Apply for the Vulamathuba Empumelelo Bursary 2026. Open to students in Cape Town studying in scarce or critical skills fields. Covers tuition, registration, and study materials. Closing date: 12 December 2025.

About the Vulamathuba Empumelelo Bursary Programme 2026

Vulamathuba Empumelelo is inviting eligible South African students to apply for the 2026 Bursary Programme, which aims to support individuals pursuing studies in government-declared scarce and critical skills fields.

This bursary is designed to help students living in the Cape Metro Region (Cape Town) who show strong academic potential and genuine financial need. The initiative focuses on empowering youth from previously disadvantaged communities through access to quality higher education and mentorship opportunities.

What the Bursary Covers

The Vulamathuba Empumelelo Bursary offers partial financial assistance to successful applicants. The bursary will cover the following costs:

• Registration fees
• Tuition fees (up to a maximum of R40,000)
• Prescribed learning materials (up to R5,000)
• Examination fees, where applicable

Additionally, all bursary recipients will receive quarterly mentoring support to help them navigate their academic and personal development journey.

However, students should note that the bursary does not cover:

• Electronic devices
• Stationery
• Outstanding study loans
• Existing tuition debts

Find Useful Links:

1. Learnerships Programme 2025
2. Funding Bursaries
3. Internships Programme

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following minimum criteria to be considered for the bursary:

• Must be a South African citizen or hold a Permanent Residency Permit / Work Visa in South Africa.
• Must be a Communicare tenant or a student from a previously marginalized community.
• Must reside within the City of Cape Town Metro Region.
• Must be between the ages of 19 and 50.
• Must have completed Matric.
• Must be studying or planning to study, part-time or full-time, towards an undergraduate qualification in a scarce or critical skills field.
• Must be enrolled at, or accepted into, a public higher education institution in South Africa (University or TVET College).
• Must demonstrate financial need, supported by a means test.
• Must have a gross household income not exceeding R400,000 per annum.
• Must show strong academic potential and motivation.
• Must display personal qualities such as enthusiasm, commitment, teamwork, innovation, and problem-solving skills.

Preference will be given to:

• Communicare tenants in good standing and authorised residents before considering members of neighbouring communities.
• Students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds studying at public institutions in the City of Cape Town.

Applicants with or without disabilities are encouraged to apply.

How to Apply

If you meet the eligibility criteria, follow these steps to apply for the Vulamathuba Empumelelo Bursary 2026:

1. Step 1: Download and complete the Bursary Application Form 2026
2. Step 2: Complete the Bursary Online Application 2026

Be sure to attach all required supporting documents, including:

• Certified copy of your ID
• Proof of residence (Communicare tenant confirmation or municipal bill)
• Matric certificate
• Recent academic results
• Proof of household income or affidavit

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

Notification Date: Shortlisted candidates will be informed by 13 February 2026.
If you do not receive feedback within two months of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.

Why You Should Apply

The Vulamathuba Empumelelo Bursary is more than just financial assistance — it’s a stepping stone toward long-term growth and empowerment. Through ongoing mentorship and support, students are guided toward academic success and community leadership.

If you are passionate about building a better future for yourself and your community, and you meet the requirements, this bursary is an opportunity you don’t want to miss.

Closing Date:

12 December 2025

Conclusion

The Vulamathuba Empumelelo Bursary 2026 is a life-changing opportunity for students living within the Cape Town Metro region who are determined to pursue studies in scarce or critical skills fields. By offering financial assistance, mentorship, and personal development support, this programme empowers young people to build successful careers and uplift their communities.

If you meet the requirements and are passionate about making a difference through education, don’t wait until the last minute — submit your application before the closing date on 12 December 2025 and take the next step toward your academic dreams.