City of Johannesburg Bursaries 2027: A Guide for Aspiring Students
The City of Johannesburg is offering a significant opportunity for young residents to pursue higher education through its bursary program. For the 2027 academic year, 200 bursaries are available, aiming to support students from Johannesburg in their undergraduate studies. This initiative is part of the City’s commitment to skills development and providing educational pathways for its youth. Understanding the requirements, covered costs, and application process is key to successfully securing one of these valuable awards.
Understanding the City of Johannesburg Bursary Programme
The City of Johannesburg Municipality provides these bursaries to South African youth who permanently live within Johannesburg. The program is designed to help cover the costs associated with full-time undergraduate studies at accredited South African tertiary institutions. It’s important to note that postgraduate studies are not eligible for this bursary. The bursary is renewable, meaning students can receive support for multiple years, provided they maintain satisfactory academic performance.
Key Details at a Glance
| Bursary Provider | City of Johannesburg Municipality |
|---|---|
| Academic Year | 2027 |
| Number of Bursaries | 200 |
| Target Group | South African youth permanently residing in Johannesburg |
| Study Level | Full-time undergraduate studies |
| Institution | Accredited South African tertiary institution |
| Minimum Qualification Duration | At least one year |
| Selection Basis | Academic merit |
| Maximum Value | R40,000 per academic year |
| Application Method | Online |
| Closing Date | 30 October 2026 |
What the Bursary Covers
The City of Johannesburg bursary can help with several educational expenses. These include tuition fees, registration fees, and the cost of prescribed books and study materials. The maximum amount awarded per academic year is R40,000. However, the bursary circular does not guarantee coverage for accommodation, meals, transport, laptops, or monthly living allowances. Applicants should plan for these additional costs separately.
Approved Fields of Study
The City supports a broad spectrum of undergraduate fields to meet the diverse needs of the job market and community. These include:
Actuarial Science
Students pursuing qualifying undergraduate Actuarial Science programs are eligible to apply.
Built Environment
This category covers fields such as Architecture, Construction, Urban and Regional Planning, and Quantity Surveying.
Commerce
Undergraduate qualifications within the Commerce field are included among the supported study areas.
Community Services
Programs related to Community Services are also part of the bursary offerings.
Emergency Management Services
Students studying qualifying courses in Emergency Management Services can apply.
Engineering
The City supports Engineering – All Fields. This encompasses disciplines like Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Industrial Engineering, and other qualifying engineering programs.
Health
The bursary includes Health – All Fields, provided the applicant’s chosen qualification meets the City’s requirements.
Finance
Supported Finance-related fields include Accounting, Auditing, Small Business Management, Supply Chain Management, Treasury, Economics, and Risk and Compliance Management.
Information Technology and Management
Undergraduate programs in Information Technology and Management are also covered.
Humanities and Social Sciences
Qualifications within the Humanities and Social Sciences are included in the bursary’s scope.
International Relations and Protocol
This specific field is listed as a supported study area.
Legal Studies
Students pursuing qualifying undergraduate legal qualifications are encouraged to apply.
Logistics
Logistics is recognized as an approved study area for this bursary.
Marketing
Qualifying undergraduate Marketing programs receive support through this bursary.
Municipal Governance
The City specifically includes Municipal Governance and Monitoring and Evaluation within its supported fields.
Real Estate
Areas such as Property Management and Property Valuation are supported.
Geo Information Science
This includes GIS-related studies and other Geo Information Science programs.
Business Management
Business Management is also listed as an approved field of study.
Eligibility Criteria for Applicants
To be considered for the City of Johannesburg Bursary, applicants must meet several requirements:
- Citizenship: Be a South African citizen.
- Residency: Be a youth permanently residing in Johannesburg.
- Study Mode: Intend to study full-time.
- Study Level: Pursue an undergraduate qualification.
- Institution: Study at an accredited South African tertiary institution.
- Qualification Duration: Enroll for a qualification that is at least one year in duration.
- Academic Requirements: Meet the specific academic prerequisites for the chosen course.
- Admission: Obtain admission to the tertiary institution independently.
Selection for the bursary will be based on academic merit.
Separate Applications for University and Bursary
It is crucial for applicants to understand that applying for the City of Johannesburg bursary does not automatically mean they have applied for admission to a university or college. Applicants are responsible for applying directly to their chosen educational institution and securing admission separately. Therefore, two distinct application processes must be completed:
- Apply for admission to the tertiary institution.
- Apply for the City of Johannesburg bursary.
Do not delay applying for university or college admission while waiting for the bursary outcome.
Required Documentation
Applicants must prepare certified copies of the following supporting documents for their application:
- Most recent academic record.
- South African identity document.
- Proof of permanent residence in Johannesburg (e.g., Water and Lights statement or Rates and Taxes statement).
- Parents’ proof of income.
- Death certificate(s), if applicable.
- An affidavit, if the applicant does not have one or both parents.
Ensure all uploaded documents are clear, complete, and readable before submitting the online application.
How to Submit Your Application
All applications for the City of Johannesburg Bursary Programme 2027 must be submitted online. The City will only consider applications submitted through their official online portal. Applicants need to complete the official online bursary application form and upload all the necessary supporting documents.
The closing date for applications is Friday, 30 October 2026. It is advisable for applicants to submit their applications well before the deadline to avoid any last-minute technical issues.
Final Checks Before Applying
Before submitting your application, take a moment to confirm the following:
- Verify that you permanently reside in Johannesburg.
- Ensure your intended field of study is among those supported by the bursary.
- Confirm you have applied separately for admission to an accredited South African tertiary institution.
- Gather all required certified documents.
- Have proof of household income ready.
- Double-check that all uploaded documents are clear and readable.
- Submit your application before the 30 October 2026 deadline.
Remember, this bursary is intended for full-time undergraduate studies and does not cover postgraduate qualifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the City of Johannesburg Bursaries in 2027?
You must be a South African citizen, permanently reside in Johannesburg, and plan to study full-time at an accredited South African tertiary institution for an undergraduate qualification.
What costs does the City of Johannesburg bursary cover?
The bursary can cover tuition fees, registration fees, and the cost of prescribed books, up to a maximum of R40,000 per academic year.
Do I need to apply for university admission separately?
Yes, applying for the bursary does not mean you have applied for university admission. You must apply to your chosen tertiary institution separately and secure admission.
What documents are needed for the bursary application?
You will need certified copies of your academic record, ID, proof of Johannesburg residence, parents’ proof of income, and death certificates or an affidavit if applicable.
