Government Gauteng Department of Health

Gauteng Department of Health Bursary

The Gauteng Department of Health runs one of the largest provincial bursary programmes in the country, funding South African citizens from Gauteng studying towards in-demand health professions including medicine, nursing, dentistry, pharmacy and the allied health sciences. Recipients enter a service-binding agreement to work in Gauteng's public health system after qualifying.

Amount:
Full cost of study (tuition, accommodation, books, allowance)
Deadline:
30 September 2026
Renewable:
Yes

Eligible Fields of Study

Gauteng Department of Health supports students in the following disciplines

Medicine and Surgery (MBChB)
Nursing (BNurs)
Dental Science (BDS)
Pharmacy (BPharm)
Occupational Therapy
Physiotherapy
Health Sciences
Radiography
Speech and Hearing Therapy

Eligibility Requirements

  • South African citizen with a valid ID
  • Resident of Gauteng for at least one year
  • Minimum 'C' symbol average (60%+) in Matric
  • Current first-year university student in an eligible health science programme
  • Preference given to candidates from historically disadvantaged backgrounds
  • Willingness to sign a service-binding contract with the Gauteng Department of Health

What's Included

  • Full tuition fees at a recognised South African university
  • Accommodation
  • Prescribed books
  • Monthly living allowance
  • Clinical placements within Gauteng public hospitals
  • Guaranteed placement in the Gauteng public health system after community service

Work Commitment

Recipients sign a service-binding contract committing them to work in the Gauteng public health system for a period equal to the tenure of the bursary, following internship and community service.

How to Apply

Steps to complete your Gauteng Department of Health bursary application

  1. 1

    Download or collect the application form from the Gauteng Department of Health bursary office

  2. 2

    Complete the application and gather certified supporting documents

  3. 3

    Submit by hand at 1 Rissik (Penmore Building, cnr Rissik and Albert, Johannesburg)

  4. 4

    Alternatively post by registered mail to 37 Sauer Street, Johannesburg / Private Bag X085, Marshalltown, 2107

  5. 5

    Wait for confirmation and shortlisting

  6. 6

    Attend an interview if shortlisted and sign the service-binding contract if successful

Required Documents

  • 📄 Certified copy of South African ID
  • 📄 Certified Matric certificate
  • 📄 Proof of Gauteng residency (e.g. utility bill, affidavit) for at least one year
  • 📄 Proof of acceptance or registration at a recognised South African university
  • 📄 Certified first-year university academic transcripts
  • 📄 Proof of household income
  • 📄 Completed Gauteng Department of Health bursary application form

Frequently Asked Questions

Who qualifies for the Gauteng Department of Health bursary?
South African citizens who have lived in Gauteng for at least one year, with a minimum 'C' symbol Matric average, currently in their first year of a recognised health-sciences degree at a South African university.
What is the service-binding contract?
Bursary recipients are required to work in the Gauteng public health system after qualifying (and after completing their internship and community service) for a period equal to the years they were funded.
Which fields does the Gauteng Department of Health bursary fund?
Medicine and Surgery, Nursing, Dental Science, Pharmacy, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Radiography, Speech and Hearing Therapy, and other allied health sciences.
When does the Gauteng Department of Health bursary close?
There is no nationally fixed deadline — the Gauteng office sets its own closing date each year (typically around end of September). Contact the bursary section on 011 355 3847/3514 to confirm the current cycle's deadline.

Ready to apply?

Applications close on 30 September 2026

Apply on Gauteng Department of Health's official site

Need help? Contact Gauteng Department of Health:

Phone: 011 355 3847

Information verified 2026-05-25. Always confirm details on the funder's official website before applying.