The Northern Cape Provincial Government is accepting applications for its Premier’s Bursary Programme for the 2027 academic year. Unemployed South African citizens aged 18–30 who reside in the Northern Cape may apply for support towards a first undergraduate qualification. Applications close on 31 October 2026.
Closing date: 31 October 2026
At a glance
- Sponsor/host: Northern Cape Provincial Government
- Opportunity type: Provincial government undergraduate bursary
- Who it’s for: Unemployed South African citizens aged 18–30 who reside in the Northern Cape and are applying for or pursuing a first undergraduate qualification at an accredited South African higher education institution. Current Grade 12 learners, Grade 12 graduates and students already enrolled may apply.
- Study level: Undergraduate first qualification
- Location: Northern Cape, South Africa
- Academic year: 2027
- Closing date: 31 October 2026
- Last verified: 2026-10-08
High-value notes (read this first)
Successful students are expected to enter into a contractual agreement with the Office of the Premier.
The programme prioritises financially needy applicants with good academic performance; STEM fields, persons with disabilities and equitable representation across districts are also prioritised.
The Office of the Premier says the number of awards depends on the available budget.
Successful candidates are to be informed on or before 27 February 2027.
About the sponsor
The Northern Cape Provincial Government, through the Office of the Premier, administers the Premier’s Bursary Programme to support eligible students from the province who are pursuing tertiary studies in priority and scarce-skills fields.
The programme forms part of the provincial government’s broader efforts to improve access to higher education, develop skills needed within the Northern Cape, and strengthen the province’s future professional workforce.
Office of the Premier:https://www.northerncape.gov.za/bursary/AboutUs
What it covers
The official page lists bursary awards by combined household income: R120,000 for R0–R350,000; R100,000 for R350,001–R550,000; and R80,000 for R550,001–R800,000. It does not specify which expenses these awards cover.
Eligible fields
- Fields aligned with scarce, critical and hard-to-fill positions in the Northern Cape
- Science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields are prioritised
Eligibility
- Be a South African citizen.
- Be unemployed and aged 18–30.
- Reside in the Northern Cape.
- Be applying for or studying towards a first undergraduate qualification at an accredited South African higher education institution.
- Current Grade 12 learners, Grade 12 graduates and students already enrolled may apply.
- The intended field should align with scarce, critical or hard-to-fill positions in the province; STEM fields are prioritised.
- Financial need and academic performance are considered.
Documents to prepare
- Signed prescribed application form
- Certified copy of the applicant’s identity document
- Certified copy of recent matric or higher-education academic results
- Certified proof of acceptance at a higher education institution
- Proof of registration at a higher education institution
- Curriculum plan for the intended field of study
- Certified proof of income and latest three-month bank statements for parent(s), guardian(s) or spouse
- SARS 2026 income assessment or SARS tax-status confirmation for parent(s), guardian(s) or spouse
- For unemployed applicants aged 23–30, a SARS tax-status confirmation letter
- SASSA-confirmed child grant or pension slips, where applicable
- Department of Labour proof or an affidavit if a parent, guardian or spouse is unemployed
- For self-employed applicants’ supporting household members, latest financial statement and latest tax assessment
- Certified identity documents for parent(s), guardian(s) or spouse
- Certified death certificate, marriage certificate or divorce decree, where applicable
- For an orphan or fostered child, relevant legal documents from a social worker or the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development
- For a single-parent household, proof from the school principal or an affidavit
- For a legally appointed guardian, court or magistrate documents confirming guardianship
- Letters from registered banks confirming account details or status of parent(s), guardian(s) or other relevant household members, using Annexure B
Closing date
31 October 2026
Common mistakes to avoid
- Do not assume the bursary covers specific expenses: the official page lists award amounts but does not itemise covered costs.
- Do not omit documents required by the official 2027 checklist; incomplete applications may be disqualified.
- Do not submit late: the page states that late applications will not be considered.
- Do not provide inaccurate information: the checklist warns that misrepresentation may lead to disqualification or termination of a bursary.
How this opportunity was verified
Verified against the Northern Cape Provincial Government’s official bursary page and its 2027 checklist on 8 October 2026.
How to apply
- Obtain the prescribed application form through the official bursary page or one of the offices listed there.
- Use the official 2027 checklist to prepare the required supporting documents.
- Complete and sign the application form, checking that the information and supporting documents are accurate and complete.
- Submit the application to the Office of the Premier, T&I Office Building, 69 Memorial Road, Monument Heights, Kimberley, 8301, or email it to BursAdmin@ncpetf.onmicrosoft.com.
- Submit by 31 October 2026; the official page says late applications will not be considered.