Cape Gate (Pty) Ltd is offering the Erwin Robert Balde Bursary Scheme for the 2026 academic year, aimed at high‑potential students who want to pursue a BCom (CA stream) degree. Applications close on 31 January 2026.
At a glance
- Bursary name: Erwin Robert Balde Bursary Scheme (Cape Gate)
- Who it’s for: 2025 Matriculants starting a BCom (CA stream) degree full‑time in 2026 at a recognised South African university, with strong Mathematics and overall results and proven financial need.
- Field of study: BCom (Chartered Accountancy stream), up to Honours level.
- Study level: First‑year undergraduate in 2026, with support renewable up to Honours based on performance.
- What it covers: Registration and tuition fees, residence with meals or a living‑out allowance, book allowance, personal allowance and a once‑off computer allowance.
- Closing date: 31 January 2026
- Where you can study: Approved universities in South Africa.
Who’s offering this bursary?
Cape Gate (Pty) Ltd is a long‑established, family‑owned manufacturer of steel, wire and wire products, based in Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng. Over several decades the company has grown from a small wire‑netting manufacturer into a major supplier to industries such as mining, agriculture, civil engineering, construction, commerce and domestic markets.
Through the Erwin Robert Balde Bursary Scheme, Cape Gate invests in the next generation of Chartered Accountants who can strengthen the company’s financial and commercial capabilities while contributing to the broader South African economy.
What the bursary covers
The bursary provides comprehensive financial support aligned with university costs. According to the official notice, assistance typically includes:
- Full tertiary registration and tuition fees.
- Residence fees including meals, or a generous living‑out allowance for students living off campus.
- A book allowance.
- A personal allowance for the period of study.
- A once‑off computer allowance.
Funding is normally awarded for one academic year at a time and may be renewed annually if you maintain satisfactory academic performance.
Fields of study
The Erwin Robert Balde Bursary supports:
- BCom (CA stream) – undergraduate, with potential renewal up to Honours level.
Who can apply? (Eligibility checklist)
You should meet all of the key criteria below before applying. Always check the official bursary notice and application form for the full, binding requirements.
- You completed Matric in 2025.
- You achieved at least 70% for Mathematics in Matric.
- You achieved a minimum overall Matric average of around 65% or higher.
- You intend to study full‑time towards a BCom (CA stream) degree at a recognised and accredited university in South Africa, starting first year in 2026.
- You have demonstrated financial need and are not currently receiving other substantial bursary funding.
- You are able and willing to participate in selection processes, including interviews.
- You are prepared to meet any work‑back or service obligations that Cape Gate may require after graduation.
Documents you’ll need
Typical supporting documents requested with the application form include (check the official advert for the exact list):
- Certified copy of your ID document.
- Certified copy of your Matric final results (Class of 2025).
- Proof of admission or provisional acceptance to a recognised South African university for BCom (CA stream).
- University fee statement or cost estimate, if available.
- Proof of household income (payslips, sworn affidavits, pension or grant proof, where applicable).
- Curriculum Vitae (brief CV).
- Any motivational letter or personal statement requested in the official form.
- Any other documents listed on the official application form or university funding page.
Key dates
- Applications open: 2 December 2025 (as indicated on the University of Pretoria funding notice).
- Applications close: 31 January 2026.
- Shortlisting and interviews take place after the closing date.
- Successful candidates are typically notified in writing once final decisions have been made.
Selection & placement
Bursaries are awarded on a combination of academic merit and financial need. Candidates are screened based on their Matric results, especially Mathematics and overall averages, as well as their ability to succeed in a demanding CA‑stream programme.
Shortlisted applicants may be invited to interviews and other assessments. At Cape Gate’s discretion, successful bursars may later be required to complete a period of employment at the company equal to the duration of the bursary funding, at market‑related remuneration. Students who choose not to fulfil this obligation can be required to repay the bursary, with interest, as set out in the official terms.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Submitting your application after the closing date.
- Leaving out certified copies of key documents such as ID, Matric results or proof of university admission.
- Under‑reporting or mis‑stating household income information.
- Not meeting the minimum Mathematics or average percentage but applying anyway.
- Forgetting to sign forms or to complete all sections of the application.
- Using an email address or cellphone number that you don’t check regularly.
How to apply
- Obtain the official Erwin Robert Balde Bursary Scheme application form (for the 2026 intake) from Cape Gate’s Human Resource Development Department or from the university funding office indicated in the official notice.
- Read the bursary information sheet carefully so you fully understand the eligibility criteria, obligations and work‑back conditions.
- Complete the application form in full, using clear and accurate information that matches your supporting documents.
- Prepare and attach all required supporting documents in the correct format (and certified where required).
- Scan your completed application form and supporting documents into a single, clearly named PDF or set of files.
- Email your application to the Secretary: ERB Bursary Scheme at the official bursary email address provided in the notice (for example, ERB2026@capegate.co.za), making sure the subject line follows the instructions in the advert.
- Keep a copy of your full application and proof of email submission for your own records.
After you submit
Only shortlisted candidates are normally contacted for interviews. If you have not received feedback by a reasonable time after the closing date, you can assume your application was unsuccessful. Continue to explore other bursary and funding opportunities while you wait.