City of Ekurhuleni: Community Bursary Programme 2026
The City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) is inviting deserving students residing within the City to apply for the 2026 Community Bursary. This is a prestigious financial aid opportunity aimed at empowering local youth to pursue full-time undergraduate studies at registered Higher Education Institutions.
1. Quick Overview
| Detail | Information |
| Provider | City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) |
| Coverage | Registration, Tuition, Books, and Accommodation (capped) |
| Target Group | Unemployed youth residing in Ekurhuleni |
| Academic Year | 2026 |
| Closing Date | 13 March 2026 |
2. Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for the 2026 intake, you must meet the following criteria:
Residency: Must be a permanent resident of the City of Ekurhuleni (Proof of residence required).
Citizenship: South African citizens only.
Age: Must be an unemployed youth (under 35).
Academic Standing: * Current Matriculants: Must have a strong Grade 11 or mid-year Grade 12 result.
Tertiary Students: Must have passed all previous subjects with a good academic average.
Financial Need: Combined household income must meet the criteria for financial assistance (preference is often given to lower-income households).
3. Priority Fields of Study
While the bursary covers various degrees, the City prioritizes fields that address local skills shortages, including:
Science, Engineering, and Technology (Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, etc.).
Health Sciences (Nursing, Medicine, Emergency Care).
Finance and Commerce (Accounting, Economics).
Built Environment (Architecture, Town Planning, Quantity Surveying).
Information Technology (Computer Science, Data Analytics).
Law and Social Sciences.
4. Required Documents
Incomplete applications will be automatically disqualified. Ensure you have:
Certified ID copy of the applicant.
Certified ID copies of parents or guardians.
Proof of Residence (Water and Lights account or a letter from a Ward Councilor).
Academic Records: * Grade 12 certificate or Grade 11 final results/Grade 12 mid-year results.
Latest academic transcript if already at university.
Proof of Income: Latest payslips, pension slips, or an affidavit if parents are unemployed.
Provisional Admission Letter from a Higher Education Institution for the 2026 academic year.
5. How to Apply
The City of Ekurhuleni uses a dedicated digital bursary portal to manage applications.
Online Portal: Visit the
City of Ekurhuleni Bursary Site .Registration: Create an account using your ID number and a valid email address.
Upload: Scan and upload all required documents in PDF format.
Physical Submission (Optional): In some cases, hand-delivered applications are accepted at designated Customer Care Centres (CCCs) across Ekurhuleni, but online submission is highly recommended.
6. Important Advice for 2026
The "13 March" Deadline: This is a strict cutoff. Given the high volume of traffic on the final day, try to submit your application at least 48 hours early to avoid technical glitches.
Ward Councilor Letter: If you do not have a formal municipal account in your name, get your Ward Councilor to sign a letter confirming you live in their specific ward.
University Admission: You do not need to be registered yet, but you must at least have a provisional acceptance or proof of application for 2026.
Affidavits: If your parents are self-employed or work informally, a detailed affidavit from a police station explaining their income is mandatory.
7. Why This Bursary?
Comprehensive Support: Unlike some partial bursaries, the CoE bursary covers the major costs of studying, including essential textbooks.
Community Focus: You are part of a network of local scholars, and the City often monitors your progress to ensure you succeed.
Potential Internship: Graduates of the bursary programme are frequently prioritized for the City’s Graduate Internship Programme once they finish their degrees.
Tip: If you have participated in any community service or leadership roles (like SRC or sports captaincy), mention this in your personal statement. It shows the selection committee that you are invested in the future of the City!
