Quick Facts

• Application closes: 28 February 2025
• Funding: Full study costs (tuition, books, laptop, accommodation)
• Eligibility: Gauteng residents aged 18-35
• Application: 100% FREE – No upfront payments required
• Coverage: Up to R65,000 for accommodation plus living allowances

What is the GCRA Bursary?

The Gauteng City Region Academy (GCRA) Bursary is a government-funded programme from the Gauteng Department of Education. It helps students from Gauteng pay for university or college.

This is NOT a loan. You do not have to pay the money back. The bursary covers your full study costs, including tuition fees, books, laptop, accommodation, and living expenses.

The GCRA was created to build a skilled workforce in Gauteng. The programme helps young people who have the ability to study but do not have the money to pay for it.

✅ Who Qualifies for the GCRA Bursary?

Basic Requirements (Everyone Must Meet These):

• South African citizen – You must have an SA ID
• Age 18 to 35 years old – You must be within this age range
• Live in Gauteng province – You must be a Gauteng resident
• Completed Matric in Gauteng – Your school must be in Gauteng
• Accepted at an institution – You must be registered or accepted for 2025 studies
• Accredited institution – Your college or university must be registered with the government

Who Gets Automatic Qualification?

These students automatically qualify (but must still apply):

• Top 3 learners from any no-fee paying school in Gauteng
• Top 3 learners from SSIP (School Safety Intervention Programme) schools
• Top 3 learners from LSEN (Learners with Special Educational Needs) schools

What Institutions Are Accepted?

You can study at any accredited South African institution:

• Public universities (Wits, UP, UJ, etc.)
• Universities of technology
• TVET colleges
• Private colleges (must be accredited)
• Skills development providers

What Does the GCRA Bursary Cover?

The GCRA bursary covers all your study costs. Here is the detailed breakdown:

What is Covered	Amount / Details
Registration Fees	Paid in full to your institution
Tuition Fees	Full tuition paid directly to institution
On-Campus Accommodation	Up to R65,000 per year
Off-Campus Accommodation	Up to R47,000 per year
Books Allowance	R8,000 once-off per academic year (paid to you)
Laptop Allowance	R10,000 once-off for duration of qualification (paid to you)
Living Allowance (Off-Campus Self-Catering)	R1,650 per month (paid to you)
Living Allowance (Catering Residence)	R650 per month (paid to you)

How Payment Works:

• Tuition and registration: Paid directly to your university or college
• Accommodation: Paid to your institution or landlord
• Books and laptop: Paid directly to you
• Living allowance: Paid directly to you each month

Special Needs Support:

If you need assistive devices for your studies (like hearing aids, special software, or mobility equipment), you can email gdeinfo@gauteng.gov.za for assistance.

✅ How to Apply: Step-by-Step Process

Applications are 100% online. You MUST apply before 28 February 2025.

Step 1: Visit the Official GCRA Website

Go to: https://gcrabursary.gauteng.gov.za

⚠️ SCAM WARNING: Only use the official website ending in gauteng.gov.za – Do not use any other websites claiming to help with GCRA applications.

Step 2: Register for an Account

First-time applicants must create an account:

• Click on “Register” or “Create Account”
• Provide your personal details (name, ID number, contact information)
• You will receive an SMS confirming your registration
• Save your login details safely!

Step 3: Log In to Your Account

Use the username and password you created to log in to the GCRA portal.

Step 4: Complete the Application Form

The application has two main sections:

Section 1: Personal Profile

• Personal information
• Address and contact details
• Matric final results and school details
• Parent or guardian details

Section 2: Study Details

• Tertiary institution name and details
• Course you are studying or will study
• Information about any other sponsors or bursaries
• Upload supporting documents (see next section)
• Agree to terms and conditions

Step 5: Select Bursary Type

Choose the correct option:

• New Intake: Applying for the first time
• Renewal: You were funded by GCRA last year
• Top Achiever: You are a top achiever in Gauteng
• Top 3 Achiever: You are top 3 from a no-fee school
• Top 3 in LSEN: You are top 3 from an LSEN school
• Financial Assistance: You have some funding but need help
• Top-Ups: You have a bursary but need additional funding

Step 6: Upload Documents

Scan and upload all required documents (see full list in next section).

Step 7: Review and Submit

Before submitting:

• Check all information is correct
• Make sure all documents are uploaded
• Click “Submit”
• You can save and continue later if needed, but you MUST click submit before the deadline

After You Apply:

• You will receive notification within 3 to 4 weeks
• Check your email and phone regularly
• You can check your application status on the GCRA portal
• If you do not hear back within 4 weeks, your application was unsuccessful

⚠️ Documents You Need to Apply

All documents must be certified copies, saved as PDF files, and smaller than 2MB each.

Required Documents (Everyone):

Document	Details
1. ID Copy	Certified copy of your SA ID (both sides)
2. Matric Certificate	Certified copy of your Matric certificate or latest results (for current Grade 12 learners)
3. Proof of Acceptance	Letter of acceptance or proof of registration from your institution for 2025
4. Proof of Address	Water and electricity bill, OR stamped ward councillor’s letter, OR letter from traditional authority (for rural areas)
5. Motivational Letter	Maximum 2 pages explaining why you should be awarded the bursary
6. Parent/Guardian Income Proof	Latest payslips if employed, OR affidavit if unemployed (certified copy)

Additional Documents (If Applicable):

• Previous tertiary results: If you are a continuing student
• Proof of other bursaries: If you have other funding
• Academic transcripts: If you are a postgraduate student

Important Tips for Documents:

• Label your files correctly (e.g., “ID copy”, “Matric certificate”)
• Save all documents as PDF format
• Each file must be smaller than 2MB
• Get documents certified at a police station, post office, or commissioner of oaths
• Missing documents will lead to your application being disqualified

Priority Study Fields (GGT2030 Sectors)

You can study ANY field with the GCRA bursary. However, preference is given to students studying in these priority sectors aligned with Gauteng’s development goals:

The GCRA also funds postgraduate studies, including:

• Honours degrees
• Master’s degrees
• Doctoral studies (PhD)
• PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education)

🚨 CRITICAL: Bursary Scam Warnings

Many criminals are targeting students with fake bursary offers. PROTECT YOURSELF!

Red Flags – These Are SCAMS:

How to Protect Yourself:

• Only use the official website: https://gcrabursary.gauteng.gov.za
• Never pay any fees: Applications are completely free
• Verify information: Call the official GCRA number (0800 000 789) to confirm any communication
• Do not share passwords: GCRA will never call or SMS asking for your password
• Be suspicious of “guaranteed” funding: No one can guarantee you will get a bursary
• Apply yourself: Do not pay anyone to help with your application

If You Suspect a Scam – Report It:

• SAFPS Scam Hotline: 083 123 7226
• SAPS Crime Tip-Off Line: 0860 010 111
• GCRA Official Contact: 0800 000 789 or gdeinfo@gauteng.gov.za
• Report online: www.yima.co.za (SAFPS reporting platform)

Contact Information & Getting Help

Official GCRA Contact Details:

Official Website	https://gcrabursary.gauteng.gov.za
Toll-Free Number	0800 000 789
Alternative Number	011 355 0000
New Bursary Queries Email	gdeinfo@gauteng.gov.za
Renewal Queries Email	Bursaries.Gcra@gauteng.gov.za
Office Hours	Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM (excluding public holidays)
Postal Address	Gauteng City-Region Academy, Private Bag X83, Marshalltown, Johannesburg, 2107

Technical Support:

If you have problems with the GCRA portal:

• Check your internet connection
• Try a different browser (Chrome, Safari, or Internet Explorer)
• Clear your browser cache and cookies
• Contact the helpdesk at the numbers above

If Your Application is Declined:

You have the right to appeal. Send an email to gdeinfo@gauteng.gov.za explaining why you are appealing and provide any additional supporting documents.

Application Status:

You can check your application status by logging into the GCRA portal. Successful applicants will be contacted by email or phone within 3-4 weeks after the closing date.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The GCRA Bursary is a legitimate and valuable opportunity for Gauteng students who need financial help to study. The programme covers all your study costs and does not require repayment.

✅ Apply if: You meet the requirements, live in Gauteng, and completed your Matric in Gauteng. The application is free and worth your time.

⚠️ Protect yourself: Never pay anyone for GCRA applications. Only use the official website. If someone asks for money, it is a scam.

📅 Act now: The deadline is 28 February 2025. Start gathering your documents and apply as soon as possible. Do not wait until the last minute.

💪 Good luck! This bursary can change your life. Take the time to complete your application properly, and you may receive full funding for your studies.