Grassroots Youth Development (GYD) Bursary Programme 2026

If you’ve been dreaming of studying at a public university or TVET college but money has been standing in your way, this could be the opportunity that changes everything for you. The Grassroots Youth Development (GYD) Bursary Programme 2026 is now open, and it’s designed specifically to empower young people from Nelson Mandela Bay and Sundays River Valley Local Municipality.

This bursary doesn’t just pay for your studies — it walks the journey with you. From tuition and books to accommodation and mentorship, the GYD Bursary is built to support you academically, financially, and personally.

Quick Overview

Opportunity	Grassroots Youth Development (GYD) Bursary Programme 2026
Who can apply?	Youth under 29 from Nelson Mandela Bay or Sundays River Valley
Study Levels	Undergraduate studies at any public university, TVET or FET college
Fields of Study	Agriculture & Environmental Studies, Arts & Design, Business & Commerce, Education, Health Sciences, Humanities, Law, Social Sciences, Specialized Fields, STEM
Household Income Limit	R350 000 or less per annum
Covers	Registration, tuition, materials, accommodation, transport/living allowance, mentorship
Closing Date	30 January 2026 @ 11:59 PM
Suitable For	Academically deserving students with financial need

About the Grassroots Youth Development (GYD) Organisation

Grassroots Youth Development is an organisation rooted in community upliftment, education, and long-term youth empowerment. The organisation focuses on breaking barriers that prevent young people from accessing quality education — especially those from historically disadvantaged backgrounds.

They work closely with schools, municipalities, community groups, and local partners to ensure that young people are not only funded but also supported throughout their academic journey. Their approach blends:

Financial support
Mentorship and guidance
Skills development
Career exposure opportunities

This is why the GYD Bursary is more than just money — it’s a structured support system designed to help young people graduate, become employable, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

Why This Bursary Matters

South Africa has thousands of talented young people who face the same challenge: high potential, but low financial resources. Programmes like the GYD Bursary bridge this gap by ensuring that young people from smaller towns and local municipalities have access to the same opportunities as those in big cities.

If you’re from Nelson Mandela Bay or Sundays River Valley, you know:

Economic opportunities are limited
Many students drop out due to financial challenges
Education costs continue rising
Mentorship is rare in disadvantaged communities

This bursary directly tackles these issues. It doesn’t only pay your expenses — it builds a pipeline of educated youth who can return to uplift their communities.

What the GYD Bursary Covers

One of the strongest features of the GYD Bursary Programme is the full package of support it provides. Successful applicants receive:

Registration Fees

Get registered for your academic year without financial stress.

Full Tuition Fees

Your full course fees are paid directly to your institution.

Prescribed Study Materials

Textbooks, equipment, or learning resources required for your programme.

Accommodation Support

Residence fees or a private accommodation allowance (depending on your study arrangement).

Transport/Living Allowance Stipend

A monthly amount to help you manage transport or other essential living costs.

Mentorship Support

Ongoing academic and personal development mentorship — a huge advantage for young students navigating their first years of higher education.

This bursary is designed to eliminate major financial burdens so that you can focus 100% on your studies.

Fields of Study You Can Apply For

The programme supports a wide range of undergraduate fields, giving you the freedom to choose a career path that suits your talents and ambitions.

You can apply if you’re studying:

Agriculture & Environmental Studies
Arts & Design
Business & Commerce
Education
Health Sciences
Humanities
Law & Legal Studies
Social Sciences
Specialized Fields
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)

The GYD team clearly recognises that communities need more than one type of skill to grow — from teachers and nurses to engineers, creatives, and agriculturists.

Who Can Apply?

Be under 29 years old

Youth-focused support is the heart of this programme.

Be currently registered or provisionally accepted
At a public university, TVET college, or FET college.

Reside in either:

Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
OR Sundays River Valley Local Municipality

Community development is a major priority — the bursary invests in youth who will uplift these regions.

Have a combined household income of R350 000 or less per year

This aligns with the typical NSFAS threshold, ensuring support goes to financially deserving students.

Have solid academic performance

You don’t need to have straight A’s, but your results must show dedication and potential.

Supporting Documents Required

The bursary requires detailed documentation to verify need and academic readiness. Here’s what you must prepare:

For New Applicants

Certified copy of your ID
Certified copies of parents’/guardians’ ID
Matric certificate or statement of results
Academic record (if already studying)
Proof of income (payslips/affidavit/death certificates)
Proof of provisional acceptance at a university/TVET/FET college
Proof of address
(municipal bill, councillor letter, or affidavit)
Certified SASSA letter (if applicable)
Parents’ 3-month bank statements

For Returning Beneficiaries

Updated full academic record
Latest proof of household income
Parents’ 3-month bank statements

Returning students must show continued academic performance and financial eligibility.

How to Apply

APPLY FOR THE GRASSROOTS YOUTH DEVELOPMENT (GYD) BURSARY PROGRAMME 2026 HERE

Before you Apply, Check the Edupstairs Youth Tools Hub below that can be helpful in your application

Edupstairs Advice

If you want the highest chance of being selected:

Apply early

Never submit on the last day — documents take time to certify.

Make sure your documents are clear and up-to-date

One missing page can disqualify your application.

Write a strong motivational letter

This is where you show your story, your passion, and your future goals.

Highlight your academic effort

Even if marks are not perfect, show improvement and dedication.

Demonstrate real financial need

Explain your household situation honestly and respectfully.

Keep copies of everything

This helps in case documents are requested again.

Follow up politely

Some organisations appreciate applicants who show commitment.

Career Growth Path After This

Depending on your field of study, completing a qualification through this bursary could lead to:

Agriculture

Agricultural technician, farm manager, agronomist, environmental officer, extension officer.

Arts & Design

Graphic designer, animator, creative director, multimedia specialist, fashion designer.

Business & Commerce

Accountant, HR officer, entrepreneur, business analyst, marketing coordinator.

Education

Teacher, lecturer, training facilitator, ECD practitioner.

Health Sciences

Nurse, medical technologist, community health worker, laboratory assistant.

Law

Paralegal, legal researcher, compliance officer.

STEM

Engineer, scientist, technician, IT specialist, software developer.

Social Sciences & Humanities

Social worker, NGO project officer, researcher, community development practitioner.

Because of the mentorship built into the programme, you are not only more likely to graduate — you are more likely to become employable, confident, and future-ready.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I apply if I am turning 29 in 2026?

Yes — as long as you are under 29 at the time of application.

Does the bursary cover postgraduate studies?

No, this programme is only for undergraduate qualifications.

I’m studying at a private college. Can I apply?

Unfortunately not. This bursary only supports public institutions.

What if my household income is slightly above R350 000?

You may still apply, but priority goes to those who meet the threshold.

Can TVET students apply?

Yes! TVET and FET college students are fully supported.

Does the bursary renew automatically?

No — returning beneficiaries must reapply each year and submit updated documents.

What happens if I fail a module?

You may still be considered, but academic performance is important for renewal.

Will I be required to work for GYD after graduation?

There is no work-back obligation, but graduates are encouraged to uplift their communities.

How will I know if I’m successful?

GYD will communicate directly with shortlisted candidates.

Does the bursary cover laptops?

Study materials may include devices, depending on your programme needs.

CLOSING DATE: 30 JANUARY 2026

You can also:

Disclaimers

Edupstairs is not the official awarding body of the bursary.
All information is provided for educational purposes only.
Always double-check closing dates, requirements, and official announcements.
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

EDUPSTAIRS IS A REGISTERED NON-PROFIT ORGANISATION NPO No: 232 – 182, PUBLIC BENEFIT ORGANISATION (PBO): 930066984. EDUPSTAIRS DOES NOT, IN ANY WAY OR FORM, SOLICIT MONEY OR CV’S FROM PEOPLE FOR JOBS. PLEASE BE AWARE OF PHONY JOB POSTINGS AND RECRUITMENT FRAUD. FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT OUR SCAM/FRAUD ALERT PAGE HERE