What the Bursary is All About
If you live in the Johannes Phumani Phungula Municipality and you’re about to start university or you’re already a student, there’s a chance you could get a full bursary for the 2026 academic year. This isn’t a job, but it’s a money‑help program that can cover everything from tuition to books, room and food. The money is aimed at students who can’t afford to pay for school on their own and who are studying subjects that the local government needs more people for, like engineering, planning, finance, GIS or agriculture.
Quick Facts
| What you need to know | Details |
|---|---|
| Bursary type | Full financial help |
| Who can apply | First‑year students & current bursary holders |
| Supported subjects | Finance/Accounting, Town Planning, Civil Engineering, GIS, Agriculture |
| What it pays for | Tuition fees, textbooks, accommodation, meals |
| Where | Ixopo, KwaZulu‑Natal |
| Deadline | 20 January 2026, 12:00 pm |
Subjects Covered
Only certain fields are funded. If you want to study a full qualification in one of these areas, you have a better chance of getting the bursary:
- Finance and Accounting
- Town Planning
- Civil Engineering
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- Agriculture
If your program matches one of these, you are more likely to be chosen.
What the Money Covers
- Tuition – The fees your college or university charges for each semester.
- Books – All required textbooks and study material.
- Accommodation – Rent or dorm room costs if you stay in a campus or nearby.
- Meals – Food allowance for a few months of the year.
With this support you can focus on learning instead of worrying about bills.
Who Should Apply
Think about this if you meet all of the following:
- You live inside the Johannes Phumani Phungula Municipality.
- You’ll start your first year in 2026 or you’re already a student who needs more support.
- Your school is officially recognized by the government.
- You are studying or plan to study one of the listed subjects.
If any of these points fit you, you’re a good candidate.
Minimum Paperwork
You must send all of these documents, otherwise your application will be rejected:
- A certified copy of your Matric certificate.
- A certified copy of your South African ID (bar‑coded or smart card).
- Proof that a university has accepted you for the current academic year.
- The institution’s fee list and bank details.
- Accurate phone number, email and home address.
- A signed bursary application form that has the stamp and signature of your Ward Councillor.
Missing any piece could mean you don’t get a chance.
Getting the Application Form
There are two ways to get the form:
Drop by the Municipality Office –
- Monday–Thursday: 8 am to 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8 am to 4 pm
Download online –
Download the application form here
Grab the form early – the last‑minute rush can cause delays.
How to Send Your Application
You can send the completed form either by post or hand.
Postal
The Municipal Manager
Attention: ME Mkhize
P.O. Box 132
Ixopo, 3276
Hand Delivery
29 Margaret Street
Ixopo, KwaZulu‑Natal, 3276
All applications must arrive no later than 12:00 pm on 20 January 2026. Anything after that is not accepted.
If you have questions, call Mrs M Modi at 039 201 0378. Talk to her during office hours and be ready to show your ID number.
How Edupstairs Can Help
Edupstairs isn’t part of the municipality, but we can give you good tips to finish your application right:
- Apply early – The sooner you submit, the better.
- Double‑check that your Ward Councillor has signed and stamped the form.
- Keep copies of all documents in one folder.
- Think about a long‑term career path, not just a short‑term benefit.
If you want a job in local government, engineering, planning or agriculture, this bursary is a great first step.
Career Paths After the Bursary
Students who finish the program often get:
- Internships with the municipality
- On‑the‑job training programs
- Graduate development positions
- Permanent jobs inside local government
- Private sector roles in the fields you studied
The bursary can open doors to a stable, professional life that helps your community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can first‑year students apply?
Yes, as long as you have proof of acceptance.
Can students at TVET colleges apply?
Only if the program matches one of the funded fields and the college is recognized.
Do I have to be unemployed?
No. You just need to be financially in need and live in the municipality.
When is the deadline again?
20 January 2026 at 12:00 pm.
Disclaimer
Edupstairs does not run the municipal program. This guide is for learning and should be checked against official sources.
Verified / Low Risk –
The information comes from the municipality’s official website or career portal.
Apply via in‑person walk‑in or download the form from the link above.
Reference: JPPM_BURSARY2026.
Always double‑check with the municipality before giving personal details or sending money.
