Key Facts
- Status
- Applications Open
- Provider
- Field of Study
- Study Level
- Academic Year
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2027
- Application Closes
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Eligibility Requirements
- South African citizen
- Unemployed
- Resides in the Western Cape
- Studying full-time towards one of the listed Health Science qualifications
- Willing to sign a bursary contract with a work-back obligation
Documents Needed
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Proof of Western Cape residence
- Proof of unemployment status
- Academic results or proof of registration for a qualifying Health Science programme
About Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness Bursary
The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness Bursary funds unemployed Western Cape residents studying Health Science qualifications, including Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Emergency Medical Care, Physiotherapy, and Speech Therapy.
This bursary carries a real, contractual work-back obligation - you sign a bursary contract before funding begins, and after completing compulsory community service, you must apply for a post within the Department and serve out the remaining contracted years. Applicants who aren't genuinely willing to work in Western Cape public healthcare afterward should think carefully before applying, since breaking the contract typically means repaying the funding.
Outcomes for this bursary are only communicated between January and February 2027 - several months after the September closing date - so a lack of response in October or November is normal, not a sign your application was unsuccessful.
Funding Details
The bursary provides financial assistance towards selected study costs for the qualifications listed, in exchange for a signed bursary contract and a post-qualification work-back commitment.
Where You Can Study
Any recognised South African institution offering the specific qualifications listed above qualifies, provided you meet that institution's own entry requirements.
About Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness
The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness is the provincial government department responsible for public healthcare delivery across the Western Cape, including hospitals, clinics, and emergency medical services.…
View full provider profile →Fields of Study & Who Can Apply
You must be an unemployed South African citizen residing in the Western Cape, wanting to study full-time towards a selected Health Science qualification: Medicine (Degree), Nursing R169 (Higher Certificate), Nursing R171 (General Nurse Diploma), Nursing B (Degree), Pharmacy (Degree), Physiotherapy (Degree), or Speech Therapy (Degree).
Application Procedure
Apply directly with the provider using the official application link below, before the closing date.
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- Closes
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a work-back requirement?
Yes - after community service, you must apply for a post within the Department and work back the remaining contracted years. This is standard across all provincial health department bursaries in South Africa.
When will I know if I was successful?
Outcomes are only communicated between January and February 2027, several months after the closing date, so don't assume rejection from a quiet October or November.
Which qualifications does this bursary cover?
Medicine, Nursing (three different entry routes), Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, and Speech Therapy specifically - not every Health Science field.
Do I need to already live in the Western Cape?
Yes, residency in the Western Cape is a core eligibility requirement.
