The Eastern Cape Provincial Treasury invites eligible Eastern Cape students to apply for its External Bursary Programme for undergraduate studies in priority fields.
Introduction
The Eastern Cape Provincial Treasury has opened applications for its External Bursary Programme for the 2026 academic year. This bursary opportunity is aimed at supporting eligible South African students who reside in the Eastern Cape and are pursuing undergraduate qualifications aligned with the department’s strategic skills needs.
Through this programme, the Provincial Treasury seeks to strengthen its future capacity while improving public service delivery. The bursary is particularly focused on empowering young people from financially disadvantaged households and supporting students who have historically been underrepresented in bursary awards.
About the Eastern Cape Provincial Treasury Bursary Programme
The External Bursary Programme forms part of the Eastern Cape Provincial Treasury’s broader commitment to human capital development. The department has identified key areas of study that are critical to its core functions, including financial management, accounting, economic policy analysis, and information systems.
By investing in these priority qualifications, the Treasury aims to develop skilled professionals who can contribute meaningfully to effective governance, sound financial management, and evidence-based economic planning within the province.
Fields of Study Funded
For the 2026 academic year, bursaries will be prioritised for undergraduate studies in the following fields:
Priority Qualifications
- Economics
- Financial Accounting
- Cost and Management Accounting
- Financial Information Systems
- Information Technology
- Internal Auditing
- Supply Chain Management
Only studies aligned with these focus areas will be considered for funding.
Bursary Coverage and Benefits
Successful applicants will be awarded a full-time bursary for the 2026 academic year. The bursary covers:
- Tuition fees
- Approved study-related costs
Funding may be renewed in subsequent years, subject to satisfactory academic performance and the availability of funds.
Minimum Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet all of the following minimum requirements to be considered:
Citizenship and Residency
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must be a resident of the Eastern Cape Province
Academic Requirements
- Must have obtained a National Senior Certificate with admission to a Bachelor’s degree or National Diploma
- Must be studying towards an undergraduate degree or National Diploma
- Must have passed all Level 6 or Level 7 modules, with a minimum of 360 credits
- Must provide proof of acceptance or registration at a recognised public tertiary institution
Financial Need
- Must demonstrate financial need
- Total household income must not exceed R467,790 per annum
Minimum NSC Achievement Levels
Where applicable, applicants must have achieved the following minimum National Senior Certificate results:
- English Home Language: Level 4
- English First Additional Language: Level 5
- Mathematics: Level 4
- Mathematical Literacy: Level 6
- Accounting: Level 6
- Economics: Level 5
Preference Criteria
Priority consideration will be given to:
- Youth applicants
- Students living with disabilities, provided the type of disability is indicated and supporting documentation is submitted
- Students who remain underrepresented in previous bursary awards
Required Supporting Documents
Applicants must submit an application letter and clearly quote the reference:
Reference: ECPT/BURSARIES/2026
The following certified documents must be attached in PDF format:
- Letter of admission or acceptance from the tertiary institution
- South African ID document
- Final academic results
- Parent or guardian proof of income
- Proof of residence
Where Parents Are Deceased
Applicants must also attach:
- Certified copies of death certificates
- An affidavit confirming the legal guardian
Incomplete applications or missing documents may result in disqualification.
How to Apply
Completed applications, together with all required supporting documents in PDF format, must be emailed to either of the following addresses:
- Vuyo.Nohaji@ectreasury.gov.za
- Monde.Siguba@ectreasury.gov.za
Enquiries
For further information regarding the bursary programme, applicants may contact:
- Mr Vuyo Nohaji: 083 975 0822
- Mr Monde Siguba: 083 984 8134
- Mr Yambesa Ngxwena: 065 685 8575
Closing Date
All applications must be submitted by 31 January 2026.
Conclusion
The Eastern Cape Provincial Treasury External Bursary Programme 2026 offers a valuable opportunity for Eastern Cape students pursuing priority qualifications in finance, economics, accounting, and information systems. By supporting academically capable students from financially constrained backgrounds, the programme plays an important role in developing future professionals who can contribute to effective public financial management and economic development within the province.
Eligible students who meet the requirements are encouraged to prepare their documents carefully and submit a complete application within the specified timeframe.
