Emfuleni Local Municipality invites students who finish Grade 12 to apply for the 2026 Mayoral Bursary Programme. Applications close on 28 November 2025.
What is the Emfuleni Mayoral Bursary?
The Emfuleni Local Municipality has set up a bursary for high‑potential learners who live in the municipality and want to study at a university or a recognised technical college in 2026. The goal is to give students from disadvantaged families the chance to earn a degree or training in fields that the municipality needs—like engineering, law, business, science and other scarce skills.
Who can apply?
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Age & Education | Must be a Grade 12 student who has finished high school and will start first‑year university or college in 2026. |
| Academic score | Minimum 60 % average in Grade 12. |
| Proof of admission | Must show an acceptance letter or enrollment confirmation from a recognised tertiary institution. |
| Residence | Must live in the Emfuleni Local Municipality and provide a letter from the high school that says they finished there. |
| Financial need | Priority is for families on the municipal indigent database. Household income must be under R350 000 per year. |
| Fields of study | Bursaries are available for Commerce, Law, Technical (engineering, electrical, civil, etc.), Social Sciences, Science & Technology, and any other critical skills identified by the municipality. Preference is given to local universities and colleges, and to institutions in Potchefstroom, Mahikeng and Gauteng. |
What the bursary pays for
- Registration fees
- Tuition fees
- A laptop
- Textbooks
- (For some students) Accommodation and meals
Important: The bursary is only for students who have no other financial aid. If you change your programme after receiving the bursary, you may lose the funding and could be asked to pay back part of it.
How to apply
Get the application form
- Pick it up at any municipal office or public library, or download it from the official Emfuleni website (www.emfuleni.gov.za).
Fill it out
- Complete every section carefully and attach the required documents: academic record, proof of admission, proof of residence, and a financial statement if available.
Submit before the deadline
- Send the finished application to the municipality no later than 28 November 2025 at 16:00.
Questions?
- Call 084 686 4418 or email MarthaM@emfuleni.gov.za and Mayorsoffice@emfuleni.gov.za for help.
Useful tips before you apply
- Make sure your Grade 12 transcript and admission letter are current and clear.
- Double‑check that your family’s income falls within the limit.
- Ask your high school or a guidance counsellor to write a short testimonial about your residency and academic record.
FAQs
Can I use the bursary if I’m already studying?
No. It’s only for Grade 12 graduates who will start a first‑year course in 2026.Do I need a university acceptance letter?
Yes, proof of admission is mandatory.Will college or TVET programmes be covered?
Yes, as long as they are registered with the Department of Higher Education.Does it include accommodation?
Only a select group of students will get housing and meal support.What if I change my course after receiving the bursary?
You risk losing the funding and may have to repay it.
Why this bursary matters
Emfuleni is a growing economic hub along the Vaal River, home to communities like Vanderbijlpark, Sebokeng, Evaton, and more. By funding young talent, the municipality hopes to build a skilled workforce, support families, and boost the local economy. This bursary is one of the biggest ways they are investing in the future of their residents.
Remember: The application period starts on 1 October 2025 and ends on 28 November 2025 at 16:00. Don’t miss this chance to make your dream of university or college a reality without the burden of tuition costs. Apply today!
