Hey awesome future leaders of the Garden Route! 👋 Dreaming of hitting those university or TVET college books in 2026 but worried about how you’ll fund it? Well, guess what? The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) has got your back with their incredible bursary program!
This bursary is designed to give a massive boost to talented and financially needy students whose families live permanently within the Garden Route municipal area. Whether you’re currently in Grade 12, have already rocked your matric exams, or you’re a student already enrolled at a tertiary or TVET institution, this could be your golden ticket to achieving your academic dreams for the 2026 academic year!
Who Can Apply?
So, who exactly is GRDM looking to support? If you meet the following, you’re on the right track:
- Your parents or guardians must permanently reside within the Garden Route municipal area. This is super important!
- You’re either currently in Grade 12, have already completed Grade 12, or you’re a student already doing full-time studies at a SAQA-accredited tertiary institution or TVET college.
- GRDM is looking for students who show academic potential and, most importantly, demonstrate a genuine financial need.
To make sure your application shines, you’ll need to gather the following documents:
- A fully completed GRDM Bursary Application Form (don’t leave any blanks!).
- Your detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) – show them what you’re all about!
- A compelling cover/motivation letter explaining why you deserve this bursary.
- A certified copy of your Grade 12 results or an equivalent qualification.
- If you’re already studying, your latest academic record.
- A certified copy of your South African ID.
- An official affidavit of your parents’ combined income.
- Proof of your residential address (like a municipal account).
Pro-Tip: Only applications with ALL supporting documents completed will be considered, so double-check everything!
What Does It Cover?
The GRDM Bursary is all about providing crucial financial assistance to help you pursue your full-time studies at SAQA-accredited tertiary institutions and TVET colleges. While the exact breakdown of what it covers (like tuition fees, books, or accommodation) isn’t specified, its core purpose is to ease the financial burden of higher education, ensuring more students from the Garden Route get access to quality learning opportunities.
How to Apply?
Ready to jump into action? Here’s your step-by-step guide to applying for the GRDM Bursary:
- Get the Form: You can easily download the official application form right here: GRDM Bursary Application Form 2026 (PDF). Alternatively, you can grab a hard copy from the GRDM Head Office in George or any of their satellite offices during office hours (Monday – Thursday: 07:30 – 16:30; Friday: 07:30 – 13:30).
- Gather Your Docs: Make sure you have all the required documents listed above ready and certified.
- Submit Your Application: Once your form is perfectly filled out and all your documents are attached, submit your completed application to the following address:
Records, Garden Route District Municipality
54 York Street
P.O. Box 12
George, 6530
For attention: Training and Development Section
Got questions or need a little help during office hours? Don’t hesitate to reach out to the GRDM team:
- Mr Reginald Salmons: 044 803 1363
- Ms Berma Losper: 044 803 1344
- Mrs Nolwando Sambokwe: 044 803 1345
Just a heads-up: only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you don’t hear back within two months of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful. But don’t let that deter you – apply and give it your best shot!
If this sounds like the perfect bursary for your academic journey, don’t wait until the last minute – apply now! The closing date is 31 October 2025, so mark your calendars! Explore more amazing bursary opportunities on Bursaries Room and fund your future!
