The Johannes Phumani Phungula Municipality has officially announced financial assistance / Bursary Programme for first-year students and existing bursary holders who are enrolled at recognised tertiary institutions for the 2026 academic year.
- 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 programme is aimed at supporting deserving and financially needy students while also addressing critical municipal skills shortages. If you live within the municipality’s jurisdiction and are planning to study (or already studying) in one of the approved fields, this opportunity could change your entire academic journey.
Quick Overview
| Detail | Information |
| Bursary Type | Full Financial Assistance |
| Who Can Apply | First-year students & existing bursary holders |
| Fields Funded | Finance, Accounting, Town Planning, Civil Engineering, GIS, Agriculture |
| Coverage | Tuition, Books, Accommodation & Meals |
| Location | Ixopo, KwaZulu-Natal |
| Closing Date | 20 January 2026 at 12h00 |
Fields of Study Funded
Financial assistance will be awarded to students intending to study full qualifications in the following priority areas:
Funded Fields
- Finance Management / Accounting Studies
- Town Planning
- Civil Engineering
- Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
- Agriculture
Important:
Priority will be given to students enrolled in municipal priority skills, meaning applicants in these fields have a much higher chance of selection.
What Does the Financial Assistance Cover?
This is a full bursary, not partial support. The municipality has confirmed that the assistance will cover:
- Tuition Fees
- Prescribed Books
- Accommodation
- Meals
This means qualifying students can focus fully on their studies without worrying about major financial barriers.
Who Should Apply?
You should strongly consider applying if you:
- Are a resident within Johannes Phumani Phungula Municipality
- Are entering first year in 2026, OR
- Are an existing bursary holder continuing your studies
- Have been admitted to a recognised tertiary institution
- Are studying (or planning to study) one of the approved fields
Minimum Requirements to Apply
Applicants must submit ALL of the following documents:
Required Documents Checklist
- Certified copy of valid Matric certificate
- Certified copy of South African green bar-coded ID book or Smart ID Card
- Proof of acceptance from a recognised tertiary institution (current academic year)
- Fee structure and banking details of the institution
- Correct personal contact details
- Signed Bursary Application Form, dated and stamped by your Ward Councillor
Applications missing any of these documents may be disqualified.
How to Get the Bursary Application Form
You can obtain the bursary application form in two ways:
Option 1: Collect in Person
Visit the Municipality Offices during working hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 08:00 – 16:30
- Friday: 08:00 – 16:00
Option 2: Download
Application forms can also be downloaded here
Tip: Always collect early to avoid last-minute delays.
How to Submit Your Application
Completed applications must be submitted either by post or hand delivery.
Postal Address
The Municipal Manager
Attention: ME Mkhize
P.O. Box 132
Ixopo
3276
Hand Delivery Address
29 Margaret Street
Ixopo
KwaZulu-Natal
3276
Closing Time:
Applications must be submitted no later than 12h00 on 20 January 2026. Late applications will not be accepted.
Enquiries & Contact Details
For any questions or clarification, contact: Mrs M Modi: 039 201 0378
Always phone during office hours and have your ID number ready when enquiring.
How Edupstairs Helps You Prepare
At Edupstairs, we don’t just post opportunities—we help you win them.
Recommended Tools:
- Edupstairs Internship / Learnership Eligibility Checker
- Edupstairs Financial Literacy Mini-School
- Grow your Confidence – 30-day Challenge
- 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
- SA Youth Apprenticeship Readiness Quiz
- 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
- Learnership and Internship Readiness Quiz
Edupstairs Advice for Applicants
- Apply early
- Double-check that your ward councillor stamps and signs your form
- Keep certified copies neatly organised
- Use this opportunity to build a long-term career plan, not just to fund your studies
If you’re serious about building a future in local government, engineering, planning, or agriculture, this bursary is a golden opportunity.
Career Growth After This Bursary
Graduates from this programme often progress into:
- Municipal internships
- In-service training opportunities
- Graduate development programmes
- Permanent roles within local government
- Private sector roles in engineering, planning, finance, agriculture, and GIS
This bursary can be your entry point into a stable, professional career that directly impacts community development.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can first-year students apply?
Yes. First-year students who have proof of acceptance are encouraged to apply.
- Is NSFAS required?
No. This is a municipal financial assistance programme, separate from NSFAS.
- Can TVET College students apply?
Only if the qualification aligns with the approved fields and the institution is recognised.
- Do I need to be unemployed?
The key requirement is financial need and residency within the municipality.
CLOSING DATE: 20 JANUARY 2026
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 Johannes Phumani Phungula Municipality. This article is published for educational and informational purposes only. Applicants must verify details directly with the municipality.
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