Don’t wait to find a way to fund your university dreams. The Ehlanzeni District Municipality has just opened its Mayoral Bursary Programme for the 2026 academic year, offering full tuition support for selected students in critical fields. The closing date is 6 March 2026, so you must act quickly if you want a chance to study in engineering, finance, IT or environmental health.
What Is the Mayoral Bursary Programme?
This is a student‑support grant that covers tuition fees at recognised universities and Universities of Technology in four priority subjects:
- Engineering
- Finance
- Information Technology (IT)
- Environmental Health
The aim is to build a skilled workforce that can help improve local infrastructure, budgets, public health and digital services in the Ehlanzeni District.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible you must:
- Have finished Grade 12 or be a student with provisional admission to a recognised SA university or UTech.
- Live within the Ehlanzeni District.
- Be a previously disadvantaged person or a disabled person.
- Live in a household where the combined monthly income does not exceed R3,750.
Proof of admission is mandatory. If you are still applying to universities, hold off until you receive your offer letter.
What Do You Gain?
Beyond free tuition, you’ll:
- Enter a high-demand field with strong job prospects in the public and private sectors.
- Build a network that can lead to internships, apprenticeships and future employment.
- Help your community by contributing skills in infrastructure, finance, digital systems or environmental health.
How to Apply – Step‑by‑Step
1. Collect your documents. You will need:
- Mayoral Funding Application Form (download from the Ehlanzeni website or get it at the municipal office).
- Letter of motivation.
- Grade 12 results or your latest academic record if already a tertiary student.
- Certified copies of your ID and your parents’ IDs.
- Death certificate if a parent has passed away.
- Doctor’s certificate if a parent is permanently disabled.
- Letter of provisional admission.
- Proof of household income (e.g., payslips, tax returns, or a pension slip for indigent applicants).
- Affidavit if a parent is unemployed.
- Proof of residence.
2. Fill out the application form. Make sure every field is completed accurately.
3. Write a clear motivation letter. Explain why you chose your field, how it will help your community, and your future career goals. Let your personality shine – this is your chance to stand out.
4. Submit your application. You can do it in two ways:
- Email to mayoralbursary@ehlanzeni.gov.za.
- Hand delivery to 8 van Niekerk Street, Mbombela, 1200.
5. Confirm receipt. If you send via email, reply to the confirmation email. If you hand‑delivered, ask for a receipt. Make sure HR receives it before 6 March 2026.
Tips to Boost Your Chances
- Start gathering documents early; many applicants rush and miss deadlines.
- Use plain, honest language in your motivation letter.
- Highlight any leadership or community work you have done – the municipality values local engagement.
- Keep all copies certified to avoid automatic disqualification.
- Send or drop off your application well before the deadline, so you know it’s received.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I apply without university admission? No, you must have provisional admission from a recognised institution.
- Does this cover private colleges? The programme is limited to recognised South African universities and Universities of Technology.
- What if my household income is slightly above R3,750? The threshold is firm; exceeding it may disqualify you.
- Can current university students apply? Yes, if you submit your latest academic record and meet the income requirements.
- What if I submit after 6 March 2026? Late applications are normally not considered.
Verified Information and How to Stay Safe
Source: Official Ehlanzeni District Municipality social media (verified). Apply via email. Reference: EDM_Mayoral Bursary2026.
Always double‑check details directly with the municipality before submitting personal information.
Ready to Apply?
If you meet the criteria and want to secure a scholarship that covers tuition and boosts your future prospects, act before 6 March 2026. Gather your paperwork, write a genuine motivation letter, and submit through the official email or office. Good luck – your future could start here.
