City of Johannesburg Bursaries 2027: 200 Bursaries Available for Qualifying Johannesburg Youth

The City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality is inviting eligible young people who permanently reside in Johannesburg to apply for its 2027 Bursary Programme. The municipality is offering 200 bursaries to support South African youth pursuing full-time undergraduate studies in various fields at accredited South African tertiary institutions.

The programme aims to promote education, skills development and access to higher education for young people in Johannesburg. Successful applicants may receive financial assistance towards tuition fees, registration fees, prescribed books and study materials, up to a maximum of R40,000 per academic year.

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According to the official City of Johannesburg Bursary Circular 001/2026, applications opened on 1 October 2026 and will close on Friday, 30 October 2026. Interested applicants should prepare the required supporting documents and submit their applications online before the deadline.

City of Johannesburg Bursary 2027: Opportunity Overview

• Bursary provider: City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality

• Academic year: 2027

• Number of bursaries: 200

• Target applicants: South African youth permanently residing in Johannesburg

• Study level: Full-time undergraduate studies

• Institution: Accredited South African tertiary institution

• Maximum funding: R40,000 per academic year

• Funding coverage: Tuition, registration fees, prescribed books and/or study materials

• Selection criteria: Academic merit

• Application method: Online

• Opening date: 1 October 2026

• Closing date: 30 October 2026

Applicants should consult the official bursary circular for the complete conditions and application instructions.

Fields of Study Covered by the City of Johannesburg Bursary

The City of Johannesburg is inviting applications from students pursuing qualifications in a range of academic and professional fields. These include engineering, health sciences, finance, information technology, commerce, law and other areas relevant to professional and community development.

The advertised fields of study include:

1. Actuarial Science

2. Built Environment: Architecture, Construction, Urban and Regional Planning, and Quantity Surveying

3. Commerce

4. Community Services

5. Emergency Management Services

6. Engineering: All fields of engineering

7. Finance: Accounting, Auditing, Small Business Management, Supply Chain Management, Treasury, Economics, Risk and Compliance Management

8. Geo Information Science (GIS)

9. Health: All fields

10. Humanities and Social Sciences: All fields

11. Information Technology and Management: All fields

12. International Relations and Protocol

13. Legal Studies

14. Logistics

15. Marketing

16. Municipal Governance: Monitoring and Evaluation

17. Real Estate: Property Management and Property Valuation

18. Business Management

Students should ensure that their intended qualification falls within one of the fields specified in the official circular before applying.

Who Can Apply for the City of Johannesburg Bursary?

The bursary programme is intended for qualifying South African youth who permanently reside in Johannesburg and want to pursue full-time undergraduate studies.

Applicants should take note of the following selection criteria:

• Applicants must be South African citizens.

• Applicants must permanently reside in Johannesburg.

• Applicants must intend to study full-time at an accredited South African tertiary institution.

• The qualification must be at least one year in duration.

• The bursary does not cover postgraduate qualifications.

• Selection is strictly based on academic merit.

• Applicants are responsible for securing admission to a tertiary institution.

The official circular emphasises that students must arrange their own admission to an accredited tertiary institution. Applying for the bursary should therefore not be confused with applying for admission to a university, university of technology or other eligible institution.

What Does the City of Johannesburg Bursary Cover?

Successful applicants may receive financial assistance of up to R40,000 per academic year.

The bursary covers the following expenses:

• Tuition fees

• Registration fees

• Prescribed books

• Study materials

The funding is capped at R40,000 annually. Applicants should therefore confirm their expected study costs and plan for any expenses that may exceed the bursary amount.

The official circular does not list accommodation, meals, transport or a monthly living allowance as covered expenses. Students should not assume these costs will be paid by the municipality.

Is the City of Johannesburg Bursary Renewable?

Yes. According to the official circular, the bursary is renewable annually, based on the student's academic performance and results.

Students who receive funding should work towards maintaining satisfactory academic progress and comply with any renewal conditions communicated by the City of Johannesburg.

Renewal should not be regarded as automatic, as continued funding depends on academic performance.

Documents Required for the City of Johannesburg Bursary

Applicants must submit certified copies of the supporting documents specified in the official bursary circular.

Prepare the following documents before completing your online application:

1. Most recent academic record: Provide your latest academic results or record.

2. South African identity document: Submit a certified copy of your South African ID.

3. Proof of Johannesburg residence: This may include a Water and Lights statement or a Rates and Taxes statement.

4. Parents' proof of income: Provide the relevant proof of income as requested.

5. Death certificate or affidavit, where applicable: The circular refers to death certificates or an affidavit where a student does not have one or both parents.

Applicants should ensure that their documents are clear, current where applicable and properly certified. Check the online application form for any additional instructions before submitting your application.