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Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality Bursary 2027

The Buffalo City Municipality Bursary, officially known as the Ntombikayise Tom Bursary Fund, is offered by Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality to support young people from the Metro with the costs of tertiary education.

WHAT FIELDS OF STUDY DOES THE BURSARY COVER?

The Buffalo City Municipality Bursary supports studies in priority and scarce-skill fields. The 2027 bursary covers the following areas of study:

  • Engineering: Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering and Mechanical Engineering
  • Planning: Architecture, Building, Facilities Management, Land Surveying, Quantity Surveying and Town and Regional Planning
  • Science: Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Environmental studies and Microbiology
  • Finance: Accounting, Actuarial Science and Economics

Young people interested in TVET programmes are also encouraged to apply, particularly for programmes that provide practical skills relevant to employment and entrepreneurship.

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WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE BURSARY?

The Buffalo City Municipality Bursary is aimed at South African young people who permanently reside within Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality and meet the academic requirements. Applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Be a South African citizen.
  • Be between 14 and 35 years old.
  • Permanently reside within Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality.
  • Be currently in Matric, have completed Matric, or hold an NCV Level 4 Certificate.
  • Matric applicants must have achieved at least Level 5 (60–69%) for English.
  • Matric applicants must have achieved at least Level 6 (70–79%) for Mathematics, Accounting and Physical Science.
  • NCV Level 4 applicants must have passed or be expected to pass Mathematics.
  • Be studying or intend to study towards an undergraduate qualification in one of the supported fields.
  • Study or intend to study at a recognised and accredited tertiary institution in South Africa.
  • Applicants from disadvantaged or underprivileged backgrounds are prioritised.
  • Students with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

WHAT DOES THE BURSARY COVER?

The Ntombikayise Tom Bursary Fund may provide financial assistance towards the following study-related costs:

  • Tuition fees
  • Registration fees
  • Prescribed books
  • Study materials
  • Meals
  • Accommodation

Successful beneficiaries may also have opportunities for experiential learning and internships within Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. These opportunities do not guarantee permanent employment with the Municipality.

HOW TO APPLY FOR THE BURSARY?

Applications for the bursary are completed using the official Ntombikayise Tom Bursary Fund Application Form 2027 (doc).

The application form is available from Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality and can also be collected from the designated municipal centres, including:

  • Mdantsane Library Complex
  • Civic Centre in eQonce
  • Duncan Village Art Centre
  • East London (KuGompo City) Trust Centre, 7th Floor, Office 706

Completed applications must be hand delivered to:

Special Programmes Unit
Trust Centre Building
7th Floor
East London

WHAT DOCUMENTS ARE NEEDED FOR THE BURSARY?

Applicants should provide the supporting documents requested for the 2027 application. These include:

  • South African identity document.
  • Latest academic record or Matric results.
  • Matric certificate or NCV Level 4 certificate, where applicable.
  • Full academic record, including the latest results, if currently studying.
  • Proof of admission or acceptance for the 2027 academic year.
  • Proof of residence within Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality.
  • Proof of household income.
  • Motivational letter or statement, where required by the application form.

WHEN IS THE CLOSING DATE FOR THE BURSARY?

31 October 2026.

Late submissions will be rejected.

HOW DO I CONTACT THE BURSARY PROVIDER ABOUT THE BURSARY?

For enquiries about the Buffalo City Municipality Bursary, applicants can contact:

  • Contact person: Nandi Zikalala
  • Telephone: 043 705 1884

ABOUT THE NTOMBIKAYISE TOM BURSARY FUND

The Ntombikayise Tom Bursary Fund is an Executive Mayoral initiative of Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. The fund provides financial assistance to young people from disadvantaged backgrounds pursuing studies in priority and scarce-skill fields.

The programme was previously referred to as the Mayoral Bursary Fund. The Municipality’s current 2027 documents identify it as the Ntombikayise Tom Bursary Fund.

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This bursary information was last updated in October 2026.

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