Gert-Johan Coetzee invites South African aspiring fashion designers to apply for the Gert-Johan Coetzee Fashion Bursary 2026.

Bursary Application Closing Date: 1 September 2025
Study Location: North West School of Design (NWSD), Klerksdorp, South Africa

About the Gert-Johan Coetzee Bursary 2026

Since 2009, world-renowned fashion designer Gert-Johan Coetzee has been offering a full-tuition bursary in collaboration with the North West School of Design (NWSD) to support talented South African creatives who dream of a career in fashion. The bursary provides access to a 3-year intensive fashion design course and exclusive industry exposure through internships at Gert-Johan Coetzee Studios.

What the Bursary Covers

• Full tuition for the 3-Year Fashion Design Course at NWSD (worth R195,120)
• Laptop sponsored by Gert-Johan Coetzee
• Bernina sewing machine valued at R14,000
• Two annual internships at the prestigious Gert-Johan Coetzee Studios

Important Dates

• Applications Open: 1 August 2025
• Applications Close: 1 September 2025
• Finalists Announced: 5 September 2025
• Winner Commences Studies: February 2026

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, applicants must:

• Be a South African citizen, aged 18 or older
• Hold a Grade 12 certificate with diploma exemption or equivalent
• Have no prior fashion design experience
• Be able to start the programme in February 2026
• Be fluent in English

How to Apply

Click here to apply for the Gert-Johan Coetzee Fashion Bursary 2026

Application Process:

1. Complete the NWSD online application form.
2. Upload a 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?”
3. Post the video to TikTok or Instagram using the following hashtags:
   #nwsd #gert #gertbursary2024 #fashiondesign #fashionbursary #fashionschool
4. Tag: @nwsdfashion and @gertjohancoetzee