Key Facts
- Status
- Check Provider for Dates
- Provider
- Field of Study
- Study Level
- Academic Year
-
2027
Eligibility Requirements
- South African citizen and Eastern Cape resident
- Aged 18-35 (up to 45 for applicants with disabilities)
- Currently unemployed
- Achieved a Bachelor's pass in Matric (or equivalent)
- Accepted for full-time study at a registered public higher education institution
- Studying an ECDoE-listed eligible qualification
- Strong academic record
Documents Needed
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Certified Matric certificate or equivalent
- Full academic record (if currently studying)
- Certified copies of relevant qualifications
- Proof of institutional acceptance or admission
- Proof of residential address
About Eastern Cape Department of Education Ecdoe
The Eastern Cape Department of Education (ECDoE) Bursary Scheme supports financially needy and academically deserving Eastern Cape residents studying full-time at registered public South African universities, in fields aligned to the scarce and critical skills the department needs.
The scheme is funded and administered directly by the provincial department, with funding paid to the institution on the student's behalf, and is intended to build a pipeline of professionals - particularly teachers - for schools in the Eastern Cape.
Funding Details
The bursary covers registration fees, tuition fees, stationery, and accommodation and meals. Funding is paid directly to the institution and does not cover fees owed from prior years.
Where You Can Study
Any registered public South African higher education institution qualifies, provided the applicant is studying one of the department's listed eligible qualifications (for example Accounting, Arts, Business, Commerce, Education, Laws/LLB, Public Administration, Science, or a BEd Honours/PGCE).
About Eastern Cape Department of Education
The Eastern Cape Department of Education is the provincial government department responsible for school education across the Eastern Cape, one of South Africa's largest provinces by school-going population. The departmen…
View full provider profile →- Address
- Steve Vukile Tshwete Education Complex, Zone 6, Zwelitsha, 5608
- Phone
- +27 40 608 4200
- customercarecentre@ecdoe.gov.za
Fields of Study & Who Can Apply
South African citizens who are Eastern Cape residents, aged 18 to 35 (up to 45 for the disability bursary stream), currently unemployed, who achieved a Bachelor's pass in Matric and have been accepted to study full-time at a registered public higher education institution in an ECDoE-eligible field.
Application Procedure
Apply directly with the provider using the official application link below, before the closing date.
Questions about this application?
Contact Eastern Cape Department of Education directly:
Last verified:
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I submit my application?
Applications are submitted in person, with the completed form and certified supporting documents, at your nearest ECDoE district office - not online.
When does the 2027 intake open?
The most recently published ECDoE bursary window closed 6 February 2026 for that cycle, with no late applications accepted. As of August 2026, the department had not yet published dates for a 2027 intake - contact your nearest district office or check eceducation.gov.za nearer the start of the year.
What does the bursary cover?
Registration fees, tuition, stationery, accommodation and meals - but not fees owed from previous years.
Who is eligible?
South African citizens resident in the Eastern Cape, aged 18-35 (45 for the disability stream), unemployed, with a Bachelor's pass, accepted to study full-time in an eligible field at a public institution.
Is there an age limit?
Yes - 18 to 35, extended to 45 for applicants with disabilities.
