The Emfuleni Local Municipality has announced the opening of applications for the Mayoral Bursary Programme for the 2027 academic year. This bursary aims to support Grade 12 learners residing within the Emfuleni Local Municipality who plan to pursue tertiary education but do not have NSFAS funding.
About the Emfuleni Mayoral Bursary 2027
This bursary is a financial aid initiative provided by the Emfuleni Local Municipality in Gauteng province. It supports eligible learners intending to study at universities or other higher education institutions in South Africa during 2027. The programme specifically targets applicants who require financial assistance and have no existing NSFAS funding.
Who Can Apply?
- Grade 12 learners currently residing within the Emfuleni Local Municipality areas, including communities such as Vereeniging, Vanderbijlpark, Sebokeng, Evaton, and Sharpeville.
- Learners who intend to enroll at a recognized university or institution of higher learning in 2027.
- Applicants without NSFAS financial aid, although meeting the bursary’s other eligibility criteria is required.
It is important to note that attending a school in Emfuleni alone does not guarantee eligibility; proof of residence within the municipality is essential.
Application Period and Important Dates
The application window opens on 1 October 2026 and closes on 30 November 2026. Prospective applicants should submit their forms well before the deadline to allow time for document certification and completion of all requirements.
Application Requirements
Applicants must complete the current 2027 bursary application form and provide supporting documents. While the full document checklist is detailed on the application form, typical requirements from previous years include:
- Certified copy of an official ID document
- Proof of residence (such as a municipal utility bill indicating Emfuleni residency)
- Certified academic records and latest school testimonials
- Proof of application or admission to a recognized tertiary institution
- Parental income documentation or an affidavit if applicable
Applicants should refer to the 2027 application form for the definitive list of documents and eligibility conditions.
How to Apply
Application forms can be downloaded from the Emfuleni Local Municipality website, or collected at municipal offices and public libraries within Emfuleni during office hours (07:45 to 16:15). Completed applications with all required documentation should be submitted as instructed on the application form.
For further enquiries, applicants may contact the municipality via telephone at 084 686 4418 or email [email protected] or [email protected].
What to Consider Before Applying
Applicants should be aware that submitting a bursary application does not guarantee funding. Additionally, applying for the bursary is independent of university or college admission applications. Learners should manage their university or college applications separately from bursary applications.
Those considering Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges should confirm their programmes’ eligibility for this bursary by consulting the 2027 application form or contacting the municipality directly.
It is advisable for learners to explore multiple funding options beyond this bursary, including NSFAS where eligible, sector education and training authority bursaries, and other scholarships.
