Gert-Johan Coetzee Bursary South Africa 2026

 

ABOUT THE BURSARY PROVIDER – GERT-JOHAN COETZEE

South African celebrity fashion designer, Gert-Johan Coetzee, specialises in red carpet gowns and wedding gowns and is a big name in the fashion industry. Coetzee has dressed many international and local celebrities for red-carpet events, including the likes of Kourtney Kardashian, Kristen Cavallari, Liezel van der Westhuizen, Bonang Matheba, Basetsana Khumalu, Sashi Naidoo, Tatum Keshwar, Louise Carver, Noeleen, Cindy Nell and many more.

Gert-Johan Coetzee, partnered with the North West School of Design (NWSD), has been awarding bursaries to deserving students since 2009, with the aim of growing the South African fashion industry and financially assisting students who wish to make a name for themselves within the fashion industry.
 

ABOUT THE GERT-JOHAN COETZEE BURSARY PROGRAMME – FIELDS COVERED

Gert-Johan Coetzee is inviting students to apply for the Gert-Johan Coetzee Fashion Bursary, for the 2026 academic year.

The bursary will be awarded for studies at the North West School of Design, to pursue Fashion Design studies for 3 years. Studies will commence on February 2026.

The North West School of Design is based in Klerksdorp (North West province), and is an internationally accredited fashion school, which has just celebrated 25 years of training top designers and fashion professionals in South Africa.
 

** RELATED BURSARIES **

 

MORE ABOUT THE GERT-JOHAN COETZEE BURSARY PROGRAMME – EXPENSES COVERED, OBLIGATIONS & SELECTION

The bursary will provide cover for the following expenses: 3 years of full tuition fees (valued at R195 120), a Laptop sponsored by Gert-Johan and a Bernina sewing machine (valued at R14 000).
(The bursary will NOT provide cover for personal stationery, personal laptop, accommodation and meals – these will be for the students own account.)

Bursary recipients will be required to complete 2 internship programmes each year at the Gert Johan Coetzee studios, during holidays.

www.zabursaries.co.za is committed to keeping you up to date with the latest bursary opportunities, and this article covers all details about the Gert-Johan Coetzee Bursary.

The North West School of Design will announce the finalists on 5 September 2025. Gert-Johan Coetzee will then announce 1 winner.
 

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE GERT-JOHAN COETZEE BURSARY

Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying (please note that failure to satisfy all the requirements will lead to your application not being considered):

  • You must be a South African citizen
  • You must be 18 years or older
  • You must be currently in Matric or have completed Matric with a Diploma exemption or equivalent
  • You must intend on studying full-time towards a 3 year Fashion Design course at the North West School of Design in Klerksdorp
  • You must be able to start your studies in February 2026
  • You must be willing to commit to 3 years of study
  • You must be fluent in English (read, write and speak)
  • You must read the NWSD course prospectus (.pdf)

 

HOW TO APPLY FOR THE GERT-JOHAN COETZEE BURSARY

Applicants must follow these steps to apply:
Step 1: Complete the NWSD Course Application

Step 2: Record a short video introducing yourself and answering: “If you could design an outfit for someone iconic, who would it be – and why?”

  • The video should be no more than 1 minute 30 seconds long.
  • The video should show your creativity, personality, and passion — this could be your breakthrough into the fashion industry!

Step 3: Share your video on Social Media

  • Upload your video to TikTok and Instagram
  • Use the following hashtags: #nwsd #gert #gertbursary2025 #fashiondesign #fashionbursary #fashionschool
  • Tag the following: @nwsdfashion and @gertjohancoetzee

Enter “www.zabursaries.co.za” in the field asking how you heard about the Gert-Johan Coetzee Bursary.
 

CLOSING DATE FOR THE GERT-JOHAN COETZEE BURSARY

1 September 2025.
(Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted – please apply before the closing date to ensure your application is considered.)
 

CONTACT THE BURSARY PROVIDER

For any queries related to this bursary programme, please contact the North West School of Design directly:
Tel: 018 462 5149
Email: admin@nwsd.co.za
 

Please do NOT contact the North West School of Design if this bursary has already closed. View our other bursaries open for application here: https://www.zabursaries.co.za/bursary-news/

This bursary listing was last updated in August 2025.

SA Bursaries wishes you the best of luck with your application! Please remember to SHARE this page with anyone you know who may be in need of bursary funding.