The Western Cape Department of Health is a department of the Government of the Western Cape, responsible for providing public healthcare to the population of the Western Cape province of South Africa.
The Department offers a limited number of bursaries to students pursuing qualifications in Health Science related fields, full-time study each year.
These qualifications have to pursued at specific tertiary institutions such as:
- University of Cape Town (UCT)
- Western Cape College of Nursing (Athlone, George or Worcester campuses)
- University of the Western Cape (UWC)
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)
- Stellenbosch University
- University of Free State
- University of Pretoria
- WITS
- North West University (Potchefstroom campus)
It's important to note more health-science study fields may be added or removed per academic year based on the Departmental service delivery needs.
The bursary aims to attract qualified persons with the required competencies, knowledge, and skills to join the Department to meet its service delivery needs.
The following qualifications have been identified as part of the bursary conditions (but are subject to change):
- Bachelor of Emergency Medical Care
- BSC Radiography in Therapy, BSC Radiography in Diagnostic or BSC Radiography in Ultrasound
- Degree in Pharmacy
- B Nursing
- Diploma in R 425 Nursing/ Diploma in Nursing R 171 (General Nurse)
- Degree in Medicine
The bursaries are awarded on a "work-back" principal, on a year for a year basis.
Community Service Year will count towards the student's 1st year of bursary obligation, although internship years will not. Students who are working may start paying back their bursary obligation as soon as they have successfully completed their studies.
To apply for one of these bursaries you must be:
- A South African citizen residing in the Western Cape
- Be accepted at the relevant accredited Higher Education Institution (HEI)
Here is how you can apply for a bursary from the Western Cape Department of Health when applications are open:
Step 1: Apply at an institution of higher education for your required qualification.
Step 2: Go to www.westerncape.gov.za/healthbursary to apply for the bursary
Step 3: Complete the online application form.
Step 4: Upload all necessary documents on the system.
Applicants are expected to provide the Department with satisfactory proof of registration at an accredited academic institution, at the start of the financial year. They are also expected to submit all annual or supplementary exam results to the Department within 30 days of receiving such results.
