Who qualifies for the Cape Wools SA Bursary?

South African citizens studying towards a qualification in the wool/sheep direction (such as animal or agricultural science) or textile/fashion design with a wool focus. The bursary is awarded on academic merit, with preference for agricultural college students, third-year-and-above tertiary students (including Honours, Masters and PhD) and previously disadvantaged students.

What does the Cape Wools SA Bursary cover?

Depending on Cape Wools SA's decision, it may cover registration fees, tuition, accommodation, prescribed books and study-related materials. Grootfontein Agricultural College students can receive up to R20 000 for practical on-farm training, paid to the host farmer. The bursary is awarded annually and reviewed and paid on a six-monthly basis.

Is there a work-back obligation?

Yes. Recipients must complete up to four weeks of vacation work per year on an active wool farm, and after graduating must seek employment at an approved wool-industry farm or organisation for one year for every year of funding received.

When is the application deadline?

The most recently published closing date was 31 October 2025 for the 2026 academic year. The bursary runs annually with a similar October/November deadline window expected for subsequent cycles. Confirm the current closing date directly with Cape Wools SA before applying.

Agriculture Cape Wools SA (administered in-house by Cape Wools SA, Port Elizabeth/Gqeberha; funded by the Wool Trust, commonly referred to as the Wool Industry Bursary Trust)

Cape Wools SA Bursary Fund

The Cape Wools SA Bursary Fund supports South African students studying towards qualifications in the wool/sheep direction, or textile and fashion design with a wool focus. Awarded annually on academic merit, it can cover registration, tuition, accommodation, prescribed books and study materials, with preference given to agricultural college students, senior tertiary students and previously disadvantaged applicants. Recipients undertake annual wool-farm vacation work and a work-back obligation of one year per year of funding.

Amount:

Varies based on the decision of Cape Wools SA; may cover registration fees, tuition, accommodation, prescribed books and study-related materials. For Grootfontein Agricultural College students, the bursary provides up to R20 000 per student for practical on-farm training (paid to the host farmer to defray costs).

Deadline:

31 October 2025

Renewable:

Yes

Applications closed

Check back next cycle

Apply on Cape Wools SA (administered in-house by Cape Wools SA, Port Elizabeth/Gqeberha; funded by the Wool Trust, commonly referred to as the Wool Industry Bursary Trust)'s site

Eligible Fields of Study

Cape Wools SA (administered in-house by Cape Wools SA, Port Elizabeth/Gqeberha; funded by the Wool Trust, commonly referred to as the Wool Industry Bursary Trust) supports students in the following disciplines

Wool/sheep agricultural studies

Animal/agricultural science (wool direction)

Textile design (wool focus)

Fashion design (wool focus)

Eligibility Requirements

✓ South African citizen
✓ Studying towards a qualification in the wool/sheep direction OR textile/fashion design with a wool focus
✓ Awarded on academic merit (strong academic record)
✓ Preference for Agricultural College students and 3rd-year-and-above tertiary students (including Honours, Masters and PhD)
✓ Preference for previously disadvantaged students
✓ Fashion/textile students: final-year collection must contain garments made of at least 50% wool
✓ Must undertake up to 4 weeks of vacation work per year on an active wool farm
✓ Proof of registration at a recognised tertiary institution or agricultural college
✓ Disclosure of any other bursaries held

What's Included

✓ Registration fees
✓ Tuition fees
✓ Accommodation
✓ Prescribed books and study-related materials
✓ Up to R20 000 for practical on-farm training (Grootfontein Agricultural College students)
✓ Awarded annually; reviewed and paid on a six-monthly basis

Work Commitment

Recipients must complete up to 4 weeks of vacation work each year on an active wool farm, and on graduation must seek employment at an approved wool-industry farm or organisation for one year for every year of funding received.

How to Apply

Steps to complete your Cape Wools SA (administered in-house by Cape Wools SA, Port Elizabeth/Gqeberha; funded by the Wool Trust, commonly referred to as the Wool Industry Bursary Trust) bursary application

1
Download the official bursary policy and application form for the relevant year (e.g. the 2026 form at capewools.co.za)
2
Complete the application form and gather all certified supporting documents
3
Submit the application by email to [email protected] with the subject line 'Cape Wools Bursary <year>', or by post to The CEO, Cape Wools SA, P.O. Box 2191, North End, Port Elizabeth 6056
4
Ensure the application is received by the published closing date (most recently 31 October 2025 for the 2026 academic year)
5
Await assessment by Cape Wools SA, which awards on academic merit and the fund's priorities

Required Documents

📄 Certified copy of South African ID
📄 Certified academic records / latest results
📄 Proof of tertiary registration
📄 Details of any other bursaries held
📄 Proof of residence
📄 Motivational letter

Frequently Asked Questions

Who qualifies for the Cape Wools SA Bursary?: South African citizens studying towards a qualification in the wool/sheep direction (such as animal or agricultural science) or textile/fashion design with a wool focus. The bursary is awarded on academic merit, with preference for agricultural college students, third-year-and-above tertiary students (including Honours, Masters and PhD) and previously disadvantaged students.
What does the Cape Wools SA Bursary cover?: Depending on Cape Wools SA's decision, it may cover registration fees, tuition, accommodation, prescribed books and study-related materials. Grootfontein Agricultural College students can receive up to R20 000 for practical on-farm training, paid to the host farmer. The bursary is awarded annually and reviewed and paid on a six-monthly basis.
Is there a work-back obligation?: Yes. Recipients must complete up to four weeks of vacation work per year on an active wool farm, and after graduating must seek employment at an approved wool-industry farm or organisation for one year for every year of funding received.
When is the application deadline?: The most recently published closing date was 31 October 2025 for the 2026 academic year. The bursary runs annually with a similar October/November deadline window expected for subsequent cycles. Confirm the current closing date directly with Cape Wools SA before applying.

Ready to apply?

Applications close on 31 October 2025

Apply on Cape Wools SA (administered in-house by Cape Wools SA, Port Elizabeth/Gqeberha; funded by the Wool Trust, commonly referred to as the Wool Industry Bursary Trust)'s official site

Need help? Contact Cape Wools SA (administered in-house by Cape Wools SA, Port Elizabeth/Gqeberha; funded by the Wool Trust, commonly referred to as the Wool Industry Bursary Trust):

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 041 484 4301

Information verified 2026-06-22. Always confirm details on the funder's official website before applying.

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