Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality Mayoral Bursary 2026 for South Africans: Empowering Local Students for a Brighter Future.
Education remains a key driver of social and economic development. To help bridge the financial gap faced by many students, the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM) invites eligible learners to apply for the 2026 Mayoral Bursary Fund. The bursary aims to support deserving youth from Buffalo City who have shown academic potential and seek to pursue undergraduate studies at accredited South African tertiary institutions.
The bursary is designed to uplift communities by developing local talent, promoting skills development, and supporting fields critical to the region’s economic growth.
The closing date for applications is 31 October 2025.
Considered Fields of Study
The following fields of study are considered for the Mayoral Bursary Fund:
- Engineering
The Engineering field includes Mechanical, Electrical, and Civil engineering. - Planning
The Planning field includes Quantity Surveyors, Town and Regional Planning, Facilities Management, Building Architecture, and Land Surveying. - Science
The Science field includes Microbiology, Biochemistry, and Analytical Chemistry. - Finance
The Finance field includes Economics, Accounting, and Actuarial Science.
Who should Apply
Students must be a bona fide resident of Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality.
Applicants must:
• Be South African citizens, permanently residing in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality.
• Have a proof of residence when applying for the bursary.
• Provide proof of income of their family household.
Selection Criteria
The student must have a matric with at least a D (50-59%) in English, C (60-69%) in Maths, Accounting and Physical Science OR NCV Level 4 Certificate with Mathematics.
Selection criteria is based strictly on academic merit and successful applicants are able to renew their bursaries annually based on their academic performance in the previous year. The bursary fund has a clear bias towards underprivileged individuals and is targeting young people from 14 – 35 years of age. The Municipality is committed to advancing Employment Equity including persons with disabilities and encourages students with disabilities to apply to the Bursary Fund. Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality wishes to advise that students are personally responsible for their admission to a tertiary institution. Only undergraduate studies are considered.
Also Read: Apply now for the latest internships across Africa.Also if you are interested in applying for sponsored opportunites you can visit our bursary and scholarship category.
Documents Required
Certified copies of the following documents must accompany applications:
• Most recent academic record.
• South African Identity Document and proof of residency in Buffalo City Municipality or a letter confirming residency from the ward councillor.
How to Apply
Application forms are available at any Buffalo City Metropolitan MunicipalityYouth Advisory Centres within the Community Support Centers in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, i.e. McIntesane Library Complex, King William’s Town Civic Centre, and in East London Trust Centre Building, 7th Floor office number 706.
Completed applications can be hand delivered to Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, Special Programmes Unit, 7th floor Trust Centre Building.
For more information related to the bursary, please contact:
Nandi Zikalala 043 705 1884.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who qualifies for the Buffalo City Mayoral Bursary?
Applicants must be South African citizens residing permanently in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. They must have good academic performance and show financial need.
2. Can I apply if I am already in university?
Yes, current undergraduate students can apply, provided they meet the eligibility criteria and maintain strong academic results.
3. Are postgraduate studies covered?
No, the bursary only supports undergraduate programmes.
4. What costs does the bursary cover?
It typically covers tuition fees, prescribed textbooks, accommodation, and other approved study-related expenses.
5. How are recipients selected?
Selection is based on academic merit, financial need, and alignment with the municipality’s priority study fields.
6. Can students with disabilities apply?
Yes. The municipality encourages students living with disabilities to apply.
7. Where do I get the application form?
Forms are available at Youth Advisory Centres in McIntesane Library Complex, King William’s Town Civic Centre, and East London Trust Centre Building.
8. Can I submit the application by email?
No, applications must be hand-delivered to the Special Programmes Unit, 7th floor, Trust Centre Building.
9. Will I need to renew the bursary every year?
Yes. Renewal depends on your academic performance in the previous year.
10. When will successful applicants be notified?
Successful candidates are contacted after the selection process, usually before the start of the academic year.
