priorities.

What the Bursary Covers

Successful bursary recipients will receive financial assistance towards approved academic expenses, including:

• Registration fees
• Tuition fees
• Examination fees

Costs Not Covered

Applicants should note that the bursary does not cover:

• Accommodation expenses
• Personal living expenses
• Transport costs
• Meals and other personal costs

Students should therefore make alternative arrangements to cover these expenses where necessary.

Bursary Obligations and Work-Back Requirements

Recipients of the bursary will be required to sign a formal bursary contract with the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness.

Following graduation, bursary holders will be required to work for the government in accordance with the contractual obligations attached to the bursary.

Community Service Requirements

For professions where community service is compulsory:

• The community service year will count as the first year of the work-back obligation.
• After completing community service, graduates must apply for positions within the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness.
• Successful applicants must then fulfil the remaining years of service specified in the bursary contract.

Important Note

Internship periods do not count towards the work-back obligation.

Recipients who fail to fulfil their contractual obligations may be required to reimburse the Department for all bursary-related expenses paid on their behalf.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for consideration, applicants must satisfy all of the following requirements:

• Must be a South African citizen.
• Must reside within the Western Cape Province.
• Must be unemployed at the time of application.
• Must have completed Matric.
• Must be studying or intending to study full-time towards an approved Health Science qualification.
• Must be studying at, accepted to study at, or awaiting acceptance from an accredited Higher Education Institution.
• Must demonstrate commitment to academic success.
• Must be hardworking, dedicated, and enthusiastic about a healthcare career.
• Must be willing to complete clinical training and practical hours where required.
• Must have no criminal record.

Meeting the minimum requirements does not automatically guarantee selection, as applications are subject to evaluation and available funding.

Required Supporting Documents

Applicants must upload certified copies of the following documents when submitting their online application:

Mandatory Documents

• Certified copy of South African ID document.
• Certified copy of Matric certificate.
• Certified copy of the most recent academic results or qualifications.
• Certified proof of residence within the Western Cape.

Financial Documents

Applicants must submit proof of household income, which may include:

• Latest payslips.
• SASSA grant confirmation letter.
• SARS tax certificate.
• Other acceptable proof of income.

Additional Documents

• Certified proof of disability (if applicable).
• Motivational letter supporting the bursary application.

Failure to submit all required documentation may result in disqualification.

Selection Process and Bursary Outcome

Applications will be assessed according to the Department’s bursary selection criteria and healthcare workforce needs.

The outcome of the bursary application process is expected to be finalised between:

• January 2027
• February 2027

Applicants are encouraged to ensure that all uploaded documents are clear, complete, and correctly certified to avoid delays during the evaluation process.

How to Apply

Applicants must complete the bursary application online through the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness Bursary Platform.

Application Steps

Step 1: Register an account on the bursary platform.

Step 2: Log in using your registered details.

Step 3: Complete the online application form accurately.

Step 4: Upload all required supporting documents.

Step 5: Review your application before final submission.

Applicants are encouraged to apply well before the closing date to avoid technical difficulties or last-minute delays.

Bursary Enquiries

For assistance regarding the bursary programme, applicants may contact the Department through the following officials:

Monray Strydom

Position: Project Coordinator

Telephone: 021 483 6610

Sisipho Folose

Position: First Line Support

Telephone: 021 483 6597

Nathan Kantwe

Telephone: 021 483 7038

Applicants are also encouraged to consult the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and Help sections available on the bursary application platform before submitting enquiries.

Why Apply for the Western Cape Department of Health Bursary?

The healthcare sector remains one of the most important and rewarding career fields in South Africa. This bursary provides deserving students with an opportunity to access higher education while preparing for careers that directly impact communities and public health outcomes.

Benefits of the programme include:

• Financial assistance towards essential academic costs.
• Opportunity to study in critical healthcare professions.
• Potential employment opportunities within the public healthcare sector.
• Valuable practical and clinical training experience.
• Contribution to improving healthcare services in South Africa.

Closing Date

The closing date for applications is:

30 September 2026

Late applications will not be considered.

Final Thoughts

The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness Bursary Programme 2027 offers an excellent opportunity for unemployed Western Cape students who are passionate about healthcare and committed to serving their communities.

Students planning to pursue qualifications in Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Emergency Medical Care, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, and related healthcare disciplines are encouraged to submit their applications before the closing date and ensure that all required supporting documents are included.

With funding support and a clear pathway into public healthcare service, this bursary can help aspiring healthcare professionals build successful and meaningful careers while contributing to the wellbeing of communities across the Western Cape.