Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness Bursary 2027: Health Careers Opportunity

The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness is offering bursaries for the 2027 academic year to unemployed South African students residing in the Western Cape. This programme aims to fund studies in priority health-related fields, providing a pathway for young people to enter the healthcare sector.

Application Closing Date: 30 September 2026
Location: Western Cape, South Africa
Programme Duration: Full-time study
Stipend: Not specified (covers registration, tuition, and examination fees)
Minimum Qualification: Matric

About the Western Cape Health Bursary Programme 2027

This bursary programme is designed to support students who wish to pursue careers in critical health science fields. It is specifically aimed at unemployed individuals from the Western Cape who have successfully completed their Matric. The goal is to address the need for skilled healthcare professionals within the province.

Successful applicants will enter into a bursary agreement. This agreement includes a commitment to work for the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness after completing their studies, contributing to public health services in the region.

About the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness

The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness is responsible for providing healthcare services to the residents of the Western Cape province. It operates a network of hospitals, clinics, and community health centres, striving to improve the health and well-being of all citizens. The department focuses on delivering quality healthcare across various specialities.

Fields of Study Funded

The bursary supports a range of health science qualifications identified as priorities by the Department. These include:

• Emergency Care Assistant – Higher Certificate
• Emergency Medical Care – National Diploma
• Medicine – MBChB Degree
• Nursing R169 – Higher Certificate
• Nursing R171 General Nurse – Diploma
• Nursing R174
• Nursing – Bachelor’s Degree
• Occupational Therapy
• Pharmacy
• Physiotherapy
• Speech Therapy

The list of funded qualifications may be adjusted based on the Department’s ongoing service delivery needs.

What the Bursary Covers

The bursary funding is intended to alleviate the financial burden of tertiary education. According to the information provided, the bursary may cover:

• Registration fees
• Tuition fees
• Examination fees

It is important to note that accommodation costs are not covered by this bursary. Students will need to make separate arrangements for housing expenses.

Programme Duration and Location

This bursary is for full-time study programmes. The duration will depend on the specific qualification chosen by the applicant. The bursary is specifically for students residing in and studying within the Western Cape province.

Minimum Requirements

To be considered for the Western Cape Health Bursary Programme, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be South African citizens.
• Reside in the Western Cape.
• Be unemployed at the time of application.
• Have successfully completed Matric.
• Be studying or intend to study full-time.
• Be pursuing one of the eligible health science qualifications.
• Be studying, accepted, or awaiting acceptance at an accredited Higher Education Institution.
• Be willing to complete clinical hours and practical training where required.
• Be willing to sign a full-time bursary contract.
• Accept the applicable work-back obligation.
• Have no criminal record.

Matric Requirement

Applicants must have completed their Matric (Grade 12) qualification. Current Grade 12 learners who have not yet finished their final exams are not eligible to apply for this bursary.

Study Institution Requirement

Applicants must be enrolled, accepted, or awaiting acceptance at a recognized and accredited Higher Education Institution. The chosen course of study must align with the fields supported by the Department.

Clinical Training Requirement

For qualifications that include a clinical component, applicants must be prepared to undertake the necessary clinical hours, practical training, and workplace-based learning as part of their studies.

Work-Back Obligation

A key component of this bursary is the work-back obligation. Successful recipients will be required to sign a contract committing them to work for the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness for a specified period after graduation. The community service year is considered the first year of this obligation.

Required Documents

Applicants are required to prepare and submit certified copies of the following documents:

• South African ID document
• Matric certificate
• Most recent qualification or academic results
• Proof of residence in the Western Cape
• Proof of disability, if applicable

Additionally, applicants must submit:

• A motivational letter
• Parents’ or guardians’ proof of income (e.g., latest payslips, SASSA confirmation letter, SARS tax certificate)

Motivational Letter

A well-written motivational letter is a mandatory part of the application. This letter should clearly explain:

• Your reasons for applying for the bursary.
• Your interest in pursuing a health-related career.
• Your commitment to contributing to public health.
• Why you believe you are a strong candidate for this funding.

How to Apply for Western Cape Health Bursary Programme 2027

Applications for the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness Bursary Programme 2027 must be submitted online.

Click here to apply for Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness Bursary Programme 2027

You will need to register an account using your 13-digit South African ID number. After registration, complete the online application form accurately and upload all the required supporting documents. Ensure all information provided is correct before submitting.

Bursary Application Closing Date

The deadline for submitting applications is 30 September 2026. It is crucial to submit your complete application well before this date to avoid any issues.

Application Outcome

The selection process for the bursary is expected to conclude between January and February 2027. Applicants are advised to keep a record or confirmation of their submitted application.

Important Application Notes

• Applicants must be South African citizens residing in the Western Cape.
• You must be unemployed and have completed Matric.
• The bursary is for full-time studies in selected health science fields.
• Registration, tuition, and examination fees are covered, but accommodation is not.
• A work-back obligation applies after completion of studies.
• A motivational letter and certified supporting documents are required.
• Applications close on 30 September 2026.

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