About Gauteng City Region Academy (GCRA)
The Gauteng City Region Academy (GCRA), a division of the Gauteng Department of Education, is dedicated to fostering skills development within Gauteng. Through initiatives such as learnerships, internships, bursaries (GCRA Bursary), skills programs, and career guidance, the GCRA aims to empower the youth, business sectors, and Gauteng government employees.
The GCRA operates an Unemployment database to identify candidates for development programs. Employment opportunities arise from various sources including Gauteng Provincial Government departments, municipalities, government agencies, and private sectors. Selection for programs is based on interviews, application procedures, and results. The overarching goal is to cultivate a skilled, competent, and ethical workforce for the region.
About The GCRA Bursary
GCRA offers financial assistance to students seeking to further their education but lacking the necessary resources.
The GCRA bursary program targets undergraduate and postgraduate students residing in Gauteng province. Students from any field of study may apply, provided they meet the eligibility requirements detailed below. Upon award, the bursary covers expenses outlined in the contract, including registration fees, tuition, accommodation, books, and a laptop.
Resident students may receive up to R65,000, while those in off-campus or private accommodation may receive up to R47,000. Final amounts are determined by GCRA.
Shortlisted candidates will receive notification of selection within 3 to 4 weeks after the closing date. Applicants not contacted by then should consider their application unsuccessful.
GCRA Bursary Requirements and Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the GCRA Bursary, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria. Due to the limited number of bursaries available, not all applicants meeting the requirements will be selected. Preference is given to candidates who fulfill the following criteria:
- South African citizenship
- Residence in Gauteng province
- Age between 18 to 35 years
- Completion of Matriculation
- Enrollment in or registration at a registered and accredited Post School Education and Training (PSET) institution for undergraduate or postgraduate studies
- Strong academic record
Preference is also given to top achievers in Gauteng schools, including those in no-fee paying schools and Learners with Special Education Needs (LSEN) government schools.
How to Apply and Application Details
To apply for the Gauteng City Region Academy (GCRA) Bursary, you must complete the application process. It is a simple, online process. While it’s simple, you need to be diligent and attentive while completing the steps. Incomplete or erroneous submissions are rejected without further consideration.
GCRA bursary online application form is available for the applicants at https://gcrabursary.gauteng.gov.za/
If you already have an account, you can access the GCRA Login here: https://gcrabursary.gauteng.gov.za/Account/Login
Download the GCRA Bursary Application Guide for more detailed information about the application process.
You will be required to Register an account with your details before you can Login and apply for the bursary online.
Along with that, you’d have to input Matric’s final results and other academic details. You’d have to select which type of bursary you’re applying for in the bursary application portal. The options are:
- New Intake – if you applying to GCRA for the first time
- Renewal – if you were funded by GCRA in the previous year.
- Reinstatement – if your bursary was suspended and you have met the conditions to have it reinstated
- Top Achievers – If you are a top Achiever in Gauteng Province
- Top 3 Achiever in a no fee paying school
- Top 3 in LSEN: Learners with special educational needs schools
- MEC/HOD Discretion – If the MEC/HOD has told you to apply for a bursary
- Veteran Discretion – If you are a child of a Military Veteran
- Financial Assistance – If you have finance, but require assistance
- Top Ups – if you have an existing bursary and need additional funds to Top Up
Prepare the following document to accompany your application:
- Certified copy of Matric Certificate (not more than three months) and results if doing a semester course.
- Certified copy of Identity Document (not more than three months)
- Proof of registration or acceptance letter from PSET Institution
- Proof of residence required (either a Water and Electricity bill, stamped ward councilors letter, or in the case of rural areas, a recognized letter from traditional authority to show proof of address)
- Letter of motivation (The motivation letter should indicate why they require and deserve financial assistance)
- Disability / Medical Report if applicable
- Proof of income from parents if employed (both parent’s salary advice). Affidavits will be required for the following:
- If single parented
- Unemployed parents
- Guardian – an affidavit and proof of guardianship
- Orphans – include death certificates
- Applicants whose surnames are different from parents and/or guardians
Closing Date Of The GCRA Bursary
The closing date for applications is 29 February 2024.