What the Emfuleni Local Municipality Mayoral Bursary 2026 is all about
If you’re a South African student who lives in the Emfuleni area of Gauteng and you’re planning to start a university course in 2026, this bursary could be the key that opens the door to higher education. The Emfuleni Local Municipality is offering a scholarship for the first‑year of full‑time undergraduate study in a range of subjects, from Commerce to Engineering and Law. The goal is simple: help students from families that don’t have a lot of money finish school and move into their chosen career paths.
Why you might want to apply
The scholarship is designed to clear the biggest obstacles that can stop a bright student from attending university. For those who qualify, the bursary will pay:
- Course registration fees
- Tuition fees
- Books
- A laptop
If your family’s income is low, the bursary may also help cover where you stay and what you eat while you study. The money is given to students who meet clear academic and financial criteria, so you can be sure you’re getting help that is meant for people who need it.
Who can use it
You need to satisfy all the conditions below to be in the running. If any one of them is not met, your application will not be considered.
| Requirement | What it means |
|---|---|
| South African citizen | You must hold a South African ID. |
| Resident of Emfuleni | You should live inside the municipal area of Emfuleni in Gauteng. |
| Matric status | You must be in your final year of high school or already finished it. |
| Matric score | You need a minimum average of 60 %. |
| First‑year undergrad | You must start a full‑time university course in 2026 in one of the approved subjects. |
| Accepted to a university | You must have an offer or admission letter from a recognised South African institution. |
| Income limit | Your household must earn no more than R350,000 per year. |
| No other bursaries | You cannot be receiving another scholarship for the same study period. |
| Disadvantaged families | Preference goes to students listed on the municipality’s indigent database. |
| Local schools | Priority is given to students who study at institutions in the region, then at Potchefstroom, Mahikeng, and other Gauteng universities. |
Subjects covered
The bursary covers a wide range of courses, including:
- Commerce
- Human and Social Sciences
- Law
- Science and Technology
- Technical fields such as Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering
- Any other field that the municipality thinks is important for local development
What you need to send
Your application must be complete. The municipality will reject any submission that is missing a document. These are the copies that must be certified:
- ID document
- Matric certificate or statement of results
- Proof of university admission (official letter showing course details, duration, and fees)
- A letter from the high school that says you finished school
- A utility bill that shows your address in Emfuleni (certified copy)
- Proof of your parents’ or guardians’ income – the most recent payslips, or an affidavit if they are not working
- Proof of indigent status, if you qualify
If you forget even one item, your application can be cancelled.
How to apply
You can download the form from the municipality’s website:
Apply Now for the Emfuleni Local Municipality Mayoral Bursary 2026
Alternatively, pick up a paper copy from:
- Emfuleni Local Municipality office
- Public libraries inside the municipality
After you fill out the form and gather all the required documents, mail them to:
Emfuleni Local Municipality
Corner Klasie Havenga and Frikkie Meyer Boulevard
Box 3
Vanderbijlpark
Gauteng 1900
Make sure everything arrives before the deadline.
Deadline
The final day to send in your application is 28 November 2025, 16:00. Late papers will not be taken into account. If you hear back from the council, that means you’ve been shortlisted. If you do not hear anything, your application was not successful.
What’s next
If you feel you fit the profile and can finish your university degree with a little help, don’t wait. Gather your documents, fill out the form carefully, and send it in on time. This bursary could be the bridge that lets you turn a bright future into a real career. Good luck!