Cape Wools SA Bursary Fund
Cape Wools SA - Wool Industry Bursary Trust (established by Cape Wools SA with support from the Wool Trust; administered in Gqeberha)
The Cape Wools SA Bursary Fund (Wool Industry Bursary Trust) supports students preparing for a career in the South African wool industry - wool/sheep-focused agricultural studies, or textile and fashion design with a wool focus. Awarded annually on merit, it can cover registration and tuition fees, materials and books, and accommodation. Half of the allocation is aimed at agricultural college students (or wool-focused fashion and textile students), 60% of funding is earmarked for previously disadvantaged individuals, and recipients commit to seeking work in the wool industry for a year per year funded.
- Amount
- Decided per applicant on merit; may cover registration and tuition/course fees, material fees and books, and accommodation. For Grootfontein Agricultural College students, required on-farm practical training can be supported up to R20 000 per student (paid to the host farmer).
- Deadline
- 31 October 2026
- Renewable
- Yes
Eligible Fields of Study
Cape Wools SA - Wool Industry Bursary Trust (established by Cape Wools SA with support from the Wool Trust; administered in Gqeberha) supports students in the following disciplines
Eligibility Requirements
- ✓ South African ID holder
- ✓ Studying towards a qualification in the wool/sheep direction, or textile/fashion design with a wool focus, and meeting the institution's admission requirements
- ✓ Awarded on merit; Cape Wools SA assesses whether the intended qualification suits employment in the wool industry
- ✓ Preference for agricultural college students (50% of the allocation) or wool-focused fashion and textile design students
- ✓ 60% of available funding is earmarked for previously disadvantaged individuals
- ✓ Preference for students in their third year and above, including Honours, Masters or PhD in a wool/sheep direction
- ✓ Grootfontein Agricultural College 1st- and 2nd-year students must undertake to specialise in wool (Merino production unit) in their 3rd year
- ✓ Fashion/textile students: the final-year collection must consist of garments containing at least 50% wool
- ✓ Disclosure of any other bursaries received or applied for
What's Included
- ✓ Registration and tuition/course fees
- ✓ Material fees and books
- ✓ Accommodation fees
- ✓ Up to R20 000 for required on-farm practical training (Grootfontein Agricultural College students)
- ✓ Awarded annually; reviewed and paid on a six-monthly basis, renewable subject to satisfactory results
Work Commitment
Recipients may be required to do up to four weeks of holiday work a year on an active wool farm. After completing their final year, they must actively seek employment at an approved organisation or farm in the wool or a related industry for twelve months for every year of bursary received.
How to Apply
Steps to complete your Cape Wools SA - Wool Industry Bursary Trust (established by Cape Wools SA with support from the Wool Trust; administered in Gqeberha) bursary application
- 1
Download the 2027 bursary policy and application form from the Bursary Applications page at capewools.co.za
- 2
Complete and sign the application form and gather the supporting documents
- 3
Email the application to bursaries@capewools.co.za, or post it to The Chief Executive Officer, Cape Wools SA, P.O. Box 2191, North End, Gqeberha 6056
- 4
Make sure it arrives by the closing date: 31 October 2026 for the 2027 academic year (Grade 12 applicants submit final results once available)
- 5
Attend a personal interview if Cape Wools SA requests one, then await the outcome
Required Documents
- 📄 Copy of South African ID
- 📄 Certified copies of latest academic results (Matric certificate and/or latest course results)
- 📄 Proof of registration at your current tertiary institution
- 📄 Details of any other bursary received or applied for
- 📄 Proof of permanent residence / address
- 📄 Motivation letter
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who qualifies for the Cape Wools SA Bursary?
- Students preparing for a career in the wool industry - studying in a wool/sheep direction (for example at an agricultural college or in animal or agricultural science) or in textile/fashion design with a wool focus. Awards are made on merit, with preference for agricultural college students, students in their third year and above (including Honours, Masters and PhD), and previously disadvantaged individuals, for whom 60% of funding is earmarked.
- What does the Cape Wools SA Bursary cover?
- Depending on Cape Wools SA's decision, it may cover registration and tuition/course fees, material fees and books, and accommodation. Grootfontein Agricultural College students can receive up to R20 000 for required on-farm practical 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 may be asked to do up to four weeks of holiday work a year on an active wool farm, and after their final year must actively seek employment at an approved wool-industry organisation or farm for twelve months for every year of funding received.
- When is the application deadline?
- Applications for the 2027 academic year close on 31 October 2026, according to the 2027 application form on capewools.co.za. (The bursary page heading still shows 31 October 2025 from the previous round.) Submit by email to bursaries@capewools.co.za or by post before then.
Ready to apply?
Applications close on 31 October 2026
Apply on Cape Wools SA - Wool Industry Bursary Trust (established by Cape Wools SA with support from the Wool Trust; administered in Gqeberha)'s official siteNeed help? Contact Cape Wools SA - Wool Industry Bursary Trust (established by Cape Wools SA with support from the Wool Trust; administered in Gqeberha):
Email: bursaries@capewools.co.za
Phone: 041 484 4301
Information verified 2026-10-12. Always confirm details on the funder's official website before applying.
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