If you live in the Eastern Cape and dream of studying further but lack the financial means, this opportunity is for you. The Masinyusane Development Organization is inviting eligible students to apply for the Grassroots Youth Development (GYD) Bursary Programme for the 2026 academic year.
Closing Date: 23 January 2026
Unlike many bursaries that only fund specific courses, the GYD Bursary supports ANY undergraduate field of study—Degree, Diploma, or Certificate. This makes it one of the most flexible and inclusive bursary opportunities currently open for Eastern Cape youth.
Who Can Apply?
The bursary is open to students residing in:
- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Sundays River Valley Local Municipality
Eligible students must be completing or planning to pursue undergraduate studies at a public university or TVET College in South Africa.
What the GYD Bursary Covers
The bursary may offer either partial or full financial support, depending on your need and budget availability. Funding may include:
- Registration fees
- Tuition fees
- Prescribed textbooks & study materials
- Accommodation
- Living allowance OR transport allowance
Funding is granted for one academic year at a time, and recipients must reapply annually. Renewals depend on satisfactory academic performance.
Students will also be paired with a mentor, offering support, guidance, and motivation throughout the academic journey.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the GYD Bursary, applicants must meet all of the following:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be under 29 years old
- Have completed Matric
- Reside in Nelson Mandela Bay or Sundays River Valley (Eastern Cape)
- Be studying or intending to study towards an undergraduate Degree, Diploma, or Certificate
- Be registered or provisionally accepted at a public tertiary institution (University or TVET/FET College)
- Have a total household income below R350 000 per annum
👉 Applications failing to meet all criteria will not be considered.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted online only via:
👉 Grassroots Youth Development Bursary Application 2026
https://forms.gle/JDfpB3F9YPbF2TQcA
Before applying, ensure you have digital copies of the required documents.
Required Supporting Documents
Submit clear, certified copies (not older than 3 months) of:
- South African ID
- Matric certificate OR final results if awaiting certificate
- Academic record (if already studying)
- Provisional acceptance letter from University/College
- Parents/guardians ID documents
- Parents/guardians income proof:
- Latest payslips (if employed)
- Affidavit (if unemployed)
- SASSA letter / grant slip (if applicable)
- Death certificate (if deceased)
- Full tertiary academic record (if applicable)
- Proof of address (municipal bill, affidavit, or ward councillor letter)
- Parents/guardians 3 months bank statements
📌 Very Important:
All documents must be certified at a Police Station or Post Office, and certification must not be older than 3 months.
Closing Date
🗓 23 January 2026
Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.
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