Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality Bursary Requirements and How to Apply

The Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality (EMLM) offers a bursary programme for residents of its municipal area in Limpopo, to assist academically capable students who face financial constraints. 

The bursary helps young people to pursue tertiary qualifications and contributes to the municipality’s goal of skills development and service-delivery. 

What is the Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality Bursary?

The EMLM Mayoral Bursary Programme is administered by the municipality with the objective of investing in education and training of residents, particularly those previously disadvantaged or from poor households.

It operates under a formal bursary policy approved by the municipal council.

Which fields of study are eligible?

There are two broad streams:

1. Registration Fee / Financial Study Assistance: Covers registration fees (up to a maximum amount) for students in any field of study.
2. Mayor’s Bursary Stream: For studies in priority fields that align with the municipality’s development needs. Recent listings include:
   • Civil Engineering
   • Electrical Engineering
   • Finance
   • Public Administration / Management
   • Town Planning

Applicants should check the 2026 advert for the full list and whether new fields have been added.

Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality Bursary Eligibility requirements

To qualify for the 2026 intake you generally must meet the following criteria:

1. Be a South African citizen.
2. Reside within the Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality area (in Limpopo province).
3. Have completed Matric (Grade 12) or be in the final year and intending to study full-time at a recognised tertiary institution (University, University of Technology, TVET college).
4. Have a good academic record and demonstrate financial need. Preference is given to previously disadvantaged students.
5. For the Mayor’s Bursary stream: intend to study in one of the listed priority fields.

What does the bursary cover?

Based on recent years, the bursary covers:

1. Registration fees up to a maximum amount (e.g., up to R 10 000) for Financial Study Assistance stream.
2. For the Mayor’s Bursary: full tuition fees for the academic year or full funding (depending on budget and policy) for those in the priority fields.
3. It may also include study‐related materials, textbooks, and support services—subject to the yearly budget and policy provisions.

How to apply for the Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality Bursary 

Here are the general steps:

1. Download or collect the official application form when the 2026 bursary call opens from EMLM website or from their main office/satellite offices (e.g., 2 Grobler Avenue, Groblersdal, 0470).
2. Complete the form and attach certified copies of required supporting documents: ID, Matric certificate or latest results, proof of registration or provisional acceptance from a tertiary institution, proof of residence (endorsed by municipality), parents/guardian proof of income (pay slips or affidavit).
3. Indicate on the form whether you’re applying for “Registration Fee” stream or “Mayor’s Bursary” stream.
4. Submit your application by hand delivery or postal delivery to the Municipal Manager at P.O. Box 48, Groblersdal 0470 or at the main office address before the closing date.
5. Retain proof of submission and monitor for communications from the municipality.

What the selection committee will consider

When selecting bursary recipients, the committee will evaluate:

1. Whether the applicant meets all eligibility criteria (citizenship, residence, academic requirement, study field).
2. Academic performance and potential (Matric results, and field suitability).
3. Financial need and background.
4. Alignment of chosen study field with the municipality’s priority fields (for the Mayor’s stream).
5. Completeness and quality of the application and supporting documentation.

Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality Bursary Closing Date

For the 2024 cycle the closing date was 19 January 2024 at 16:15. For the 2025 cycle the closing date was 17 January 2025 at 16:15.

For the 2026 cycle, the official EMLM website or bursary advert is not yet out.