Gert-Johan Coetzee Fashion Bursary 2027: Requirements, Funding and How to Apply
Aspiring South African fashion designers have an opportunity to pursue their studies with support from the Gert-Johan Coetzee Fashion Bursary 2027.
The bursary will support one successful applicant to study a three-year full-time Fashion Design course at the North West School of Design (NWSD) in Klerksdorp, North West.
The funding package is substantial. It includes three years of full tuition valued at approximately R200,000, a laptop sponsored by Gert-Johan Coetzee Studios, a Bernina sewing machine valued at approximately R14,000, and two annual internship opportunities at Gert-Johan Coetzee Studios.
Applications close on 7 September 2026, while studies are expected to begin on 3 February 2027.
Quick Overview
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Bursary Provider | Gert-Johan Coetzee |
| Institution | North West School of Design |
| Opportunity | Fashion Design Bursary |
| Academic Year | 2027 |
| Field | Fashion Design |
| Location | Klerksdorp, North West |
| Study Mode | Full-time |
| Duration | 3 years |
| Number of recipients | 1 |
| Tuition value | Approximately R200,000 |
| Laptop | Included |
| Sewing machine | Bernina, approximately R14,000 |
| Internships | 2 annual internship opportunities |
| Age | 18 years or older |
| Closing Date | 7 September 2026 |
| Studies Begin | 3 February 2027 |
| Application Method | NWSD online application + creative video |
Why This Opportunity Matters
Fashion students often need more than classroom tuition to begin building a career in the industry.
The Gert-Johan Coetzee Fashion Bursary combines formal fashion-design education with equipment and practical industry exposure.
The successful student will study at the North West School of Design while receiving a laptop and Bernina sewing machine. The bursary also includes two annual internship opportunities at Gert-Johan Coetzee Studios.
That combination can help the recipient develop both academic knowledge and practical experience during the three-year course.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Be 18 years or older.
- Currently be in Matric or have completed Matric.
- Have a Diploma exemption or equivalent.
- Intend to study full-time towards the three-year Fashion Design course at NWSD.
- Be available to start studies on 3 February 2027.
- Be willing to commit to three years of full-time study.
- Be fluent in English in reading, writing and speaking.
- Read the North West School of Design course prospectus.
Applicants should also complete the NWSD course application and follow the additional creative-video requirements.
Who Should Not Apply?
The bursary is not suitable for applicants who:
- Are not South African citizens.
- Are under 18.
- Do not have Matric or are not currently completing Matric.
- Do not have the required Diploma exemption or equivalent.
- Cannot commit to the three-year full-time course.
- Are unavailable to begin studies in February 2027.
- Do not complete the required NWSD application.
- Do not complete the required creative video submission.
- Submit after the 7 September 2026 deadline.
What Does the Bursary Cover?
The bursary provides several forms of support.
1. Full Tuition
The successful recipient will receive three years of full tuition fees.
The tuition funding is valued at approximately:
R200,000
2. Laptop
A laptop sponsored by Gert-Johan Coetzee Studios is included.
This can be useful for fashion students working on design development, coursework, presentations and digital creative projects.
3. Bernina Sewing Machine
The bursary also includes a Bernina sewing machine valued at approximately R14,000.
This gives the successful student access to practical equipment needed for fashion-design work.
4. Industry Internships
The bursary includes two annual internship opportunities at Gert-Johan Coetzee Studios.
This is particularly significant because it provides an opportunity for the recipient to gain exposure to a professional fashion environment while studying.
What Is Not Covered?
Applicants should budget for expenses that are not included in the bursary.
The bursary does not cover:
- Accommodation.
- Transport.
- Meals.
- Fabric required for projects.
This means applicants should consider their living and study-material costs before accepting the opportunity.
Fashion Design Course
The bursary supports a:
3-year full-time Fashion Design course
at:
North West School of Design
in:
Klerksdorp, North West
Studies are expected to begin on:
3 February 2027
Applicants should read the relevant NWSD prospectus before applying so they understand the course structure and requirements.
View the North West School of Design 2027 Fashion Design Prospectus
Selection Process
The selection process includes a creative component designed to give applicants an opportunity to demonstrate their personality and passion for fashion.
The North West School of Design is expected to announce the bursary finalists on:
11 September 2026
Gert-Johan Coetzee will then select and announce one bursary winner.
Because only one bursary is available, applicants should treat the creative-video component as an important part of their application.
Creative Video Requirement
Applicants must record a short video answering:
“If you could tell any story through fashion, what story would you tell, and why?”
The video must:
- Be no longer than 1 minute 30 seconds.
- Demonstrate creativity.
- Show personality.
- Demonstrate passion for fashion.
This is an opportunity to show more than academic eligibility. Applicants should use the video to communicate their individual perspective and why fashion matters to them.
How to Apply for the Gert-Johan Coetzee Fashion Bursary 2027
Applicants need to complete several steps.
Step 1: Follow the Required Instagram Accounts
Applicants must follow:
Step 2: Apply to the North West School of Design
Complete the NWSD course application through its online application portal.
North West School of Design Online Application
Step 3: Record Your Video
Record a video of no more than 1 minute 30 seconds answering:
“If you could tell any story through fashion, what story would you tell, and why?”
Make sure the video communicates creativity, personality and genuine interest in fashion.
Step 4: Post the Video
Post the video on Instagram or TikTok.
The post should:
- Tag @nwsdfashion.
- Tag @gertjohancoetzee.
- Use #GertBursary2026.
Step 5: Share the Post to Your Instagram Story
Share your video post to your Instagram Story.
You should also tag @nwsdfashion in the Story.
Step 6: Submit Before the Deadline
Complete all required steps before:
7 September 2026
Do not leave the social-media submission or NWSD application until the final day.
Important Before You Apply
Before starting your application, check that:
- You are a South African citizen.
- You are at least 18 years old.
- You are currently in Matric or have completed Matric.
- You have a Diploma exemption or equivalent.
- You can commit to three years of full-time study.
- You can start on 3 February 2027.
- You have read the NWSD prospectus.
- You have completed the NWSD application.
- Your creative video is no longer than 1 minute 30 seconds.
- Your video answers the required question.
- The required accounts have been followed.
- The correct tags and hashtag have been used.
- Your Instagram Story requirement has been completed.
- You understand that accommodation, transport, meals and fabric are not covered.
- You submit before 7 September 2026.
Closing Date
The application closing date is:
7 September 2026
Late applications will not be accepted.
Applicants should complete both the academic application and creative-video requirements well before the deadline.
When Will the Finalist Be Announced?
The North West School of Design is expected to announce the bursary finalists on:
11 September 2026
The final bursary recipient will then be selected and announced by Gert-Johan Coetzee.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many students will receive the Gert-Johan Coetzee Fashion Bursary?
The bursary will support one successful student.
What does the bursary cover?
It covers three years of full tuition, a laptop, a Bernina sewing machine valued at approximately R14,000 and two annual internship opportunities at Gert-Johan Coetzee Studios.
How much is the tuition funding worth?
The three-year tuition support is valued at approximately R200,000.
Does the bursary cover accommodation?
No. Accommodation is not covered.
Does it include a laptop?
Yes. A laptop sponsored by Gert-Johan Coetzee Studios is included.
Do I need to make a video?
Yes. Applicants must submit a creative video of no more than 1 minute 30 seconds answering the specified fashion question.
When does the course start?
The expected study start date is 3 February 2027.
What is the application deadline?
Applications close on 7 September 2026.
Enquiries
For bursary-related enquiries, applicants can contact the North West School of Design.
Telephone: 018 462 5149
Email: admin@nwsd.co.za
Official Source
Bursary Provider: Gert-Johan Coetzee
Institution: North West School of Design
Course: 3-Year Full-Time Fashion Design
Location: Klerksdorp, North West
Academic Year: 2027
Closing Date: 7 September 2026
Expected Start Date: 3 February 2027
North West School of Design Official Website
NWSD Online Application Portal
Verification date: 29 August 2026
YouthScope Verification
Source: North West School of Design application information and the Gert-Johan Coetzee Fashion Bursary 2027 opportunity details supplied for this article.
Last checked: 29 August 2026
Status: Opportunity details prepared from the supplied bursary information.
Applicants should verify the current bursary instructions, social-media requirements and NWSD application information before submitting.
Editorial Information
Author: YouthScope Editorial Team
Reviewer: YouthScope Editorial Team
Published: 29 August 2026
Updated: 29 August 2026
Editorial status: Reviewed for eligibility, funding, application steps and deadline clarity
The YouthScope Editorial Team publishes verified South African learnerships, internships, bursaries, graduate programmes, and career opportunities. Our team researches opportunities from official employers, government departments, SETAs, universities, and trusted organisations to provide accurate career information for South African youth.