Hey future healthcare heroes! 👋 Ready to kickstart your career in saving lives and making a real difference in the Western Cape? If you’ve dreamt of becoming a doctor, nurse, therapist, or any other vital healthcare professional, then listen up! The **Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness Bursary** for the 2026 academic year could be your golden ticket.
This awesome bursary isn’t just about covering your study costs; it’s about investing in YOU and the future of healthcare in the province. Let’s dive into what this bursary offers and how you can get your application in!
The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness is on a mission to deliver top-notch public healthcare to everyone in the province. To do that, they need passionate, skilled individuals like you! This bursary programme is designed to support students who are keen to study in high-demand health science fields. In return, you’ll get to use your new skills to serve the community right here in the Western Cape after you graduate. It’s a win-win: you get funded, and the province gets more amazing healthcare professionals!
Who Can Apply?
Think you have what it takes? Check out these essential criteria before you hit that apply button:
- You must be a proud South African citizen.
- You must live right here in the Western Cape province.
- You need to have successfully completed your Matric.
- You must be currently studying, accepted to study, or awaiting acceptance for a full-time Health Science qualification (like those listed below) at an accredited Higher Education Institution:
- Dental Surgery (BSc)
- Emergency Care Assistant (Higher Certificate)
- Emergency Medical Care (National Diploma)
- Medicine (Degree)
- Nursing (Bachelors Degree, B Tech, Higher Certificate R169, R171 General Nurse Diploma, R174)
- Occupational Therapy (BSc)
- Pharmacy (Degree)
- Physiotherapy (BSc)
- Radiography in Diagnostic (BSc)
- Radiography in Therapy (BSc)
- Radiography in Ultrasound (BSc)
- Speech Therapy (Degree)
- You should be enthusiastic, hardworking, and totally committed to your studies.
- Be ready to complete clinical hours if your programme requires them.
- Important: You must NOT have a criminal record.
What Does It Cover?
This bursary is here to ease your financial burden, covering some key expenses:
- Your registration fees
- Your tuition fees
- Your examination fees
Just a heads-up: Accommodation fees are NOT covered, so you’ll need to plan for that separately.
But wait, there’s more! When you accept this bursary, you’ll be signing a full-time bursary contract with the Department of Health and Wellness. This means after you graduate, you’ll be required to work for the government within the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness. If your field requires a community service year, that will count towards your first year of obligation. After that, you’ll work back the remaining years as per your agreement. This is an awesome opportunity to gain valuable experience and secure a job right after your studies!
Please note: Internship periods do not count towards your work-back obligation. If you don’t fulfil your work-back obligation, you will need to refund the department for all bursary expenses.
How to Apply?
Ready to make your application stand out? Follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Head over to the official **Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness Bursary Platform** and register for an account.
Step 2: Once registered, log in to the platform.
Step 3: Complete the online application form with all your details.
Step 4: Upload clear, certified copies of these important supporting documents. Missing any of these could mean your application isn’t considered, so double-check!
- Your ID document (certified copy)
- Your Matric certificate (certified copy)
- Your most recent qualification or academic results (certified copy)
- Proof of residence in the Western Cape (certified copy)
- Parents’ or guardians’ proof of income (their latest payslips, SASSA letter, or SARS tax certificate – certified copies)
- Proof of disability, if applicable (certified copy)
- A compelling motivational letter to support your application. (Need help? Check out our tips on how to write a winning motivational letter for your bursary application).
Don’t forget the closing date: **30 September 2025!** Make sure your application is submitted well before then to avoid any last-minute stress.
If this sounds like the perfect step towards your dream healthcare career, don’t hesitate — apply for the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness Bursary now! Your future patients are waiting. Good luck, and remember to explore more amazing bursaries right here on Bursaries Room!
