South African fashion luminary Gert‑Johan Coetzee continues his transformative annual bursary initiative with the Gert‑Johan Coetzee Bursary 2026, a comprehensive scholarship programme designed to nurture emerging design talent at his alma mater, the internationally accredited North West School of Design (NWSD) in Klerksdorp, North West province.
What the Bursary Covers
Full Three-Year Course
The bursary fully funds the three-year Fashion Design diploma at NWSD, encompassing courses in fashion illustration, apparel construction, CAD, pattern drafting, and retail management.
Tools for Success
Winners receive a Bernina (Bernette Chicago 5) sewing machine and a laptop (previously sponsored by Acer or Computer Shop Klerksdorp), bringing the total support to around R 200,000 in value.
Mentorship & Internships
To bridge academia and the industry, recipients undertake two internships per year at Coetzee’s design studio. This immersive experience is paired with hands-on mentorship from the designer himself.
Why It Matters
Since its inception in 2009, the bursary has helped launch the careers of talented designers such as Patrick Ferguson (2018‑2020) and Marumo Malepe (2021‑2022), many of whom now work in fashion houses, run their own labels, or contribute as stylists and bloggers.
Coetzee shares that payback to the industry is not just philanthropic—it’s his way to “pass the torch” and forge the next generation of fashion leaders.
Application Timeline for 2026
According to NWSD’s official schedule, applications open on 1 August 2025 and close on 1 September 2025.
Finalists will be selected by 5 September, paving the way for the winner to start studies in February 2026.
Who Can Apply
- South African citizens with a valid Grade 12 certificate (with diploma exemption if already completed studies)
- Age 18 or older
- No prior fashion training required—full beginner-friendly training is provided.
How to Apply
- Visit the NWSD website and fill out the online bursary application form.
- Prepare fashion design sketches or proposals and a mood board based on a subculture or style tribe theme.
- Upload required documents (designs, mood board) in specified formats to the online portal.
- Finalists may be asked to submit a one-minute video introducing themselves, their style, and inspiration.
APPLY FOR THE GERT‑JOHAN COETZEE BURSARY PROGRAMME FOR 2026 HERE
What the Programme Offers
- End-to-end fashion education at a premier design school
- Professional tools to build skill and craft
- Real-world exposure through studio-based internships
- Long-term mentorship from one of SA’s top designers
In short, the Gert‑Johan Coetzee Bursary 2026 is not just tuition assistance—it’s a full gateway into South Africa’s high fashion ecosystem. It’s an opportunity to learn, create, innovate, and launch a professional journey under the guidance of a respected mentor. Applications open August 1, 2025, so those passionate about design shouldn’t wait to apply.
CLOSING DATE: 01 SEPTEMBER 2025
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