How to Apply for the City of Ekurhuleni Community Bursary Programme

This guide will walk you through the process of applying for the City of Ekurhuleni Community Bursary Programme for the 2027 academic year. This process is for South African students residing in Ekurhuleni who wish to pursue undergraduate studies in specific fields. By following these steps, you can successfully submit your application and increase your chances of receiving financial support for your education. Before you begin, ensure you meet the minimum requirements and have all the necessary documents ready.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility and Gather Documents

Before starting your application, verify that you meet all the minimum requirements for the City of Ekurhuleni Bursary Programme. These include being a South African citizen, residing permanently in Ekurhuleni, being between 18 and 35 years old, having completed Matric, intending to study full-time, and pursuing an approved undergraduate qualification at an accredited institution. Your household income must not exceed R600,000 per year.

Required Documents:

• Identification: Certified copy of your South African ID.
• Academic Record: Certified copy of your Matric certificate.
• Proof of Residence: Certified proof of residence in Ekurhuleni (not older than three months).
• Tertiary Institution Proof: Proof of registration or acceptance at a South African university, university of technology, or TVET college.
• Proof of Household Income: This can include:
• Latest payslips if parents or guardians are employed.
• An affidavit if parents or guardians are unemployed.
• Proof of SASSA grant, if applicable.
• Motivation Letter: A letter of no more than one page explaining why you deserve the bursary.

Mistake to Avoid: Submitting uncertified documents or documents older than three months will lead to disqualification. Ensure your proof of residence clearly shows you live within the City of Ekurhuleni boundaries.

Outcome: You will have a clear understanding of your eligibility and all the required documents prepared for the application process.

Step 2: Register on the Bursary Portal

The application for the City of Ekurhuleni Bursary Programme is completed online. You will need to register an account on the official bursary portal.

Action: Visit the City of Ekurhuleni bursary portal and click on the registration link. Follow the prompts to create your account.

Sub-steps:

• Navigate to the registration page.
• Enter your personal details as required.
• Create a secure password.
• Submit your registration information.

Outcome: You will have successfully created an online account for the bursary application.

Mistake to Avoid: Using an incorrect or frequently misspelled email address, as this is where the activation link will be sent. Ensure you have access to the email account you provide.

Step 3: Activate Your Account and Log In

After registering, you must activate your newly created account to proceed with the application.

Action: Check your email inbox (including spam or junk folders) for an account activation link from the City of Ekurhuleni. Click on the link to activate your account.

Outcome: Your bursary portal account will be activated, allowing you to log in and access the application form.

Mistake to Avoid: Not checking your spam folder for the activation email, which can delay your application process. If you do not receive the email within a reasonable time, try resending the activation link or contacting support.

Step 4: Complete the Online Application Form

Once your account is activated, log in to the bursary portal and fill out the application form completely and accurately.

Action: Log in to your bursary profile and navigate to the application section. Fill in all required fields, providing details about your personal information, academic history, chosen field of study, and household income.

Sub-steps:

• Enter your personal details.
• Provide information about your academic achievements.
• Specify your intended field of study and the tertiary institution.
• Declare your household income accurately.
• Answer any additional questions presented in the form.

Outcome: A fully completed online application form, ready for document submission.

Mistake to Avoid: Providing inaccurate or misleading information, especially regarding household income or academic qualifications. This can lead to immediate disqualification. Ensure all fields are filled out; incomplete forms may not be accepted.

Step 5: Upload Supporting Documents

This is a crucial step where you will upload all the certified documents you gathered in Step 1.

Action: Within the application portal, locate the section for document uploads. Upload clear, legible scanned copies or clear photographs of each required document. Ensure each document is correctly labeled and uploaded to its designated field.

Sub-steps:

• Scan or photograph each certified document.
• Ensure the images are clear and all text is readable.
• Upload each document to the corresponding upload field (e.g., ID, Matric Certificate, Proof of Residence).
• Double-check that all required documents have been uploaded.

Outcome: All necessary supporting documents are securely uploaded to your application.

Mistake to Avoid: Uploading blurry or incomplete document images. Ensure that the certification stamp and details are visible. Also, avoid uploading the wrong document to a specific field, as this can cause confusion and delays.

Step 6: Submit Your Application and Keep Reference

After completing the form and uploading all documents, you must submit your application.

Action: Review all the information you have entered and all the documents you have uploaded one last time. Once you are confident everything is correct, click the submit button to finalize your application. You should receive a confirmation and a reference number.

Outcome: Your bursary application is officially submitted. You will receive a confirmation email and a unique reference number, which you should keep safe for future inquiries or status checks.

Mistake to Avoid: Submitting the application without a final review. This could lead to errors being overlooked. Also, failing to note down or save your reference number, as it’s essential for tracking your application status.

Step 7: Monitor Your Application Status

After submitting your application, it is important to monitor its progress.

Action: Log back into the City of Ekurhuleni Bursary Portal periodically and check the ‘My Applications’ section for updates on your application status. You should also regularly check your email for any communications from the bursary department.

Outcome: You will be informed of the status of your bursary application, including whether it has been shortlisted or if further information is required.

Mistake to Avoid: Assuming your application is successful without confirmation. Stay proactive by checking the portal and your email regularly, especially as the closing date approaches and after it has passed.

Frequently Asked Questions