The Eastern Cape Department of Education (ECDOE) has opened applications for its 2026 academic year bursary programme, aimed at empowering unemployed youth in the province. This opportunity supports financially needy and academically deserving learners who wish to study full-time at registered public South African Higher Education Institutions.
- Create and Download your CV for this Bursary Application here
- Create a Motivational Letter for this Bursary Application here
- Check if you also Qualify for NSFAS Funding here
- Check if you Qualify for TVET College Enrolment here
- View more 2026 Bursaries here
Whether you’re a current Grade 12 learner, an unemployed graduate, or a student already studying without funding, this bursary offers a valuable chance to access quality education and professional growth.
Quick Overview
| Opportunity | ECDOE Bursaries for 2026 |
| Who can apply? | Unemployed youth aged 18–35 living in the Eastern Cape |
| Study level | Full-time studies at Public SA Universities / TVET Colleges |
| Priority groups | Military Veteran Dependants, Youth Living with Disabilities, Aspiring Teachers |
| Covers | Registration, Tuition, Books, Residence & Meals |
| Closing Date | 02 December 2025 |
| Where to Apply | Submit by hand at your nearest District Office |
About the Eastern Cape Department of Education (ECDOE)
The ECDOE is responsible for delivering education across the Eastern Cape Province, including early childhood development, primary and secondary schooling, and educator development. Through the HRD (Human Resource Development) Directorate, the department invests in youth skills development, teaching qualifications, scarce skills development, and special programmes targeting vulnerable groups.
For 2026, the department has introduced dedicated bursary streams for:
- Military Veteran Dependants
- Youth Living with Disabilities
- Teaching Qualifications (PGCE & B.Ed)
- Scarce and Critical Skills Fields
This initiative supports the province’s long-term goal of strengthening the education workforce and developing high-demand skills.
General Selection Criteria (All Applicants)
To qualify for an ECDOE bursary, applicants must meet the following:
- Submit a completed application form using the official ECDOE checklist.
- Be a South African citizen residing in the Eastern Cape.
- Apply for studies at a public Higher Education Institution.
- Choose a field aligned with scarce and critical skills needed by the ECDOE.
- Meet demographic considerations: Race, Gender, Age & Disability.
- Meet the academic achievement requirements.
- Be aged 18–35 (except disability bursary: up to age 45).
- Awards allocated per district as per ECDOE funding model.
- First-time beneficiaries of government bursaries are prioritised.
- Application must match the requirements of the specific bursary category.
ECDOE Military Veteran Dependants’ Bursary
A specialised bursary for dependants of Military Veterans, funded through ECDOE’s Special Programmes.
Who Can Apply?
- Dependants of Military Veterans
- Unemployed youth accepted/registered at a public university or TVET college
- Applicants meeting all general bursary conditions
Required Documents
- Application letter
- Completed bursary application form
- Proof of acceptance / registration
- Certified ID copy
- Certified matric certificate
- Proof of dependency on a Military Veteran
What the Bursary Covers
- Up to R100 000 per year (institution dependent)
- Registration fees
- Tuition
- Residence
- Meals
- Books
Bursary for Unemployed Youth Living With Disabilities
A new programme supporting unemployed youth with disabilities who are former learners of ECDOE Special Schools.
Available Programmes
- Handyman (Tiling, Plastering, Bricklaying, Carpentry, Plumbing, Painting)
- Assistant Chef
- Hairdressing
- Art (Music, Ceramic Design, Fine Arts)
- Dressmaking
- Beadmaking
- Boiler Making
- Auto Body & Painting
- Holistic Massage & Beauty
Eligibility Requirements
- Age 18–45
- Former learner of an ECDOE Special School
Required Documents
- Application letter
- Testimonial from former school
- Proof of registration
- Certified ID copy
- Certified certificates
- Medical certificate confirming disability
Benefits
- Covers Registration, Tuition, Residence, Meals & Books
- For skills programmes: Tuition, Venue & Catering provided
ECDOE Bursaries for Teaching Qualifications
Aimed at unemployed youth interested in teaching.
-
PGCE (Post Graduate Certificate in Education)
Eligibility:
- Unemployed graduates with at least two teaching subjects in their degree
- Specialisation areas include:
- Mathematics
- Life Sciences
- Physical Sciences
- Geography
- Technical Subjects
-
Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) – Full Time
Specialisations:
- Foundation Phase (Grades R–3)
- Languages (IsiXhosa, Sesotho, Afrikaans, English)
- Intermediate, Senior & FET phases in high-demand subjects such as:
- Mathematics
- Natural Sciences & Technology
- Technical Subjects
- Agricultural Sciences
- CAT & IT
- Engineering Graphics & Design
- Coding & Robotics
- Braille & SASL
- Neurodevelopmental Needs
- Remedial Teaching
- Maritime Studies
District Bursary Allocation Summary
| District | Military | Disability | PGCE | B.Ed & Other |
| Alfred Nzo East | 2 | 10 | 10 | 5 |
| Alfred Nzo West | 3 | 10 | 10 | 5 |
| Amathole East | 2 | 9 | 5 | 5 |
| Amathole West | 2 | 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Buffalo City | 1 | 10 | 10 | 8 |
| Chris Hani East | 2 | 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Chris Hani West | 1 | 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Joe Gqabi | 1 | 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Nelson Mandela Bay | 1 | 10 | 10 | 5 |
| OR Tambo Coastal | 1 | 10 | 10 | 7 |
| OR Tambo Inland | 2 | 10 | 10 | 8 |
| Sarah Baartman | 1 | 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Total | 19 | 119 | 90 | 68 |
Where to Apply
All applications must be submitted by hand to the closest ECDOE District Office.
A full list of district addresses and contact persons is available in the official advert that you can download below:
DOWNLOAD THE ECDOE BURSARY ADVERT FOR 2026 HERE
DOWNLOAD THE ECDOE BURSARY APPLICATION FORM HERE
Before you Apply, Check the Edupstairs Youth Tools Hub below that can be helpful in your application
- Edupstairs Simple CV Builder Tool
- Edupstairs AI Cover Letter Generator Tool
- Edupstairs Learnership Application Checklist Tool
- Edupstairs Internship Application Checklist Tool
- Edupstairs Interview Q & A Coach Tool
- Edupstairs Learnership Stipend Calculator Tool
- NSFAS Funding Eligibility Checker Tool
- Edupstairs Qualification-to-Career Pathways Tool
- South African Salary Explorer Tool
- TVET College Enrolment Eligibility Checker Tool
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can current Grade 12 learners apply?
Yes. Grade 12 learners from the Eastern Cape may apply.
- Does the bursary cover full costs?
Most bursaries cover tuition, registration, books, meals and accommodation.
- Can students already studying apply?
Yes — if you are enrolled at a public institution and not funded.
- What is the age requirement?
- General bursaries: 18–35
- Disability bursary: 18–45
- Can I apply online?
No. Applications must be submitted by hand at district offices.
- What fields of study are prioritised?
Education fields, scarce skills, technical subjects, and disability skills programmes.
CLOSING DATE: 02 DECEMBER 2025
You can also:
- View latest Internships
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- View Latest Bursaries
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- Visit the Edupstairs blog for daily updates
Disclaimer
- Edupstairs is not the Eastern Cape Department of Education.
- We do not accept applications—submit directly to the district offices.
- Information is based on the official ECDOE circular and may change without notice.
- Always verify details on the official ECDOE website.
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