he Gauteng City Region Academy (GCRA) bursary is an excellent opportunity for students in South Africa looking to further their education in a variety of fields. The GCRA funds a wide range of courses across several accredited and registered Post School Education and Training (PSET) institutions. These courses aim to equip students with valuable skills and qualifications that can contribute to both personal and professional growth.
Business School Programs
The GCRA supports students pursuing studies in business and management with a selection of degrees and certifications. These include:
- Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
- Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) Retail
- Doctor of Business Management
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Higher Certificate in Business Management (HCBM)
- Higher Certificate in Business Management: Retail Management
These qualifications provide students with the essential knowledge and skills to navigate the business world effectively, whether in leadership, entrepreneurship, or specialized retail management.
Public Management Courses
For those interested in a career in public service, the GCRA offers funding for a range of public management courses. These include:
- Bachelor of Public Management (BPM)
- Higher Certificate in Public Management (HCPM)
- Master of Public Management (MPM)
- National Diploma in Public Administration
- Postgraduate Diploma in Public Management (PDPM)
These programs prepare students for leadership roles in government and public administration, with a focus on enhancing service delivery and governance.
Finance and Accounting Courses
The GCRA also funds courses related to finance, accounting, and banking, equipping students with expertise in managing financial systems and contributing to the economy. The available programs include:
- Bachelor of Accounting Science (BCOMPT)
- Bachelor of Business Administration in Banking (BBAB)
- Climate and Sustainability Reporting
- Higher Certificate in Business Management: Credit Banking
Students pursuing these courses can build a strong foundation in accounting, banking, and sustainable finance practices, which are crucial for businesses and the global economy.
Technology and Computer Science
As technology continues to evolve, the GCRA funds courses in tech-related fields that can help students tap into the growing digital industry. These include:
- Bachelor of Computer Science
This course prepares students for careers in software development, data science, and IT infrastructure, providing them with essential skills in a digital-first world.
Law and Legal Studies
For those passionate about law and justice, the GCRA offers funding for legal studies. Some of the courses available include:
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
- Family Law Qualification
- Paralegal Qualification
These qualifications are ideal for students aspiring to become lawyers, paralegals, or experts in family law, offering the knowledge required to practice or assist in the legal field.
GCRA Bursary Coverage
The GCRA bursary covers the full cost of tuition for these courses, including additional fees where applicable. However, the bursary comes with conditions outlined in the bursary contract, which students must adhere to in order to maintain their funding.
Who is Eligible for GCRA Funding?
The GCRA bursary is available to qualifying youth in South Africa, with a preference for applicants from Gauteng. This bursary is an incredible opportunity for those eager to advance their education without the financial burden of tuition fees.
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.