Chris Hani District Municipality Bursary 2026 Eligibility & How to Apply

The Chris Hani District Municipality Bursary supports academically capable and financially disadvantaged students from within the district by funding their National Diploma or BSc studies in vital fields.

About the Bursary

The bursary is administered by the Chris Hani Development Agency (CHDA), wholly owned by the Chris Hani District Municipality (CHDM). 

It aims to build local capacity by supporting learners from rural communities pursuing higher education in strategic development areas.

Fields of Study Funded

Funding is available for the following full-time study areas at accredited South African public institutions:

1. Agriculture: Agronomy, Analytical Chemistry, Animal Science, Crop Science, Horticulture, Pasture Science, Soil Science
2. Engineering: Civil, Electrical, Environmental, Mechanical Engineering
3. Information Technology: Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Cyber Security, Information Science, Information Systems, Software Engineering, Systems or Network Administration
4. Mining: Mining, Geology
5. Environmental Science: Waste Management-related programmes

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet all of the following:

1. Be a South African citizen residing in one of CHDM’s local municipalities (Emalahleni, Engcobo, Enoch Mgijima, Intsika Yethu, Inxuba Yethemba, or Sakhisizwe).
2. Have completed Matric with a minimum overall average of 60%.
3. Be accepted or provisionally accepted to study in one of the eligible fields at a public university or university of technology.
4. Come from a previously disadvantaged community, demonstrate financial need (household income not exceeding R15,000 per month), and be willing to serve the municipality post-graduation, if required, for a period equal to bursary duration.

How to Apply

1. Download and complete the official CHDA Bursary Application Form from the CHDA website or collect it in person from:
   • CHDA offices (15 Warner Street, Southbourne, Queenstown)
   • Any local municipal offices within the listed municipalities.
2. Prepare and attach all required certified supporting documents.
3. Submit your application via email to recruitment@chda.org.za with the subject “CHDA Bursary Application”, or hand-deliver to the CHDA office or designated municipal offices.

Required Documents

Include the following certified copies:

1. South African ID and unabridged birth certificate
2. Matric final results and certificate
3. Proof of acceptance or registration at a public tertiary institution
4. Proof of residence (e.g., municipal bill, ward councillor letter, lease agreement)
5. Parent(s)/guardian(s)’ IDs and proof of income (payslips, affidavit, etc.)
6. Death or divorce certificates where applicable
7. Sworn statements if guardianship or separation applies

Closing Date

Applications were due by 31 March 2026 at 12:00 PM. 

Contact Details

For any bursary-related enquiries, contact:

1. Ms Thembakazi Ngqoba, Acting Special Projects Manager
   • Tel: 045 807 4014
   • Email: thembakazi@chda.org.za
2. Ms Nqabisa Cingo
   • Tel: 045 807 4017
   • Email: nqabisa@chda.org.za