The City of Polokwane is once again investing in the future of its young people — and if you are a learner or student who dreams of studying at a university or TVET college but financial challenges are holding you back, this opportunity is for you.
The City of Polokwane External Bursary Programme 2026 is specifically designed to support deserving, financially needy youth from disadvantaged backgrounds within the municipality. The aim is simple: to break the cycle of poverty, empower local talent, and produce future leaders who will contribute to the city’s long-term development and innovation.
- Check if you Qualify for this Bursary before you Apply
- Track your Daily Career Score Here
- Create and Download your CV for this Bursary Application here
- Create a Motivational Letter for this Bursary Application here
- Check if you also Qualify for NSFAS Funding here
- Check if you Qualify for TVET College Enrolment here
- View more 2026 Bursaries here
This bursary could be the bridge between your dreams and reality — and today, we’ll help you understand everything you need to know to apply successfully.
Quick Overview
| Opportunity | City of Polokwane External Bursary Programme 2026 |
| Who Can Apply? | Grade 12 learners or students enrolled for a Degree, National Diploma or N Diploma |
| Citizenship | South African citizens residing permanently in the Polokwane Municipality |
| Background | Must be from a disadvantaged family + financially needy |
| Not Allowed | Cannot be receiving another bursary |
| Supports | Tuition, registration, prescribed books + possibly accommodation (per municipal policy) |
| Application Closing Date | 05 December 2025 at 16h30 |
| Where to Apply? | Polokwane Municipality Offices (City Centre & Cluster Offices) |
| Contact Details | 015 023 5068 / 015 290 2344 / 015 290 2029 |
About the City of Polokwane Municipality
The City of Polokwane is the economic and administrative centre of Limpopo Province. As a municipality, it is committed to:
- Youth development
- Education empowerment
- Innovation and skills growth
- Building a future-ready workforce
Each year, the municipality invests in disadvantaged youth by funding their tertiary studies as a long-term strategy to grow talent that will one day contribute to:
- Municipal development
- Service delivery improvement
- Infrastructure expansion
- Governance and planning
- Socio-economic upliftment
Through this bursary programme, the city ensures that young people who would otherwise have no financial means still have a fair chance to study and succeed.
Why This Opportunity Matters
Polokwane has thousands of capable youth who simply need financial support to continue their education. This bursary:
- Reduces the financial burden on families
- Allows learners to focus on studying
- Supports skills needed in the local economy
- Helps build careers in critical, high-demand fields
- Creates long-term employment pathways
If you are committed to your studies and want to contribute to the municipality after graduating, this bursary is a life-changing opportunity.
Who Qualifies for the City of Polokwane Bursary?
To be eligible, you must:
- Be in Grade 12 OR already completed Grade 12
This means both current learners and post-matric students can apply.
- Plan to study towards a:
- First Degree,
- National Diploma, or
- National N Diploma
at a public university or TVET college (no private institutions allowed).
- Be a permanent resident within the Polokwane Municipality
You must live in the municipality. Proof of residence is required.
- Be from a disadvantaged background
The programme is meant for students facing financial hardships.
- Be a South African citizen
Your ID will be used to verify citizenship.
- Not receive any other bursary
If you already have funding (like NSFAS or a corporate bursary), you cannot apply.
- Be willing to sign a bursary agreement
This agreement outlines your responsibilities as a bursary recipient.
Required Supporting Documents (Everything You Must Attach)
Your application must include certified copies of the following:
Applicant’s ID document
Proof that you are a South African citizen.
Latest Grade 12 results / certificate
For current learners, include your latest results.
For matriculants, submit your final certificate.
Parent(s)/Legal Guardian ID
Used to confirm household identity and details.
Provisional acceptance letter
This MUST come from a recognised public institution.
Proof of residence
- Recent municipal bill (not older than 3 months), or
- Letter from a Traditional Authority.
Proof of income
Depending on your situation:
- Salary or payslip (certified)
- Affidavit for unemployed parents
- Proof of SASSA grant
- Proof of pension
- Divorce decree (if parents are divorced)
- Death certificate (if a parent has passed away)
Medical documents (if applicable)
For applicants living with disabilities.
How to Apply (Step-by-Step Guide)
Step 1: Get the Application Form
Forms are available at the following Polokwane Municipality offices:
- City Centre Offices
- Cluster Offices, including: Seshego, Sebayeng, Aganang, Molepo, Mankweng, Chuene, Maja
- Human Resource Development SBU, Office 905 & 903
- Address: Corner Landros Mare and Bodenstein Streets
Step 2: Complete the Form Carefully
- Use clear handwriting
- Answer all questions honestly
- Do NOT leave blank spaces
- Keep copies of everything you submit
Step 3: Attach All Required Certified Documents
Missing documents = automatic disqualification.
Step 4: Submit the Application Before the Deadline
CLOSING DATE: 05 DECEMBER 2025
Submit at the same offices where you collected the form.
Late applications will NOT be accepted.
DOWNLOAD THE CITY OF POLOKWANE EXTERNAL BURSARY APPLICATION FORM HERE
Important Notes from the Municipality
- Differently abled students who meet the minimum requirements are strongly encouraged to apply.
- Beneficiaries must sign a bursary agreement.
- The bursary supports studies that contribute to innovation, service delivery, and sustainable development in Polokwane.
Before you Apply, Check the Edupstairs Youth Tools Hub below that can be helpful in your application
- SA Bursary Probability Checker
- Edupstairs Simple CV Builder Tool
- Edupstairs AI Cover Letter Generator Tool
- Edupstairs Learnership Application Checklist Tool
- Edupstairs Internship Application Checklist Tool
- Edupstairs Interview Q & A Coach Tool
- Edupstairs Learnership Stipend Calculator Tool
- NSFAS Funding Eligibility Checker Tool
- Edupstairs Qualification-to-Career Pathways Tool
- South African Salary Explorer Tool
- TVET College Enrolment Eligibility Checker Tool
- Edupstairs Career Personality Tool
- Daily Career Score Tracker
Edupstairs Advice (Your Success Checklist)
To increase your chances:
Apply Early
Avoid last-minute pressure.
Pack All Documents
Missing documents = rejection.
Write a Strong Motivational Letter
Explain your background, your goals, and why the bursary matters.
Keep Copies
Always keep duplicates of everything you submit.
Be Honest
False information will get you disqualified.
Follow Up (If Necessary)
Politely contact the office if you need clarity.
Career Growth Path After This Bursary
With this bursary, you can pursue careers in:
University Fields
- Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical)
- Environmental Science
- IT and Computer Science
- Public Management
- Accounting and Finance
- Urban and Regional Planning
- Law
- Health Sciences
- Social Work
- Education
TVET College Fields
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Financial Management
- Business Management
- Human Resources
- IT & Computer Systems
- Tourism
- Marketing
After completing your studies, you can explore opportunities in:
- The City of Polokwane Municipality
- Provincial government
- National government departments
- Private sector companies
- NGOs and community development organisations
- Entrepreneurship and start-ups
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Does the bursary cover accommodation?
Coverage depends on the municipal bursary policy. Priority is given to tuition and academic essentials.
- Can I apply if I already have NSFAS?
No. You cannot receive another bursary at the same time.
- Are private colleges allowed?
No. Only public universities and public TVET colleges are accepted.
- Can postgraduate students apply?
No. This bursary is strictly for first qualifications (Degree, Diploma, N Diploma).
- What if my parents are unemployed?
Submit an affidavit confirming unemployment.
- Will the bursary be renewed every year?
Yes, but ONLY if you maintain good academic performance.
- Do I need to repay the bursary?
Usually no, but terms may require you to work back the bursary by serving the municipality.
- How will I know if I’m shortlisted?
The municipality will contact shortlisted candidates directly.
- Can I apply if I live outside Polokwane?
No. Only permanent residents of the Polokwane Municipality qualify.
- Do students with disabilities get priority?
Yes, differently abled learners who meet the requirements are encouraged to apply.
CLOSING DATE: 05 DECEMBER 2025
You can also:
- View latest Internships
- View latest Learnerships
- View Latest Bursaries
- View latest Government jobs
- View latest Company Vacancies
- View latest Municipality vacancies
- Visit the Edupstairs blog for daily updates
Disclaimer
Edupstairs is not affiliated with the City of Polokwane. All information is sourced from publicly available notices. Always verify details directly with the municipality.
EDUPSTAIRS IS A REGISTERED NON-PROFIT ORGANISATION NPO No: 232 – 182, PUBLIC BENEFIT ORGANISATION (PBO): 930066984. EDUPSTAIRS DOES NOT, IN ANY WAY OR FORM, SOLICIT MONEY OR CV’S FROM PEOPLE FOR JOBS. PLEASE BE AWARE OF PHONY JOB POSTINGS AND RECRUITMENT FRAUD. FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT OUR SCAM/FRAUD ALERT PAGE HERE
