How to Apply for GCRA Bursary 2025: A Comprehensive Guide

The Gauteng City Region Academy (GCRA) bursary is a valuable opportunity for students seeking financial assistance.

This comprehensive guide aims to walk you through the entire process of applying for the GCRA bursary, from understanding the eligibility requirements to checking your application status.

What is the GCRA Bursary?

The GCRA bursary is a financial aid program to support students from the Gauteng Province in South Africa.

It aims to promote higher education and skills development by providing financial assistance to deserving students.

The GCRA bursary opening date for 2025 is early November 2024 and will close on Friday, February 28, 2025.

The bursary covers various educational expenses, including tuition fees, accommodation, books, and other study materials.

GCRA is responsible for building a pool of skilled, capable, and ethical workforce for the Gauteng City Region. This is done through different interventions, i.e., bursaries, internships, learnerships, skills programs, etc.

The GCRA bursary program is open to all qualifying youth, with particular preference given to youth from Gauteng, who wish to study for an undergraduate and/or post-graduate program at an accredited and registered Post School Education and Training institution in South Africa.

The Top 3 Grade 12 learners from all No-Fee paying, SSIP, and LSEN government schools in Gauteng qualify for a bursary to study at a recognised Higher Education Institution (HEI) or a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College.

Purpose and Benefits of the Bursary

• Educational Support: Covers tuition fees, accommodation, and study materials.
• Skill Development: Encourages the development of skills that contribute to the economy of Gauteng Province.
• Equal Opportunity: Provides financial aid to students from diverse backgrounds, ensuring equal access to education.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the GCRA bursary, applicants must:

• Be a South African citizen residing in Gauteng.
• Have a strong academic record.
• Be enrolled or intend to enroll at a recognized higher education institution.
• Meet the specific requirements of the chosen field of study.

How to Apply for the GCRA Bursary

Applying for the GCRA bursary involves several steps outlined below:

1. Research and Prepare: Gather all necessary documents, including academic transcripts, proof of residence, and ID copies. Research the specific requirements for your chosen field of study.
2. Complete the Application Form: Visit the GCRA website and download the application form. Fill out the form accurately, ensuring all required fields are completed.
3. Attach Supporting Documents: Attach certified copies of all required documents. Include a motivational letter explaining why you deserve the bursary.
4. Submit Your Application: Submit your completed application form and supporting documents by the specified deadline. Keep a copy of your application for your records.

Important Dates and Deadlines

• The application period typically opens in November and closes in January.
• Applications are currently closed. Check the GCRA website for the exact dates and any updates.

GCRA Bursary types to choose

When applying for a bursary, you need to choose the appropriate bursary type based on your specific situation.

Here are the different types of GCRA (Gauteng City Region Academy) bursaries to choose from:

1. New Intake: This option is for students who are applying for a GCRA bursary for the first time. If you have never received funding from GCRA before, you should select this type when submitting your application.
2. Renewal: If you were a recipient of a GCRA bursary in the previous academic year and need to renew your funding for the current year, choose the “Renewal” type. This option is for continuing students who have already been funded by GCRA and need to reapply for the next year.
3. Reinstatement: This type is for students whose GCRA bursary was previously suspended or terminated due to certain reasons (e.g., poor academic performance, disciplinary issues). If you have now met the conditions to have your bursary reinstated, you should select this option.
4. Top Achievers: The “Top Achievers” bursary type is for students who have achieved exceptional academic results and are among the top performers in the Gauteng Province. This bursary is designed to support and reward outstanding academic excellence.
5. Top 3 Achiever in a no fee paying school: This option is specifically for students who are ranked among the top 3 academic achievers in a school that does not charge fees (a no-fee paying school). It recognizes and supports the top performers in schools with limited resources.
6. Top 3 in LSEN Schools: This bursary type is for students who are among the top 3 academic achievers in schools for learners with special educational needs (LSEN). It aims to support and encourage academic excellence among students with special needs.
7. MEC/HOD Discretion: If the Member of the Executive Council (MEC) or Head of Department (HOD) has specifically advised or nominated you to apply for a GCRA bursary, you should select this option. This bursary type is based on the discretion of the educational authorities.
8. Veteran Discretion: This bursary type is designed for children of military veterans. If you are a child of a veteran, you may be eligible for this bursary as a form of support and recognition for the service of your parent(s).
9. Financial Assistance: The “Financial Assistance” bursary type is for students who already have some financial support or resources but require additional assistance to cover the full cost of their education. This bursary aims to provide supplementary financial aid to those in need.
10. Top Ups: If you already have an existing bursary from another source but require additional funds to cover the remaining expenses, you can apply for a “Top Ups” bursary from GCRA. This type of bursary is meant to supplement or “top up” your existing funding.

GCRA Bursary Login

Once you have submitted your application, you can track its progress through the GCRA bursary portal.

To Access the GCRA Bursary Portal

1. Navigate to gcrabursary.gauteng.gov.za/Account/.
2. Enter your username and password.
3. Click on the “Login” button to access your account.
4. If you are a new user, you may need to create an account.
5. Once logged in, you will be able to view your bursary application status, update your personal information, and potentially perform other account-related tasks.
6. Troubleshooting Common Login Issues:
   • Ensure you are using the correct login credentials.
   • Clear your browser cache or try accessing the portal from a different browser.
   • Contact GCRA support if you continue to experience issues.

You should write down your login credentials when you receive an SMS confirming that you have been registered successfully on the system. This is to ensure you don’t forget your password.

If you enter your password incorrectly 5 times, your account will be locked, it is wise to use “Forgot Password” and you will be directed to reset your password.

Checking Your GCRA Bursary Status

After logging into the portal, you can check the status of your application.

To Check Your Application Status;

1. Login to the GCRA Portal: Use your credentials to access your account.
2. Navigate to Application Status: Find the Application Status.
3. View Your Status: Your application status will be displayed, indicating whether your application is under review, approved, or rejected.

What to Do If Your Application Status Is Delayed

• Contact GCRA Support: If your status has not been updated for an extended period, contact GCRA for assistance.
• Ensure All Documents Are Submitted: Double-check that you have submitted all required documents.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the GCRA Bursary Requirements?

Applicants must be South African citizens residing in Gauteng, have a strong academic record, and be enrolled or planning to enroll in a recognized higher education institution.

How do I upload documents?

As you capture your details on the system, Save what has been captured and move to Next, until you see where the documents are loaded

Make sure that your documents are labeled and saved correctly, e.g. ID Copy, Matric Results, Motivation, Academic Transcript.

Your documents need to be individually saved in PDF format (Adobe Acrobat). Each document/File size may not exceed 2 megabytes (MB).

Once you have applied, you can always go back and upload missing documents or relevant documents.

Note that there will be a closing date for this, check your “Application Status on the GCRA Bursary Application portal, your email, or SMS frequently.

Can the GCRA Bursary Be Renewed?

Yes, the bursary can be renewed annually, provided the recipient maintains a good academic standing and meets other renewal criteria.

What Are the Benefits of the GCRA Bursary?

The bursary covers tuition fees, accommodation, and study materials, providing comprehensive support for students.

What Should I Do If I Have Issues with the GCRA Bursary Login?

Ensure you are using the correct login credentials, clear your browser cache, or try a different browser. Contact GCRA support if the problem persists.

What does the Bursary cover?

1. Tuition as prescribed by the Higher Education and Training Institution excluding (clubs, and gym-related fees)
2. Residence Fees – Catering residences capped at R65 000 or as decided by the Bursary Committee
3. Off-Campus and Private Accommodation capped at R47 000 or as decided by the Bursary Committee
4. Laptop and Books: Proof of purchase required, e.g. receipts to be submitted to GCRA
5. Living Allowance for students staying in Self-Catering and Off-campus residences will be paid directly into students’ accounts or through institutions where there are Service Level Agreements. For Post-Graduate applicants, refer to the Contract Addendum for further Terms and Conditions and funding covered.

The GCRA bursary offers a significant opportunity for students in Gauteng to pursue their educational goals without financial burdens.

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can navigate the application process, access the bursary portal, and check your application status with ease.

For further assistance, reach out to GCRA through their contact details provided on the official website. Good luck with your application!