Meta Description: The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness is offering bursaries for 2026 in Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Radiography, and more. Apply before 30 September 2025 to secure financial support for your healthcare studies.
Introduction
Healthcare is one of the most critical sectors in South Africa, yet it continues to face challenges, particularly in rural and underserved communities. One way the government addresses this is by supporting students who are passionate about healthcare careers.
The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness is once again offering its Bursary Programme for 2026, providing financial assistance to students who want to study in key healthcare fields. If you are a motivated, hardworking student with dreams of becoming a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, therapist, or radiographer, this bursary could be the opportunity that helps you achieve your goals.
Applications are now open, and the closing date is 30 September 2025.
Why This Bursary Matters
The bursary programme is designed not just to help students, but also to strengthen healthcare delivery in the Western Cape. By investing in future professionals, the department ensures that there is a pipeline of qualified healthcare workers ready to serve communities in need.
For students, this bursary means:
- Relief from the financial pressure of university studies.
- A guaranteed career pathway in healthcare.
- A chance to contribute meaningfully to South African society.
Fields of Study Covered
The bursary supports studies in high-demand areas of the health sector. For 2026, the following qualifications are covered:
- 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 (General Nurse) – 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: The list may change depending on the department’s service delivery needs. Applicants are advised to confirm available qualifications when applying.
What the Bursary Covers
The bursary is designed to ease the financial burden of tertiary studies. It covers:
Useful Links:
- Youth Opportunities
- Online courses
- Learnerships Programme
- Skills Training Programme
- Funding Bursaries
- Registration fees
- Tuition fees
- Examination fees
⚠️ Important: Accommodation fees are not covered. Students are expected to arrange and fund their own accommodation.
Contractual Obligations
This bursary is not just financial assistance—it is a contractual agreement between the student and the Department of Health and Wellness.
- Community Service Year: After completing their qualification, bursary holders must complete a compulsory community service year (where applicable). This year counts as the first year of their bursary obligation.
- Employment with the Department: Once community service is completed, recipients must apply for available posts within the department to serve the remaining obligation.
- Refund Clause: If the recipient chooses not to work back their bursary years, they must refund the full bursary amount.
This ensures that the bursary benefits both the student and the province’s healthcare system.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the bursary, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Citizenship & Residency:
- Must be a South African citizen.
- Must reside within the Western Cape province.
- Education:
- Must have completed Matric.
- Must be studying or planning to study full-time in one of the approved fields.
- Must be accepted, registered, or awaiting acceptance at an accredited Higher Education Institution (HEI).
- Personal Qualities:
- Must be hardworking, enthusiastic, and committed to completing studies.
- Willing to complete clinical hours (where required).
- Must have a clean criminal record.
How to Apply
The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness uses an online portal for bursary applications.
Step 1: Register an Account
- Visit the official Bursary Portal.
- Create your profile with accurate personal details.
Step 2: Login to the Platform
- Once registered, use your login details to access the bursary platform.
Step 3: Complete the Application Form
- Fill out all required fields carefully.
- Ensure accuracy, as incomplete or incorrect forms may lead to disqualification.
Step 4: Upload Supporting Documents
You will need the following documents (certified where required):
- Certified copy of your ID document
- Certified copy of your Matric certificate
- Latest academic results or qualification
- Proof of residence (e.g., utility bill or municipal letter)
- Parents’/guardians’ proof of income (latest payslip, SASSA letter, or SARS tax certificate)
- Proof of disability (if applicable)
- Motivational letter explaining your career goals and why you should be considered
⚠️ Note: Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Contact Details
If you have questions or need assistance, you can reach out to the bursary coordinators:
- Monray Strydom (Project Coordinator)
- Tel: 021 483 6610
- Email: [email protected]
- Sisipho Folose (First-line support)
- Tel: 021 483 6597
- Email: [email protected]
- Nathan Kantwe
- Tel: 021 483 7038
- Email: [email protected]
Why Apply for This Bursary?
1. Financial Relief
Studying in the health sciences can be expensive, with costs for tuition, textbooks, and clinical equipment. The bursary removes the biggest barrier: tuition fees.
2. Guaranteed Career Pathway
Recipients are not left to struggle in the job market after graduation. By serving their obligation, they gain direct work experience in government healthcare facilities.
3. Community Impact
Bursary holders play a vital role in improving access to healthcare in under-resourced areas. This means your career contributes to real social change.
4. Career Growth Opportunities
Healthcare careers are among the most stable in South Africa, with global demand for doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and therapists.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Start Early: Don’t wait until the last minute. Gather your documents now.
- Write a Strong Motivational Letter: Highlight your passion for healthcare, your community involvement, and your future goals.
- Double-Check Documents: Ensure all copies are certified and up to date.
- Stay Professional: Use a professional email address and ensure your application is neatly compiled.
- Follow Up: Keep track of deadlines and confirm your application was successfully submitted.
Key Dates to Remember
- Applications Open: Now
- Closing Date: 30 September 2025
- Study Year Covered: 2026 academic year
Final Thoughts
The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness Bursary Programme 2026 is more than financial assistance—it’s a bridge to a meaningful career. By funding healthcare students, the department is investing in the future of South Africa’s healthcare system.
If you’re a passionate student who dreams of serving others and building a stable, rewarding career in healthcare, this bursary could be your opportunity of a lifetime.
Don’t miss the deadline—apply before 30 September 2025 and take the first step toward a career that saves lives and transforms communities.
