By GraduateRoom · Checked against the official advert on
The City of Johannesburg is offering 200 bursaries for 2027 undergraduate studies to South African youth who permanently live in Johannesburg. Its official circular sets the deadline as Friday, 30 October 2026.
The annual limit matters: this bursary contributes up to R40,000 towards specified study costs. Applicants should work out what remains unfunded before assuming it covers a full academic year.
| Circular | 001/2026 |
|---|---|
| Who it targets | South African youth permanently resident in Johannesburg |
| Study | Full-time undergraduate study at an accredited South African institution |
| Qualification length | At least one year; postgraduate study excluded |
| Funding limit | R40,000 per academic year for tuition, registration, prescribed books and/or study material |
| Selection and renewal | Academic merit; annual renewal linked to results |
| Closing date | 30 October 2026 |
Illustrative student photograph; the person is not identified as a bursary beneficiary. Photo by sammy swae / Unsplash.
Check your course and residence
The circular lists fields including engineering, health, IT, commerce, finance, humanities, law and the built environment. Read the full list to match your exact programme. Applicants arrange admission themselves; a funding application does not secure a university place.
Documents the City asks for
- Certified recent academic record and South African ID.
The official bursary circular gives the complete wording. Only online applications are accepted.
Calculate your funding gap
GraduateRoom suggests making a simple budget with four columns: expense, institution’s estimate, confirmed support and amount still needed. Include registration and tuition separately so the same charge is not counted twice.
Compare that budget with the R40,000 cap. A maximum award is a limit, not confirmation that every successful applicant receives the maximum. Ask the City about award terms and how any other funding would interact with this bursary before relying on two sources for the same expense.
Review the form before submission
Make sure your name, address and academic information match the supporting documents. If a municipal account is not in your name, ask the listed bursary contacts which additional evidence is acceptable rather than uploading an unrelated account.
- Read Circular 001/2026 and check your eligibility.
When will applicants hear back?
The City says only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. If there is no response within six weeks after closing, applicants should treat the application as unsuccessful. Continue looking for suitable funding while awaiting an outcome.
Apply through the official provider
GraduateRoom does not collect applications or select candidates. Details were checked on 21 October 2026; confirm the status and current instructions with the provider before submitting.