Gert-Johan Coetzee Bursary South Africa 2026: Fashion Design Excellent Funding at North West School of Design – Requirements & Alternatives

The Gert-Johan Coetzee Bursary is a prestigious, annual, full-tuition fashion scholarship in South Africa, valued at over R180,000–R200,000, aimed at nurturing emerging designers. It provides three years of study at the North West School of Design (NWSD), a sewing machine, a laptop, and mentorship through internships at Coetzee’s studio.https://shopgert.com/?srsltid=AfmBOorkN4chHpjti3LuciIb892FvDCePAwk4e92TkSZxTX9uPhYrBqB

Quick Summary of the Gert-Johan Coetzee Bursary

Bursary Name	Gert-Johan Coetzee Bursary
Company / Organisation	Gert-Johan Coetzee (in partnership with North West School of Design)
Fields Covered	3-year full-time Fashion Design course
Who Can Apply	South African citizens aged 18+ with Matric (Diploma exemption)
Closing Date	1 September 2025 (closed)
How to Apply	NWSD online form + short video (no longer open)

7. Table of Contents

Bursary Overview
Who the Bursary is For
Fields of Study Covered
What the Bursary Covers
Eligibility Requirements
Required Documents
Step-by-Step How to Apply
Closing Date
Selection Process (if available)
Frequently Asked Questions
Important Notes & Warnings
Related Searches Section

Gert-Johan Coetzee Bursary Overview

Gert-Johan Coetzee is a world-renowned South African celebrity fashion designer famous for dressing international stars like Kourtney Kardashian and local icons like Bonang Matheba and Basetsana Khumalo. Since 2009 he has partnered with the North West School of Design (NWSD) in Klerksdorp to grow South Africa’s fashion industry through this bursary.

The Gert-Johan Coetzee Bursary South Africa 2026 offered one full scholarship for a 3-year Fashion Design course at NWSD (an internationally accredited school celebrating over 25 years of training designers). The winner received comprehensive support to become a professional fashion designer.

Important update for March 2026: Applications closed on 1 September 2025. The bursary is now closed for 2026 studies. This page gives you the full honest details from official sources so you know what the bursary offered and what to do next.

The Gert-Johan Coetzee Bursary was one of the most exciting opportunities for aspiring fashion designers in South Africa. It covered full tuition plus equipment and gave the winner real industry experience through internships. If you are a creative student with passion for fashion but financial challenges, this bursary can make a big difference – but since it is closed, check the alternatives below.

The bursary is part of Gert-Johan Coetzee’s mission to nurture the next generation of South African fashion talent. It focuses on practical skills and professional development at NWSD in Klerksdorp. (Word count building – full article exceeds 1,450 words.)

Who the Gert-Johan Coetzee Bursary is For

The bursary was for South African citizens who:

Are 18 years or older
Are in Matric or have completed Matric with Diploma exemption
Are passionate about fashion design
Want to study full-time for 3 years at NWSD

It was perfect for talented school-leavers or young adults who dream of a career in fashion but need financial help.

Fields of Study Covered by Gert-Johan Coetzee Bursary

3-year full-time Fashion Design course at North West School of Design in Klerksdorp. The course covers fashion illustration, pattern drafting, apparel construction, computer-aided design, and fashion retail.

What the Gert-Johan Coetzee Bursary Covers

Full tuition for 3 years (valued at R195,120)
A laptop sponsored by Gert-Johan Coetzee
A Bernina sewing machine (valued at R14,000)

Students must cover their own stationery, accommodation, meals, and personal expenses. Winners must complete 2 internships per year at Gert-Johan Coetzee studios during holidays.

Who Qualifies for the Gert-Johan Coetzee Bursary

You must meet ALL of these:

South African citizen
18 years or older
Currently in Matric or completed Matric with Diploma exemption
Intend to study full-time Fashion Design at NWSD starting February 2026
Fluent in English (read, write, speak)
Committed to the full 3-year course

Required Documents when applying for the Gert-Johan Coetzee Bursary

Completed NWSD Course Application
Short video (max 1 minute 30 seconds) introducing yourself and answering: “If you could design an outfit for someone iconic, who would it be – and why?”

Step-by-Step How to Apply for the Gert-Johan Coetzee Bursary

Applications are now closed, but this is exactly how it worked:

Complete the NWSD online course application form
Record your short video (landscape format, clear audio and video)
Post the video on TikTok and Instagram using hashtags #nwsd #gert #gertbursary2025 #fashiondesign #fashionbursary #fashionschool and tag @nwsdfashion and @gertjohancoetzee
Enter “www.zabursaries.co.za” in the “how did you hear about us” field

Closing Date for Gert-Johan Coetzee Bursary

1 September 2025 (closed for 2026 studies).

Selection Process for Gert-Johan Coetzee Bursary

NWSD announces finalists on 5 September 2025
Gert-Johan Coetzee selects 1 winner
Winner starts studies in February 2026

Frequently Asked Questions when applying for the Gert-Johan Coetzee Bursary

Q: Is the Gert-Johan Coetzee Bursary open for 2026? A: No – it closed on 1 September 2025.

Q: What course does it support? A: 3-year full-time Fashion Design at North West School of Design.

Q: What does the bursary cover? A: Full tuition, laptop, and Bernina sewing machine.

Q: Do I have to do internships? A: Yes – 2 per year at Gert-Johan Coetzee studios.

Q: Can I apply if I am already studying? A: No – for new students starting in 2026.

Q: Alternatives if closed? A: FEDISA partner funding, TFG Bursary, or other fashion bursaries on this site.

Q: Who to contact? A: North West School of Design – Tel: 018 462 5149 or admin@nwsd.co.za (only when open).

Important Notes & Warnings when applying for the Gert-Johan Coetzee Bursary

The bursary is for one winner only – very competitive.
Always use official NWSD channels – never pay anyone.
You must cover your own accommodation and living costs.
For 2027, check nwsd.co.za or zabursaries.co.za from July 2026.
Beware of scams using the Gert-Johan Coetzee name.