About Gert-Johan Coetzee
Gert-Johan Coetzee is one of South Africa's best-known fashion designers. His red-carpet gowns have been worn by celebrities and by several Miss South Africa titleholders. His studio has built a name for glamour and fine finishing.
Alongside his design work, Coetzee supports young talent. Since 2009, he has partnered with the North West School of Design (NWSD) in Klerksdorp. Together they run a fashion bursary. His stated aim is to grow the local fashion industry from the ground up. He does this by removing the cost barrier that keeps gifted students from formal training.
How the bursary supports students
The bursary pays for the full three-year fashion design course at NWSD. Recent calls described tuition worth about R200 000 over the three years. Earlier rounds were smaller, with one advertised at R168 000. The winner also receives a laptop from Gert-Johan Coetzee Studios and a Bernina sewing machine worth roughly R14 000.
However, the bursary does not cover everything. Students must pay for transport, accommodation, meals and fabric. Plan for these costs before you accept the award.
Unlike a purely financial grant, this bursary has a work component. Each year, the recipient does two internships at the Gert-Johan Coetzee studios. These take place during college holidays. As a result, the student gains real industry experience while still studying.
What to know before applying
Applicants must be South African citizens aged 18 or older. They need a matric certificate with diploma exemption, or an equivalent qualification. Fluency in English is required. The student must also commit to full-time study at the school.
The application is unusual. In the latest round, applicants followed the designer's social media accounts and completed the NWSD online form. They then made a creative video of up to 90 seconds in response to a fashion prompt. Finally, they posted it online with the required tags. This tests creativity and confidence, not just marks.
The most recent closing date was 7 September 2026, with finalists announced on 11 September. Classes were due to start in early February 2027. Dates and steps can change, so check before you apply.
For questions, contact the North West School of Design on 018 462 5149 or admin@nwsd.co.za.
The course is a three-year fashion design programme. Training of this kind mixes sketching, pattern making, sewing and garment construction, so the sewing machine is a practical gift. Graduates can work as designers, pattern makers or stylists, or start their own labels. The studio internships also teach fittings, pricing and working to a deadline. Budget for fabric early, because materials add up quickly.
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