eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality Bursary Requirements and How to Apply
The eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality offers a bursary/student relief fund to financially support South African students residing within the Municipality’s area (Durban and surrounds) who are undertaking full-time undergraduate study at a recognised public higher education institution.
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It is sometimes called a Student Relief Fund rather than a full bursary because it typically covers registration or part of tuition rather than full costs.
eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality Bursary / Student Relief Fund Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet a number of key criteria:
- Must be a South African citizen and resident in the eThekwini Municipal Area.
- Must intend to start or continue full-time undergraduate study at a public higher education institution (not private) in the next academic year.
- Must provide proof of acceptance/enrolment at the institution or current academic record if in higher education.
- Parents/guardians’ combined income must be below set thresholds: for example, R160 000 if one student in the household, R200 000 if two or more students in the same household.
- Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
What eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality Bursary / Student Relief Fund cover
The fund covers limited costs and is not a full scholarship:
- It primarily covers registration fees and may cover a portion of tuition fees.
- It does not typically cover accommodation, meals, books, transport, or other study-related costs.
- In earlier versions of the bursary (not the Student Relief Fund variant), the Municipality listed bursaries covering fields such as engineering, architecture, and property development, along with tuition, accommodation, examination fees, book allowance, and a once-off computer allowance in the second year.
eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality Bursary / Student Relief Fund Application Process
Here are the general steps to apply:
- Obtain or download the application form or access the online application portal via the Municipality’s website under Student / Youth Development / Bursaries. E.g.: via the eThekwini website e-Careers or bursary link.
- Complete the application form with personal, academic, and financial details; include proof of residence, parents/guardians’ income, applicant’s ID, academic record, or Matric certificate.
- Attach certified copies of required documents (ID, Matric certificate or results, acceptance letter, or registration statement).
- Apply before the published closing date (see next section). Applications that are incomplete or late may not be considered.
- Wait for notification of outcome—successful applicants will be contacted; if you have not heard within ~10 weeks (in some prior calls), you may assume unsuccessful.
eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality Bursary / Student Relief Fund Closing Date
For the 2026/2026 cycle, the closing date was reported as 17 January 2026 for certain bursary calls.
For the Student Relief Fund, the same date has been cited.
The closing date for the 2026 intake is not yet publicly confirmed.
Applicants should check the Municipality’s official website for the 2026 call and deadline.
eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality Bursary / Student Relief Fund Contact Details
- Website: www.durban.gov.za → Students / Youth Development / Bursaries or Student Relief Fund section.
- For enquiries:
- Mr Prince Mthembu: 031 322 0413
- Ms Wendy Shabalala: 031 322 3924
- Ms Khusela Majikijela: 031 311 9838
- Application portal reference numbers have included “ETH241107-7” etc.
FAQs
1. What is the eThekwini Municipality Bursary / Student Relief Fund?
It is a funding support programme offered by the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality to financially assist resident students in eThekwini for full-time undergraduate study at public higher education institutions.
2. Who is eligible to apply?
You must be a South African citizen, resident within the eThekwini Municipal area, accepted or registered for full-time study at a public higher education institution, and meet the income/academic criteria.
3. Which costs are covered?
The fund generally covers registration fees and part of tuition. It does not normally cover accommodation, meals, books or transport.
4. What documents are required?
Typical documents include your ID (certified copy), Matric certificate or recent academic record, proof of acceptance/enrolment at a public higher education institution, proof of residence, and parents/guardians’ income or unemployment proof.
5. When is the closing date?
For prior years the closing date was 17 January (e.g., 2026). The 2026 deadline is not yet fully confirmed—check the official municipal announcement.
6. Can students with disabilities apply?
Yes. The Municipality explicitly encourages applications from students with disabilities.
7. Does receiving this bursary guarantee full funding?
No. This fund covers limited costs and applicants are encouraged to apply for additional funding sources.
8. What if my parents’ income is above the threshold?
If your parents/guardians’ combined income exceeds the threshold (for example R160 000), you may be ineligible under the relief fund criteria.
9. How do I apply?
Visit the eThekwini website, download or access the online application form, complete it with all required information, attach relevant documents and submit by the closing date.
10. Where can I find more information?
Check the Municipality’s website under Students / Bursaries or Student Relief Fund, or contact the bursary enquiry numbers listed earlier.
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