How to Apply for the GCRA Bursary 2024
Applying for the prestigious Gauteng City Region Academy (GCRA) Bursary 2024 to fund your university studies involves meeting the eligibility criteria and submitting a complete online application before the deadline. With proper preparation and attention to detail, your application can stand out for successful selection.
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Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the GCRA bursary program, you need to meet these base requirements:
- Citizenship and Residence
- South African citizen
- Permanent resident of Gauteng province
- Age
- Between 18 and 35 years as of 1 January 2024
- Academic
- Completed National Senior Certificate (NSC) or Matriculation
- Attained relevant diploma/degree if applying for postgrad studies
- University Acceptance
- Accepted or registered at accredited public/private university or TVET college
- Pursuing full-time higher certificate, undergraduate or postgraduate qualification
- Financial Need
- Demonstrate lack of means to self-fund studies
Priority Focus Areas
You stand a greater chance of selection if studying towards qualifications in these national priority skills areas:
- Information and Communications Technology (ICT)
- Engineering
- Built Environment fields (Construction, Architecture)
- Accounting and Finance
- Teaching Sciences and Mathematics
- Medical fields (Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing)
However, students from all disciplines are welcome to apply based on meeting the base eligibility criteria.
Application Process Timelines
- Online Applications Open: 09 January 2024
- Closing Date for Applications: 29 February 2024 at 16:00 PM
- Outcome Notification Period: April – June 2024
- Bursary Tenure: 1 January 2025 – 31 December 2028
How to Apply in 7 Steps
Follow this step-by-step process to submit your GCRA bursary application smoothly:
Step 1: Gather Documents
Collect and prepare certified copies of these essential documents:
- Grade 12 Certificate
- South African ID Document
- Acceptance letter from university
- Proof of Gauteng province residence
- Detailed motivation letter
Step 2: Create Profile and Login
- Visit the GCRA Bursaries Online System
- Click “Create Profile”
- Enter your ID number, personal details, contact information
- Create username and password for your bursary profile
Step 3: Complete Online Application Form
- Login to your GCRA bursary profile
- Click “Submit Application” to open the online application form
- Work through each section, providing complete and accurate responses
- Agree to the consent statement and privacy policy
- Click “Preview” to review entire application before submission
Step 4: Upload Supporting Documents
- In your GCRA profile, go to “My Documents” section
- Upload recently certified copies of all required documents
- Double check clarity and validity of all documents before attaching them
Step 5: Submit Application
- Preview entire application again carefully
- Ensure all details filled are correct and documents attached
- Click “Submit Application” button before deadline
Step 6: Track Application Status
- Regularly login to your GCRA profile to track updates
- Shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interviews
- Address any queries from GCRA at your registered contact details
Step 7: Accept Offer
- Successful applicants receive registration documentation and bursary contract via email and post
- Complete all required processes per instructions in offer pack
- Sign and return contract within stipulated timelines to activate bursary
Document Certification Guidelines
To be considered valid, all copies submitted with your GCRA application need to be recently certified according to these stipulations:
- Certified By:
- South African Police Services
- Bank Manager
- Commissioner of Oaths
- Attorney at law
- Certifier’s Details:
- Full name, designation and contact details
- Original signature, not photocopy or stamp
- Certification Date: No more than 3 months before your application deadline
- Copy Content:
- Entire document visible with all sides if applicable
- Signed statement confirming it matches original
Failure to follow these certification protocols may invalidate your documents and jeopardize your eligibility for selection.
Application Tips
Here are some proven suggestions to strengthen your chances of successfully securing the GCRA bursary:
- Start early so you have plenty of time to prepare documents and draft motivation letter
- Double check eligibility thoroughly against all listed criteria
- Follow all instructions precisely to avoid disqualification
- Highlight achievements like academics, leadership, community upliftment
- Show compelling need for funding support to pursue studies
- Outline clear career goals demonstrating benefit to nation after graduating
- Proofread rigorously to eliminate any errors before applying
- Make copies of your full application for your own records
- Follow up regularly via your profile to get status updates
Conclusion
The GCRA bursary program provides invaluable funding support for aspiring students from financially constrained backgrounds. Submit an outstanding application by carefully following all instructions and gathering quality supporting documents. Gain the necessary tertiary education, skills and work experience to contribute meaningfully to Gauteng province’s economy and communities upon graduation. Model the spirit of excellence, integrity and service displayed by GCRA alumni to uplift others when you ultimately achieve career success.
FAQs
How do I create a strong motivation letter?
Your motivation letter carries significant weight in GCRA bursary evaluations. A compelling letter should include:
- Opening paragraph introducing yourself and chosen degree
- Main body paragraphs highlighting academic achievements, leadership qualities, financial need and career alignment with critical development areas
- Concluding paragraph on how this bursary will enable your future contribution to community/country.
Maintain formal tone and articulate details clearly and convincingly, checking for errors before submission.
What are my chances of success?
With over 3000 applications annually and limited funding availability, competition is extremely high. However, diligently preparing a quality application demonstrating academic merit, genuine financial need and commitment to skilled qualifications will boost your potential for selection.
When will I receive bursary payments if awarded?
Disbursements will be administered directly to your institution firstly and thereafter quarterly payments for living allowance, transport, supplies etc will be payable to your personal banking account. This is subject to satisfactory enrollment and progress reports each semester.
What happens if I submit a late application?
Late applications are not considered at all. The online system blocks all submissions instantly after 16:00 PM on 29 February 2024. You will then need to reapply in the next bursary intake as no exceptions are granted for missed deadlines due technical glitches, load shedding or any other reasons. Submit well ahead of time to prevent unfavorable outcomes.