Study Fashion Design with a prestigious full-tuition bursary at the North West School of Design.
The Gert-Johan Coetzee Bursary is an annual opportunity sponsored by South African fashion designer Gert-Johan Coetzee and offered at the North West School of Design (NWSD).
The bursary has been offered since 2009 and provides an aspiring fashion designer with financial support, equipment and industry exposure while studying a three-year Fashion Design programme. NWSD confirms that Gert-Johan Coetzee is a sponsor of its annual fashion bursary programme and that Bernina SA provides sewing machines to bursary winners.
🚨 Bursary Closing Soon
Closing Date: 7 September 2026
If you’re interested in Fashion Design, don’t wait until the final day to apply.
Bursary Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Bursary Provider | Gert-Johan Coetzee / NWSD |
| Institution | North West School of Design |
| Bursary | Gert-Johan Coetzee Bursary |
| Study Programme | Fashion Design |
| Duration | 3 years |
| Study Start | February 2027 |
| Tuition Value | R200,000 |
| Additional Equipment | Laptop + Bernina sewing machine |
| Internships | 2 annual internships at Gert-Johan Coetzee Studios |
| Closing Date | 7 September 2026 |
The bursary has historically provided full tuition for the three-year Fashion Design programme together with a sewing machine, laptop and industry internship opportunities. NWSD reported the 2025 programme as valued at more than R200,000.
What Does the Bursary Cover?
The successful applicant receives:
- Three years of Fashion Design tuition valued at approximately R200,000
- Laptop sponsored by Gert-Johan Coetzee Studios
- Bernina sewing machine valued at approximately R14,000
- Two internships per year at Gert-Johan Coetzee Studios
What Is Not Covered?
Applicants should note that the bursary does not cover:
- Transport
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Fabric required for projects
Eligibility Requirements
According to the supplied 2026 bursary information, applicants should:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be 18 years or older
- Have a Grade 12 certificate with diploma exemption or equivalent
- Be able to start studying in February 2027
- Be fluent in English
- Have an interest in Fashion Design
No previous fashion experience is required.
This makes the opportunity particularly interesting for aspiring designers who have the passion and creativity but haven’t formally studied fashion before.
How to Apply
Applicants need to complete the NWSD application process and participate in the social-media component of the bursary application.
Step 1: Follow the Required Accounts
Follow:
- @nwsdfashion
- @gertjohancoetzee
- @berninarsa
Step 2: Complete the NWSD Online Application
Complete the NWSD online application form.
Step 3: Create 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?
Step 4: Post Your Video
Post your video on TikTok or Instagram.
Tag:
- @nwsdfashion
- @gertjohancoetzee
Use:
#GertBursary2026
Then share the post to your Instagram Story and tag @nwsdfashion.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | 7 August 2026 |
| Applications Close | 7 September 2026 |
| Finalists Announced | 11 September 2026 |
| Programme Starts | 3 February 2027 |
Why This Bursary Stands Out
This isn’t simply a tuition bursary.
The successful applicant gets the opportunity to study Fashion Design while also gaining access to professional equipment and industry experience through internships at Gert-Johan Coetzee Studios.
The programme has a long history at NWSD, with the bursary established in 2009.