Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality Invites Students to Apply for the Mayoral Bursary Fund
Closing Date: 31 October 2025
The Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM) is looking for bright, eager students who want to study further. If you’re a South African student living near or in Buffalo City, and you want help paying for university, you can apply for the Mayoral Bursary Fund for the 2026 academic year. The deadline to send in your application is 31 October 2025.
What Is the Mayoral Bursary Fund?
The Bursary Fund is a scholarship programme that gives money to students from families that can’t afford university. It was created to help young people in the Eastern Cape gain useful skills and to build a stronger local community. If you get a bursary, you’ll pay a lot less for tuition, books, and living costs – and you’ll have the chance to learn a field that is in high demand.
Which Subjects Does It Cover?
BCMM wants to grow a workforce that can support the city’s future. Bursaries are available for a wide range of subjects that need more skilled workers:
- Civil, Mechanical, Electrical and Chemical Engineering
- Town and Regional Planning
- Architecture
- Environmental Management
- Community Development and Social Work
- Information Technology and Computer Science
- Finance, Accounting and Economics
- Human Resources Management
- Agricultural Studies
- Law and Public Administration
- Other technical fields chosen by the municipality
If you’re studying one of these subjects, you can apply.
Who Can Apply?
Here’s the checklist to see if you qualify:
- Citizen Proof – You must be a South African citizen.
- Location – You must live inside Buffalo City.
- Student Status – You should be finishing Grade 12 or already enrolled in a public university in South Africa.
- Academic Record – You need to show your Grade 11/12 results or current university transcripts.
- Financial Need – Your family’s income proof (pay slip, affidavit, etc.) is required to prove you’re from a low‑income household.
- Commitment – You must agree to return to the community with your new skills after you finish university.
If you can tick all these boxes, you qualify for a bursary.
What Costs Does the Bursary Help Pay?
Bursaries typically cover:
- Tuition fees
- Required textbooks
- Accommodation (if you need housing)
- Living allowance (meals and everyday expenses)
The amount you receive depends on how much money the city has available and on your own personal needs.
How to Get Your Application
- Download the form – Get the official application form from the BCMM website or at the Special Programmes Unit.
- Collect your documents –
- Certified copy of your South African ID
- Certified copies of your latest school or university grades
- Proof that you live in Buffalo City
- Proof of household income (pay slip, affidavit, etc.)
- A motivation letter – explain why you deserve the bursary
- Fill everything out carefully – Make sure each field is clear and correct.
- Hand‑delivered submission – Bring your completed form and copies to:
- Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality
- Special Programmes Unit, 7th Floor, Trust Centre Building
If you need help, check out the SETA Bursaries you can still apply for this year guide for more tips.
Need More Learning and Funding Options?
If you’re interested in other bursaries or training programmes that pay you while you study, visit the SETA Bursaries you can still apply for this year page. It lists current opportunities and deadlines so you can plan ahead.
Want to Talk to Someone?
For questions or help with your application, contact the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality Education and Skills Development Office. They can walk you through the process and answer any specific questions you have.
Remember: Your deadline is 31 October 2025. Don’t miss the chance to get a bursary that can help you study, grow your skills, and give back to your community. Apply now and turn your future into a reality.
