Western Cape Government Health Bursaries

Western Cape Government Health Bursaries

1. Which full-time bursaries in Health does the Western Cape Government offer?

The Western Cape Department of Health offers a limited number of bursaries for full-time study each year in fields where a shortage of skills has been identified.

The aim of the bursary is to attract qualified persons with the required competencies, knowledge and skills to join the Department to meets its service delivery needs. In 2006 academic year, for example, the following bursaries per health science study field were awarded:

  • Nursing.
  • Medical (MBChB).
  • Pharmacy.
  • Radiography.
  • Emergency medical care.

Please note more health science study fields may be added or removed per academic year based on Departmental service delivery needs.

2. What does the bursary cover?

We give financial assistance towards the qualification.

3. Will I have to pay or work anything back?

The bursaries are awarded on a work back principal on a year for a year basis. Community Service Year will count towards the student’s 1st year of bursary obligation, although internship years will not. Students who are working, may start paying back their bursary obligation as soon as they have successfully completed their studies.

4. Who can apply for a bursary?

To apply for one of these bursaries you must be:

  • A South African citizen residing in the Western Cape
  • Be accepted at the relevant accredited Higher Education Institution (HEI)

Bursars’ obligations:

Bursars are expected to furnish the Department with satisfactory proof of registration at an accredited academic institution at the start of the financial year. He or she is also expected to submit all annual or supplementary examination results to the Department within 30 days of receiving such results.

5. How do I apply?

Step 1: Apply at HEI for your required qualification.
Step 2: Collect bursary application from at HEI financial aid office or apply online:  www.westerncape.gov.za/healthbursary
Step 3: Complete the application form.
Step 4: Please ensure that all necessary documents are attached to the application form.
Step 5: Hand deliver the application form with documents back to the financial aid office.

6. Where do I apply?

University of Western Cape (UWC)

Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)

University of Cape Town (UCT)

University of Stellenbosch (US)

Download: Full Time Bursary Application Form (2025) for all universities.
Students applying for MBChB at a university outside the province must send the application forms directly to the Western Cape Government: Health.

Overview of Public Universities in South Africa

Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.

University of Pretoria

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
  • Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.

University of Cape Town

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
  • Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.

Stellenbosch University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
  • Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.

University of the Witwatersrand

  • Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
  • Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.

University of Johannesburg

  • Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
  • Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.

University of the Free State

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
  • Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.

University of Venda

  • Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
  • Application Period: Usually from May to September.

University of Fort Hare

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
  • Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.

University of the Western Cape

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
  • Application Period: Generally from May to September.

North-West University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
  • Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.

Rhodes University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
  • Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.

Nelson Mandela University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
  • Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.

Cape Peninsula University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
  • Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.

University of Limpopo

  • Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
  • Application Period: From April to September.

University of Zululand

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
  • Application Period: Usually between April and November.

Central University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
  • Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.

Vaal University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
  • Application Period: Typically from May to September.

Walter Sisulu University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
  • Application Period: From April to September.

This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.