The City of Johannesburg Municipality invites South African youth who permanently reside in Johannesburg to apply for 200 bursary opportunities for the 2027 academic year.
Bursary Application Closing Date: 30 October 2026
Bursary Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
Maximum Bursary Value: R40,000 per academic year
About the City of Johannesburg Bursary Programme
The City of Johannesburg is offering 200 bursaries to young South Africans who permanently reside within Johannesburg and intend to pursue full-time undergraduate studies during the 2027 academic year.
The bursary programme forms part of the City’s efforts to provide skills development and educational opportunities to Johannesburg residents.
The bursary applies to undergraduate qualifications offered by accredited South African tertiary institutions.
Postgraduate studies are not covered under this bursary programme.
Quick Overview
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Bursary Provider | City of Johannesburg Municipality |
| Academic Year | 2027 |
| Number of Bursaries | X200 |
| 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 | Academic merit |
| Maximum Value | R40,000 per academic year |
| Application Method | Online |
| Closing Date | 30 October 2026 |
The bursary is renewable, subject to satisfactory academic performance and results.
What Does the City of Johannesburg Bursary Cover?
The bursary may contribute towards:
- Tuition fees
- Registration fees
- Prescribed books
- Study materials
The maximum bursary allocation is R40,000 per academic year.
Applicants should note that the bursary circular does not state that accommodation, meals, transport, laptops or monthly living allowances are automatically covered.
Fields of Study Funded for 2027
The City of Johannesburg supports a wide range of undergraduate fields.
Actuarial Science
Students pursuing qualifying undergraduate Actuarial Science programmes may apply.
Built Environment
Supported fields include:
- Architecture
- Construction
- Urban and Regional Planning
- Quantity Surveying
Commerce
Undergraduate Commerce qualifications are included among the supported study areas.
Community Services
Community Services-related programmes are included.
Emergency Management Services
Students pursuing qualifying studies related to Emergency Management Services may apply.
Engineering
The City lists Engineering – All Fields.
This may include fields such as:
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Other qualifying engineering programmes
Health
The bursary includes Health – All Fields, subject to the applicant’s qualification meeting the City’s requirements.
Finance
Supported Finance-related fields include:
- Accounting
- Auditing
- Small Business Management
- Supply Chain Management
- Treasury
- Economics
- Risk and Compliance Management
Information Technology and Management
The City supports Information Technology and Management-related undergraduate fields.
Humanities and Social Sciences
Undergraduate qualifications within Humanities and Social Sciences are included.
International Relations and Protocol
International Relations and Protocol is specifically included among the supported study areas.
Legal Studies
Students pursuing qualifying undergraduate legal qualifications may apply.
Logistics
Logistics is included among the City’s approved study areas.
Marketing
Qualifying undergraduate Marketing programmes are supported.
Municipal Governance
The City specifically includes:
- Municipal Governance
- Monitoring and Evaluation
Real Estate
Supported areas include:
- Property Management
- Property Valuation
Geo Information Science
Geo Information Science, including GIS-related studies, is included.
Business Management
Business Management is also listed as an approved study field.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must:
- Be South African citizens.
- Be youth permanently residing in Johannesburg.
- Intend to study full-time.
- Pursue an undergraduate qualification.
- Study at an accredited South African tertiary institution.
- Enrol for a qualification that is at least one year in duration.
- Meet the academic requirements.
- Obtain admission to the tertiary institution independently.
Successful applicants will be selected based on academic merit.
Important: Apply for University or College Admission Separately
Applying for the City of Johannesburg bursary does not constitute an application for admission to a university or other tertiary institution.
Applicants remain responsible for applying directly to their preferred institution and obtaining admission.
Students should therefore complete both processes:
- Apply to the tertiary institution.
- Apply for the City of Johannesburg bursary.
Do not wait for the bursary outcome before applying for admission.
Documents Required
Applicants must prepare certified copies of the required supporting documents.
These include:
- Most recent academic record.
- South African identity document.
- Proof of permanent residence in Johannesburg.
- Water and Lights statement or Rates and Taxes statement, where applicable.
- Parents’ proof of income.
- Death certificate(s), where applicable.
- Affidavit where the applicant does not have one or both parents.
Applicants should ensure that all uploaded documents are clear, complete and readable before submitting the online application.
How to Apply
Applications for the City of Johannesburg Bursary Programme 2027 must be submitted online.
The City states that only online applications will be considered.
Applicants should complete the City’s official online bursary application form and upload all required supporting documents.
Closing Date: Friday, 30 October 2026
Applicants are encouraged to apply before the deadline to avoid possible last-minute technical difficulties.
Important Information
Before submitting an application, applicants should:
- Confirm that they permanently reside in Johannesburg.
- Ensure their intended qualification is included in the supported fields.
- Apply separately for admission to an accredited South African tertiary institution.
- Prepare all required certified documents.
- Ensure proof of household income is available.
- Check that uploaded documents are readable.
- Submit the application before 30 October 2026.
The bursary is intended for full-time undergraduate studies and does not cover postgraduate qualifications.