City of Johannesburg 2027 Bursary Programme: 200 Bursaries Available for Local Youth

City of Johannesburg 2027 Bursary Programme: 200 Bursaries Available for Local Youth

The City of Johannesburg has opened applications for its 2027 bursary programme, offering 200 bursaries to young South Africans who permanently live in the city. The bursary supports full-time undergraduate study and is awarded strictly on academic merit. Applications opened on 1 October 2026 and close on Friday, 30 October 2026.

About the Bursary

The City of Johannesburg Municipality says it is committed to skills development and educational opportunities, not only for its own employees but also for members of the Johannesburg community. Through Bursary Circular 001/2026, it is offering 200 bursaries to South African youth who permanently reside in Johannesburg and want to pursue full-time undergraduate studies in selected fields.

Quick Facts

• Provider: City of Johannesburg
• Number of bursaries: 200
• Academic year: 2027
• Level of study: Full-time undergraduate
• Value: Up to R40 000 per academic year
• Publication date: 1 October 2026
• Closing date: Friday, 30 October 2026
• Application method: Online only

Eligible Fields of Study

The bursary covers a wide range of fields. Applicants must be studying towards a qualification in one of the following:

• Actuarial Science
• Built Environment (Architecture, Construction, Urban and Regional Planning, Quantity Surveying)
• Commerce
• Community Services
• Emergency Management Services
• Engineering (all fields)
• Health (all fields)
• Finance (Accounting, Auditing, Small Business Management, Supply Chain Management, Treasury, Economics, Risk and Compliance Management)
• Humanities and Social Sciences (all fields)
• International Relations and Protocol
• Legal
• Logistics
• Marketing
• Municipal Governance (Monitoring and Evaluation)
• Real Estate (Property Management, Property Valuation)
• Geo Information Science (GIS)
• Information Technology and Management (all fields)
• Business Management

Selection Criteria

Candidates should note the following conditions:

• Selection is strictly on academic merit.
• Applicants must study at an accredited South African tertiary institution.
• Securing admission to a tertiary institution is the student’s own responsibility.
• The bursary applies to qualifications of no less than one year.
• It does not apply to postgraduate qualifications.
• The bursary is renewable annually, depending on academic performance.

What the Bursary Covers

The bursary pays for tuition and registration fees, as well as prescribed books and study material. It is limited to R40 000 per academic year.

Documents Required

Certified copies of the following documents must accompany each application:

1. Your most recent academic record
2. Your South African identity document
3. Proof of residency in Johannesburg, such as a statement for water and lights or rates and taxes
4. Your parents’ proof of income or death certificate(s), or an affidavit if you do not have one or both parents

Certification can take time, so it helps to start gathering these documents well before the closing date.

How to Apply

Only online applications will be considered. Applicants can use the application form link on the City’s circular or apply through the City of Johannesburg website at CITY OF JOBURG BURSARY ONLINE APPLICATION

Enquiries: Billy Baloyi (BillyB@joburg.org.za) or Takalani Wakpo (TakalaniW@joburg.org.za)

Important Notes on Outcomes

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. If you receive no notification within six weeks of the closing date, you should accept that your application was unsuccessful.

Tips for a Strong Application

Prioritise your academic record. Because selection is strictly on merit, make sure your most recent results are certified and clearly legible.

Secure your admission separately. The bursary does not guarantee a place at university or college. Apply to your institution of choice in parallel so that admission is not a barrier.

Sort your proof of residence early. Utility statements and rates documents must show that you permanently reside in Johannesburg, so confirm that the name and address are clear.

Prepare for missing parent documents. If one or both parents are deceased or unavailable, make sure the relevant death certificates or an affidavit are ready.

Submit before the deadline. Avoid last-minute technical problems by applying well before 30 October 2026.

Final Word

With 200 bursaries on offer across more than a dozen fields, this programme is a significant opportunity for Johannesburg youth who want to study in fields the City considers important. Eligible students should gather their documents now and apply before the 30 October 2026 deadline.