Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality Bursary 2026

Are you a resident of the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality and a deserving student seeking financial assistance for your tertiary education? 

Then you should definitely consider applying for the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality Bursary.

This bursary program was established by the municipality itself and aims to empower students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds by offering financial support for their studies.  

About the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality

The Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM) serves East London, Mdantsane, and surrounding areas in the Eastern Cape. 

Its Mayoral Bursary Fund supports young residents with promising academic potential and financial need.

Fields of Study Funded

The following study fields are considered (based on the 2024 fund offer):

1. Engineering: Mechanical, Electrical, Civil
2. Planning: Quantity Surveying, Town & Regional Planning, Facilities Management, Building, Architecture, Land Surveying
3. Scientific Fields: Microbiology, Biochemistry, Analytical Chemistry
4. Finance: Economics, Accounting

Benefits for Recipients

• Covers tuition, registration, prescribed books, study materials, and accommodation, paid directly to the institution.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet all of the following:

1. Be a South African citizen permanently residing in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality
2. Provide proof of residence (e.g., municipal bill or letter from ward councillor)
3. Demonstrate financial need via household income documents
4. Have a minimum Matric performance of:
   • Grade D (50–59 %) in English
   • Grade C (60–69 %) in Mathematics, Accounting, and Physical Science
   • Or a National Certificate Vocational (NCV) Level 4 with Mathematics
5. Be aged between 14 and 35 years
6. Preference for underprivileged applicants; persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

How to Apply

1. Obtain the application form from any BCMM Youth Advisory Centre (e.g., Mdantsane Library, King William’s Town Civic Centre, Duncan Village Art Centre) or the Trust Centre, 7th Floor, East London.
2. Complete the form and include a referral note if required.
3. Submit your application:
   
   • Hand-delivery: Special Programs Unit, Trust Centre Building, 7th Floor
   • Postal: Human Resources Department, P.O. Box 134, East London, 5200

Required Documents

Submit these certified copies with your application:

1. South African ID
2. Most recent academic record or Matric certificate
3. Proof of residency (municipal account or a councillor’s letter)
4. Proof of household income (e.g., payslips, affidavits)

Closing Date

As of September 2025, no official closing date for 2026 has been published. 

Historically, the deadline falls late October. Monitor the BCMM official site for updates.

Contact Details

For inquiries, contact:

• Nandi Zikalala, Mayoral Bursary Coordinator
• Tel: 043 705 1013