Want a Free College Ticket? – The 2026 Bursary Program from Johannes Phumani Phungula Municipality
If you’re planning to start university in 2026 or you’re already a student and need some help paying for tuition, the Johannes Phumani Phungula Municipality has a big offer for you. They’re offering a full bursary—a scholarship that will cover your tuition, textbooks, room, and food—so you can focus on your studies instead of worrying about money. The application deadline is 20 January 2026 at noon, so get ready to apply soon.
Which Courses Are Covered?
The municipality is looking to build a workforce that can help the local area grow, so they’re especially interested in students who want to study these subjects:
- Finance Management / Accounting
- Town Planning
- Civil Engineering
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- Agriculture
If you choose one of these fields, your application is more likely to get a green light. That doesn’t mean students studying other subjects can’t apply, but the priority is clear.
What Does the Bursary Pay For?
This is not a partial grant. If you win, you’ll get:
- Full tuition fees for the whole program
- The books required by your university
- A place to live while you study
- Daily meals
That means you can keep your eye on the books and not on bills.
Who Can Apply?
You need to meet a few simple criteria:
- You must live inside the Johannes Phumani Phungula Municipality.
- You’re a first‑year student starting in 2026 or you’re already a student who has been granted a bursary in the past and are continuing.
- Your university must be a recognized higher‑learning institution.
- Your chosen subject must be one of the fields listed above.
If you fit these points, you’re on the right track.
Minimum Papers You Must Send
All the documents below are mandatory. If any piece is missing, your application will be turned back.
| Document | What it Looks Like |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of your Matric certificate | A copy that has an official stamp |
| Certified copy of your South African ID | Either a green bar‑coded ID or a Smart ID |
| Proof that the university has accepted you | An acceptance letter for the current academic year |
| The school’s fee schedule and bank details | A document that shows how much tuition is and where to pay |
| Your correct phone number and address | Make sure they can reach you |
| Signed bursary form with your Ward Councillor’s stamp | The form must show your name and your councillor’s approval |
Where to Grab the Application Form
You have two easy options to get the paper.
Option 1: Pick it up in person
Go to the municipality office during these hours:
- Monday‑Thursday: 08:00 – 16:30
- Friday: 08:00 – 16:00
Option 2: Download it online
Download the 2026 Bursary Application Form
https://www.jppmunicipality.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/JPP-MUNICIPALITY-BURSARY-APPLICATION-FORM-2025_115959-1.pdf
Getting the form early will save you from a rush later.
How to Send Your Completed Application
You can send it by mail or hand it in.
Mail:
The Municipal Manager
Attention: ME Mkhize
P.O. Box 132, Ixopo, 3276
Hand‑delivery:
29 Margaret Street, Ixopo, KwaZulu‑Natal, 3276
Deadline: All applications must be in by 12:00 on 20 January 2026. After that, nothing will be taken in.
Need to Talk About It?
If you have questions, call Mrs M Modi at 039 201 0378. They’re happy to help, just be ready with your ID number.
Why This Matters
This bursary gives you a chance to study without a huge amount of debt. It also helps the municipality find more people who can work in the fields it needs right now. So if you’re ready to start a career in finance, engineering, or agriculture and you’re living in the area, this could be a big step for you.
Apply early, double‑check all your paperwork, and you could be on your way to a bright future—without the stress of paying for it. Good luck!