Right now the City of Johannesburg Municipality is offering 200 bursaries for the 2027 academic year, and the deadline is only a few weeks away. If you live permanently in Johannesburg and want to study full‑time, this could be the support you need.
What the bursary is
The City of Johannesburg is providing up to R40,000 per academic year to help with tuition, registration, books and other study materials. The funding is for full‑time undergraduate programmes at any accredited South African university or college. It does not cover postgraduate studies, accommodation, meals, transport, laptops or a living allowance.
Who can apply
- South African citizen
- Youth who permanently reside in Johannesburg
- Intend to study full‑time
- Enrol in an undergraduate programme that lasts at least one year
- Study at an accredited South African tertiary institution
- Meet the academic merit criteria
- Secure admission to the institution on your own
What you gain
- Financial support of up to R40 000 each year
- Coverage of tuition, registration, prescribed books and study materials
- Renewable funding if you maintain satisfactory grades
- Opportunity to study in fields that the City has identified as strategic for the future of Johannesburg
Fields of study covered for 2027
- Actuarial Science
- Built Environment – Architecture, Construction, Urban & Regional Planning, Quantity Surveying
- Commerce
- Community Services
- Emergency Management Services
- Engineering – all fields (e.g., Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Industrial)
- Health – all fields
- Finance – Accounting, Auditing, Small Business Management, Supply Chain Management, Treasury, Economics, Risk & Compliance
- Information Technology & Management
- Humanities & Social Sciences
- International Relations & Protocol
- Legal Studies
- Logistics
- Marketing
- Municipal Governance – Municipal Governance, Monitoring & Evaluation
- Real Estate – Property Management, Property Valuation
- Geo‑Information Science (GIS)
- Business Management
How to apply – step by step
- Apply directly to your chosen university or college and secure admission. The bursary application does not replace this step.
- Gather the required documents in certified copies:
- Most recent academic record
- South African ID document
- Proof of permanent residence in Johannesburg (e.g., water & lights or rates & taxes statement)
- Parents’ proof of income
- Death certificate(s) if applicable
- Affidavit if you do not have one or both parents
- Visit the official online application portal and fill in the form. Upload all certified documents – make sure they are clear and readable.
- Review your application carefully and submit it before the deadline.
- Keep a copy of the confirmation email for your records.
The online application can be accessed here: official City of Johannesburg bursary application form.
Tips to improve your chances
- Check that your chosen qualification appears in the list of approved fields.
- Make sure your Johannesburg residence proof is up to date and matches the name on your ID.
- Upload high‑resolution scans of all documents; blurry files are rejected.
- Submit early – technical glitches are common close to the deadline.
- Maintain strong grades; renewal depends on academic performance.
Final thoughts
This bursary is a real opportunity for Johannesburg youth who want to study without the immediate financial burden. You still need to apply separately for university admission, but the financial support can make your studies much more affordable. Start gathering your documents now, apply online before 30 October 2026, and take the first step toward a qualified future.
