Hey future chefs and event gurus of South Africa! Are you ready to spice up your career or become the ultimate event planner? Well, guess what – the Capsicum Hospitality & Culinary Leadership Challenge Bursary 2026 applications are officially open! This is your golden ticket to kickstart an amazing career in the super exciting world of hospitality and culinary arts.
The Capsicum Hospitality & Culinary Leadership Challenge Bursary is designed to find and support the most talented young individuals across South Africa who dream of making it big in the culinary or hospitality industry. This isn’t just one bursary; it’s two fantastic opportunities in one: a Culinary Bursary Competition for aspiring chefs and a Hospitality (Conference & Events) Bursary Competition for future event managers. You can only apply for one, so pick your passion and get ready to shine!
Who Can Apply?
This incredible opportunity is open to South African citizens who are 17 years and older (and will be 18 by 30 June 2026). Whether you’re dreaming of cooking up a storm or orchestrating unforgettable events, Capsicum wants to hear from you!
What Does It Cover?
This bursary is super generous! Here’s what’s on the table:
Culinary Bursary Competition:
If you’re all about that chef life, you could win a bursary for the Professional Chef Programme (valued at R116,600*) or the Professional Patisserie Programme (valued at R107,795*). Both are one-year full-time courses. Even better, each of Capsicum’s seven campuses nationwide will award one Culinary Bursary – so there are plenty of chances to get funded!
Hospitality (Conference & Events) Bursary Competition:
For those who love organizing and creating memorable experiences, three bursaries are available for the Hospitality (Conference & Events) Management programme – one per eligible campus (Rosebank, Cape Town, and Ruimsig). Each bursary is valued at approximately R44,480*.
While the bursaries fully cover your tuition fees, remember you’ll be responsible for other costs like your uniform, kit and knife set, City & Guilds Exam Fees, learning resources, travel, and accommodation. But hey, getting your tuition sorted is a massive win!
*All bursary values are based on 2026 tuition fees and are subject to change.
How to Apply?
Ready to jump in? Here’s the lowdown on how to apply:
For the Culinary Bursary Competition:
- Head over to the official Capsicum website to submit your application.
- Fill out your personal details, choose your preferred programme (Professional Chef or Professional Patisserie) and campus.
- Attach proof of eligibility and write a motivational essay (max 500 words) explaining why you deserve this incredible opportunity.
- Show off your skills! Create a five-minute video introducing yourself and presenting your chosen dish. Make sure to highlight your ingredient choices, cooking methods, mise-en-place, food safety, hygiene, and plating technique. Don’t forget to affirm that your work is original and unaided!
The most promising entrants will be invited to a live cook-off at their nearest Capsicum campus. You’ll prepare one main course (for chefs) or one plated dessert (for patisserie). Judges will look at presentation, technique, creativity, flavour, and hygiene. Remember, finalists need to arrange their own travel, accommodation, and ingredients.
For the Hospitality (Conference & Events) Bursary Competition:
- Again, submit your personal details and a motivational essay via the official Capsicum website, selecting your preferred campus.
- If you’re shortlisted, you’ll be asked to present a concise event concept proposal. This should cover your event theme, purpose, budget, venue, logistics, marketing, and audience engagement strategy.
Finalists will then deliver a PowerPoint presentation to the judges, covering key event planning elements like objectives, budget assumptions, logistics, sponsorship, risk assessment, and sustainability. Your presentation will be judged on feasibility, creativity, professionalism, and budgetary accuracy. Just like with the culinary competition, finalists are responsible for their own travel to the presentation venue.
Important Dates:
- Applications close: Saturday, 13 December 2025
- Finalists notified: 8 – 12 January 2026
- Final cook-off/presentation event: 24 January 2026
- Bursary recipients announced: 24 January 2026
- Class intake begins: February 2026
Remember, these bursaries are non-transferable and non-exchangeable, applying only to the specified programme and academic year. Good luck!
If you’re passionate about hospitality or cooking and meet the requirements, this Capsicum Bursary could be your dream come true! Don’t let this amazing opportunity slip by. Head over to the official website, start your application, and get ready to pursue your passion. And while you’re at it, explore more fantastic bursaries for South African students right here on Bursaries Room!
