Lephalale Municipality Mayoral Bursary Programme 2026
The Lephalale Local Municipality has officially opened applications for its Mayoral Bursary Programme for the 2026 academic year. This bursary is aimed at supporting deserving local youth who want to pursue tertiary studies in fields that are critical to the municipality’s long-term development and skills needs.
This funding opportunity is specifically designed to invest in young people from Lephalale who demonstrate academic potential but come from households that are unemployed or financially disadvantaged. For qualifying students, the bursary can make the difference between delaying studies and starting a professional career on time.
About the Lephalale Municipality Mayoral Bursary Programme
The Mayoral Bursary Fund is a local government initiative that focuses on developing scarce and critical skills within the Lephalale Local Municipality. By supporting students in priority fields, the municipality aims to build a future workforce of engineers, planners, financial specialists, and technical professionals who can contribute meaningfully to regional growth.
The programme is targeted at matriculants and first-year tertiary students who intend to study at recognised institutions and who meet both academic and financial need criteria.
Who Should Consider Applying
This bursary is suitable for applicants who meet most or all of the following conditions:
You are a permanent resident of the Lephalale Local Municipality
You have completed Matric or you are currently in your first year of tertiary study
You have applied to or been accepted by a recognised tertiary institution
Your parents or guardians are unemployed or classified as indigent
You have shown consistent academic effort and commitment
You intend to study in a field identified as a scarce or priority skill
Applicants who meet these conditions are strongly encouraged to apply, as the bursary is specifically designed for students in this category.
Minimum Requirements
To be considered for the Mayoral Bursary Programme, applicants must meet the official eligibility criteria set by the municipality.
Residency Requirement
Applicants must be residents of the Lephalale Local Municipality. Proof of residence is required as part of the application.
Academic Requirements
The bursary is open to matriculants and first-year undergraduate students. Applicants must demonstrate consistent and satisfactory academic performance. Shortlisted candidates may be required to undergo psychometric assessments and attend interviews as part of the selection process.
Household Financial Status
The bursary prioritises students from households where parents or guardians are unemployed or formally classified as indigent. Financial need is assessed through documentation, and the municipality reserves the right to conduct home visits to verify household circumstances.
Admission Status
Final bursary approval is only confirmed once proof of acceptance or registration at a recognised tertiary institution has been submitted.
Fields of Study Supported
The Mayoral Bursary Programme focuses on fields that align with Lephalale’s economic and development priorities. Approved areas of study include, but are not limited to:
Financial Studies
Engineering fields such as Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, and Chemical Engineering
Town and Regional Planning
Mining-related studies
Other scarce skills as identified by the municipality
These study areas are considered essential for infrastructure development, economic growth, and service delivery within the municipality.
What the Bursary Covers
The bursary provides comprehensive financial support, depending on individual need and available funding. Coverage may include:
Tuition fees
Accommodation
Meals
Prescribed books for the most financially needy students
This level of support allows students to focus on their studies without constant financial pressure.
Documents Required
Incomplete applications are not considered, so it is important to ensure that all required documents are included. Applicants must submit:
A motivation letter explaining the need for funding and study plans
Latest academic results or statement of results
Certified copy of the applicant’s South African ID
Certified copies of parents’ or guardians’ IDs
Proof of income, salary advice, or an affidavit confirming unemployment
Proof of residential address
Curriculum Vitae for tertiary students
All documents must be clear, readable, and properly certified where required.
How to Apply
Application forms can be collected from the Lephalale Civic Centre offices, local libraries, or downloaded from the official Lephalale Local Municipality website. The completed application form must be filled in carefully and honestly, with all supporting documents attached.
Click here to download the Lephalale Local Municipality Mayoral Bursary Application Form 2026:
👉 https://www.lephalale.gov.za/Documents/Mayoral%20Bursary%20Form%20(2).pdf
Applications can be submitted by post or hand delivery to the Lephalale Municipality offices as indicated on the application form.
Closing Date
The closing date for applications is 30 January 2026.
Late applications will not be considered under any circumstances.
Enquiries
For further information regarding the Mayoral Bursary Programme, applicants may contact the municipality directly using the official contact details provided in the application notice.
Conclusion
The Lephalale Municipality Mayoral Bursary Programme 2026 offers a valuable opportunity for local youth to access tertiary education in critical skills areas. By focusing on both academic potential and financial need, the programme plays an important role in developing future professionals who can contribute to the growth and sustainability of the Lephalale region.
For eligible students who meet the requirements and are serious about their studies, this bursary represents a meaningful investment in both personal development and community progress.
