Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality Bursary Requirements and Online Application

The Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (EMM) bursary scheme helps residents of Ekurhuleni who wish to pursue tertiary qualifications but lack financial means. 

The municipality, based in the East Rand region of Gauteng, uses this bursary to develop skills aligned with its economic and service-delivery needs. 

What is the EMM Bursary?

The EMM bursary is administered by the municipality’s Skills Development & Bursary unit. 

It provides financial support to full-time students or students with strong academic potential, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, residing in the Ekurhuleni area. 

The aim is to support fields of study that address municipal and regional skill shortages such as engineering, information technology, finance, built environment and health sciences.

Which fields of study are eligible?

The bursary covers a broad range of fields. Recent-year adverts list eligible study areas including:

1. Science, Technology, Engineering & Built Environment.
2. Finance, Commerce & Management Sciences.
3. Information & Communication Technologies (ICT).
4. Law (LLB), Health & Medical Sciences.
5. Vocational programmes and other development-aligned fields.

Applicants should check the official bursary advert for the full eligible field list for 2026.

Eligibility requirements

To apply for the 2026 EMM bursary, you typically must meet these criteria:

1. Be a South African citizen or permanent resident.
2. Reside within the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality area.
3. Be aged around 35 years or younger (for many rounds).
4. Be registered or intend to register full-time for a recognised bachelor’s degree, national diploma or certificate at an accredited tertiary institution.
5. Demonstrate financial need (household income threshold of around R600 000 per annum in recent adverts).
6. Meet academic minimums (Matric results, institution admission) and supply required supporting documents.

What does the bursary cover?

While exact coverage for 2026 may vary, recent sources indicate that the bursary may cover:

1. Tuition fees and registration fees for the eligible qualification.
2. Prescribed textbooks and study materials.

Note: Living-expenses, transport and accommodation are generally not covered.

How to apply 

Here’s the general application process:

1. Download or collect the official bursary application form and advert when the 2026 call opens on the EMM website or at customer care offices/libraries.
2. Complete the form and prepare certified supporting documents: ID, proof of residence in Ekurhuleni, Matric certificate or latest results, proof of registration or provisional admission at tertiary institution, parents/guardian ID and proof of income, motivational letter and CV.
3. Submit the completed form and all required attachments by hand-delivery or via the address specified in the advert—late or incomplete applications are not considered.
4. Keep copies of your submission and monitor communications from the municipality.

What the selection committee will consider

Selection is based on several factors:

1. Whether you meet the residency, citizenship, study field and age requirements.
2. Your academic achievement and potential to complete your chosen qualification.
3. Relevance of your field of study to EMM’s skills needs.
4. Demonstrated financial need and completeness of documents.
5. Preference may be given to youth, women, persons with disabilities and previously disadvantaged applicants.

Closing Date

Recent postings show the closing date for specials as 20 December for one call.

Application periods are typically announced annually; you should check EMM’s official website for the 2026 closing date.

Only applications submitted by the closing date and with complete documentation are considered.