City of Johannesburg Bursary South Africa For 2026. If you are a young South African dreaming of higher education but worried about the costs, the City of Johannesburg Bursary South Africa programme for 2026 offers a golden opportunity. Managed by the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality, this bursary is more than just financial aid it is an investment in the future leaders of Johannesburg.
Whether you plan to study Engineering, Commerce, Medicine, or Law, this bursary could open doors you never thought possible. In this detailed guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know from fields covered, eligibility requirements, coverage value, to how to apply.
About the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality
The City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality governs South Africa’s largest city, overseeing critical services across multiple departments such as:
- Emergency Services
- Metro Police
- Water and Sanitation
- Electricity
- Public Transport (like Metro Bus)
- E-Services
- Waste Management
- Building Plans
- Driver’s License Services
This local government structure spans two major urban centres Johannesburg and Midrand, plus eleven smaller hubs like Sandton, Soweto, Melrose Arch, Rosebank, Randburg, Killarney, Roodepoort, Sunninghill, and Diepsloot.
Fields Covered by the City of Johannesburg Bursary South Africa
The City of Johannesburg Bursary South Africa programme for 2026 is designed to support full-time undergraduate studies. The municipality aims to empower the youth of Johannesburg by investing in scarce and critical skills.
| Major Fields | Specialisations |
|---|---|
| Engineering | All engineering fields |
| Built Environment | Architecture, Construction |
| Finance | Accounting, Auditing, Economics, Treasury, Supply Chain Management |
| Health | Nursing, Medicine |
| Commerce | Business Management, Marketing |
| IT & GIS | Information Technology, Geographical Information Systems |
| Environmental Management | Climate & sustainability studies |
| Law & Political Science | Local Government Science |
| Quantity Surveying & Real Estate | Property Valuation, Property Management |
| Municipal & Public Management | Production, Quality Assurance, Public Administration |
| Others | Actuarial Science, Library Science, Sports Science, International Relations, Logistics, Emergency Management Services, Communications, Social Media, Monitoring and Evaluation |
Coverage Value of the Bursary
The City of Johannesburg Bursary South Africa does not simply cover tuition it is designed to significantly ease the financial burden of higher education. Successful applicants will receive funding for:
- Registration Fees
- Tuition Fees
- Prescribed Textbooks & Study Material
The funding cap stands at R35 000 per year. This means if your costs are within this range, your studies will effectively be free.
Additionally, bursaries are renewable each academic year, provided you maintain a strong academic record.
Eligibility Requirements for the City of Johannesburg Bursary South Africa
Before applying, it’s crucial to ensure you meet all the minimum requirements. The City takes compliance seriously, and incomplete or non-qualifying applications will be rejected outright.
Minimum Criteria Checklist
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Must be a South African citizen |
| Residency | Must permanently reside within the Johannesburg metropolitan area |
| Education | Must have completed Matric or currently in Matric |
| Studies | Must intend to study full-time in one of the listed undergraduate fields |
| Institution | Must be accepted or planning to study at a recognised South African tertiary institution |
| Course Length | Course duration must be at least 1 year |
| Academic Record | Must have a strong academic history |
How to Apply for the City of Johannesburg Bursary South Africa
The application process for the City of Johannesburg Bursary South Africa is entirely online, making it accessible and easy for students.
Required Supporting Documents
Be sure to submit clear certified copies of the following documents:
- ID Document
- Matric Results or Certificate
- Latest Academic Transcript (if already studying)
- Proof of Residence in Johannesburg(such as a municipal rates bill)
- Proof of Parents or Guardians Income:
- Latest payslip if employed
- Affidavit if unemployed
- Death certificate if deceased
| Document Type | Who Must Submit |
|---|---|
| Matric Results | Current Matric students |
| Matric Certificate | Completed Matric but not yet studying |
| Academic Transcript | Already enrolled at tertiary level |
Missing documents could lead to immediate disqualification. Double-check your submission!
Online Application Link
Applications must be completed on the official City of Johannesburg portal: City of Johannesburg Bursary Application
Important Dates and Selection
Application Deadline
- Closing Date: 5 November 2025
(Late applications are not accepted under any circumstances.)
Selection Process
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
- If you do not hear back within three months, consider your application unsuccessful.
Why This Bursary Matters
By offering the City of Johannesburg Bursary South Africa, the municipality actively supports socio-economic development, reduces youth unemployment, and builds local capacity in scarce skills areas. For many families, this bursary is a life-changing opportunity to break the cycle of poverty.
Contact Details for the Bursary
If you have questions or need guidance, reach out directly to the City of Johannesburg:
| Contact Person | Phone | |
|---|---|---|
| Billy Baloyi | 011 407 6979 | [email protected] |
FAQs About City of Johannesburg Bursary
Can I apply for the City of Johannesburg Bursary South Africa if I want to do a postgraduate degree?
No, unfortunately this bursary only covers undergraduate qualifications.
What happens if my course costs exceed R35 000 per year?
The bursary has a cap of R35 000 annually, so any costs beyond this amount will be your responsibility.
Can students from Pretoria or Ekurhuleni apply for this bursary?
No, only applicants who permanently reside within the Johannesburg metropolitan area are eligible.
Conclusion
If you meet the criteria and are passionate about your future, the City of Johannesburg Bursary South Africa could be the key to unlocking your academic dreams. It’s more than just financial support it’s a chance to develop your skills, contribute to Johannesburg’s growth, and set your career on a promising path.
