Grassroots invite eligible South African students to apply for the grassroots youth development bursary programme 2026
Grassroots Youth Development (GYD) Bursary Programme 2026 – Applications Now Open
The Grassroots Youth Development Bursary Programme 2026 is officially open for applications. Eligible students are invited to submit their forms on or before 30 January 2026. All applicants must ensure that the application form is completed in full and accompanied by the required supporting documents.
Key Definitions
- First-Time Applicant
- Any student who has never received funding from the GYD Bursary Programme. This includes applicants who may have applied previously but were not successful.
- 2025 Beneficiary
- Students who received GYD Bursary funding during the 2025 academic year.
Bursary Overview and Funding Scope
The Grassroots Youth Development Bursary Programme provides financial support on an annual basis. Students must therefore reapply for funding each academic year. Renewal decisions will take into account:
- Academic performance
- Participation and cooperation throughout the funded year
The bursary may cover full or partial costs for:
- Registration fees
- Tuition fees
- Prescribed study materials
- Accommodation
- Transport or living allowance stipend
In addition, every beneficiary will be paired with a dedicated mentor for the duration of their GYD-funded studies.
Eligibility Criteria – Who Should Apply?
Preference will be given to applicants who meet the following requirements:
- Currently registered or provisionally accepted for an undergraduate degree, diploma or certificate at a public university or TVET/FET college.
- Reside in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality or Sundays River Valley Local Municipality.
- Are under 29 years of age.
- Come from a household with a combined income below R350 000 per year.
Requirements for Returning Beneficiaries (2025 Students)
- Must have passed at least 75% of their registered modules in the 2025 academic year.
- All returning students must reapply for 2026 funding.
Supporting Documents – First-Time Applicants
All supporting documents must be certified within the last 3 months by a Commissioner of Oaths (police station, post office, or ward councillor).
Required documents include:
- Certified copy of the applicant’s South African ID
- Certified copies of parents’ or guardians’ ID documents
- Grade 12 certificate or latest statement of results
- Academic record from current university or college
- Proof of household income (not older than 6 months):
- Payslips for both parents
- OR an affidavit for unemployed parents
- OR death certificates if one/both parents are deceased
- Letter of provisional acceptance from a university or college
- Proof of residence (municipal bill, affidavit, or ward councillor letter)
- SASSA letter if any household member receives a social grant
- Three months’ bank statements for both parents
Supporting Documents – Returning Beneficiaries
Returning students must submit:
- Full, updated academic records
- Proof of household income (not older than 6 months):
- Parents’ payslips
- OR unemployment affidavit(s)
- OR death certificate(s)
- Three months’ bank statements for both parents
SEE ALSO: Seriti Bursary Programme 2026
Apply for the Grassroots Youth Development Bursary 2026
Ensure your application is completed correctly and submitted before the closing date: 30 January 2026. Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered.
How to Apply
click here to apply online for the Grassroots Youth Development Bursary Programme 2026