Hey future healthcare heroes! Are you living in the Western Cape and dreaming of a career in medicine, nursing, or another vital health field? Well, get ready because the **Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness Bursary 2026** is here to help make those dreams a reality!
This incredible bursary program is specifically designed for dedicated South African students from the Western Cape who are ready to commit to making a difference in their community through healthcare. It’s your chance to get the financial support you need to kickstart your studies and build a rewarding career right here at home.
Fields of Study Covered
The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness wants to support students pursuing a variety of essential healthcare qualifications. Here are some of the fantastic fields you could get funding for:
- Dental Surgery (BSc)
- Emergency Care Assistant (Higher Certificate)
- Emergency Medical Care (National Diploma)
- Medicine (Degree)
- Nursing (Bachelors Degree)
- Nursing (B Tech)
- Nursing (Higher Certificate R169)
- Nursing R171 (General Nurse) (Diploma)
- Nursing R174
- Occupational Therapy (BSc)
- Pharmacy (Degree)
- Physiotherapy (BSc)
- Radiography in Diagnostic (BSc)
- Radiography in Therapy (BSc)
- Radiography in Ultrasound (BSc)
- Speech Therapy (Degree)
Heads up: The department might tweak this list slightly each year based on what healthcare needs are most pressing, so always check their official portal!
What Does It Cover?
This bursary is all about taking the financial pressure off so you can focus on your studies. If you’re successful, it will cover:
- Your registration fees
- Your tuition fees
- And even your examination fees!
Just a heads-up: accommodation fees aren’t included, so you’ll need to plan for that separately.
The coolest part? You’ll sign a full-time contract with the Department of Health and Wellness. This means after you graduate, you’ll complete a compulsory community service year (if your qualification requires it), which counts towards your bursary obligation. After that, you’ll apply for a position within the Department to serve out the rest of your contractual years. It’s a fantastic way to gain real-world experience and give back to the Western Cape community!
Important: Internships don’t count towards your bursary payback period. If, for any reason, you don’t complete your service, you’ll be required to refund the bursary expenses. So, commit fully and enjoy the journey!
Who Can Apply?
Think you’ve got what it takes? Here’s what the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness is looking for:
- You must be a proud **South African citizen**.
- You need to be a **resident of the Western Cape province**.
- You must have successfully completed your **Matric**.
- You should either be studying, or planning to study, full-time towards one of the listed qualifications.
- You need to be accepted, registered, or awaiting acceptance at an accredited Higher Education Institution (HEI).
- They’re looking for hardworking, enthusiastic, and committed students.
- Be ready to complete **clinical hours** if your course requires them.
- You must have a **clean criminal record** – professionalism starts now!
How to Apply?
Ready to jump in and apply? Follow these simple steps carefully to ensure your application is a success:
- **Register an account** on the WC Department of Health and Wellness Bursary Portal. It’s your first step to an exciting future!
Register Here - Once registered, **log in** to the bursary platform:
Login Here - **Complete the online application form** thoroughly. Make sure every section is filled out accurately!
- **Upload all the required supporting documents**. These need to be certified where specified, so get those copies in order! You’ll need:
- Your ID document
- Your Matric certificate
- Your latest academic results / qualification (if applicable)
- Proof of residence (to confirm you’re a Western Cape local!)
- Your parents’ or guardians’ proof of income (payslips, SASSA letter, or SARS tax certificate)
- Proof of disability (if this applies to you)
- A compelling motivational letter – tell them why you’re the perfect candidate!
Remember: Incomplete applications won’t be considered, so double-check everything before you hit submit!
Contact the Bursary Provider
Got questions or need a little help? The WC Department of Health and Wellness team is there for you!
- Monray Strydom (Project Coordinator) – Tel: 021 483 6610 / 📧 [email protected]
- Sisipho Folose (First line support) – Tel: 021 483 6597 / 📧 [email protected]
- Nathan Kantwe – Tel: 021 483 7038 / 📧 [email protected]
If this sounds like the right bursary to kickstart your medical career, don’t wait – apply now and explore even more incredible funding opportunities right here on Bursaries Room!
