Emadlangeni Municipality Bursary Requirements, Application and Closing Dates

The eMadlangeni Local Municipality (formerly known as the Utrecht Local Municipality) in KwaZulu-Natal offers a bursary programme for residents who wish to pursue tertiary studies but lack sufficient financial means. 

The aim is to develop skills in the region and support local youth in accessing higher education.

The bursary scheme is run by the Municipality for students residing in its municipal area (in the Amajuba District, KwaZulu-Natal). 

It is intended to ease financial burden and encourage local talent to study and possibly serve the municipality after graduation. 

For example, past rounds targeted Civil Engineering students and included a service contract obligation.

Which fields of study are eligible?

1. One stream (past) specifically targets students studying Civil Engineering at a recognised tertiary institution.
2. Another stream (the Mayoral or general bursary) is open to “any field of study” provided eligibility criteria are met (financial need, residence, etc).
   Applicants should check the 2026 bursary advertisement for updated fields.

Emadlangeni Municipality Bursary Eligibility Requirements

To apply for the 2026 intake, you must typically meet the following criteria based on the latest available information:

1. Be a South African citizen.
2. Reside within the eMadlangeni Local Municipality area (Utrecht and surrounding) in KwaZulu-Natal.
3. Be between the ages of 18 and 35 years old (in past rounds).
4. Have completed Matric or be about to enter tertiary study, and be accepted or registered for full-time study at a recognised tertiary institution in South Africa.
5. Demonstrate financial need (parents/guardian income proof, unemployment status, etc).
6. For the Civil Engineering stream: you must be enrolled (or intend to enrol) in a Civil Engineering qualification.

What does the bursary cover?

Based on past information:

1. The bursary value for the Civil Engineering stream was indicated as R 55,000 per year for students in Civil Engineering.
2. For the general Mayoral bursary, the specific value is not always published, but it is intended to provide funding support for tuition/registration and allied study costs.
3. Recipients of the bursary may be required to enter into a service contract with the Municipality for a period equivalent to the bursary funding.

How to apply for the Emadlangeni Municipality Bursary 

Here is the typical application process:

1. Obtain the official unpublished 2026 bursary advertisement or application form from the eMadlangeni Local Municipality – usually from the HR or Human Resources office, the municipal website, or the contact centre.
2. Complete the application form and attach certified supporting documents: certified copy of ID, Matric certificate or results statement, proof of registration/acceptance at tertiary institution (if applicable), proof of residence within the municipality, parents/guardian proof of income or unemployment, and any other required documents.
3. Submit the application by hand (in many past cases) to the municipality’s HR or bursary office before the closing date specified in the 2026 advert. For example address: 34 Voor Street, Utrecht, 2980.
4. Keep a copy of your application and submission proof. Late or incomplete applications are typically not considered.

What the selection committee will consider

The municipal bursary committee will evaluate:

1. Eligibility compliance (citizenship, residence, age, field)
2. Academic record: whether you have matric and good performance or are accepted into a recognised tertiary programme.
3. Financial need: household income, unemployment status of parents/guardians etc.
4. Field relevance: for the Civil Engineering stream, your chosen study must align with Civil Engineering.
5. Completeness and timeliness of your application and supporting documentation.

Closing Date for the Emadlangeni Municipality Bursary 

In recent years, the bursary rounds closed around February for the Civil Engineering stream. For instance, a past closing date was 22 February (year unspecified).

For the 2026 cycle, you must check the official eMadlangeni Municipal website or bursary announcement for the exact closing date and submission requirements.