For students from the Ingquza Hill Local Municipality who are determined to pursue higher education but face financial challenges, the Ingquza Hill Local Municipality Bursary Programme 2026 offers meaningful support. This programme forms part of the municipality’s ongoing commitment to human capital development, youth empowerment, and improving access to tertiary education within the Eastern Cape.
By investing in scarce and critical skills, the municipality aims to uplift local communities and strengthen future service delivery through education.
About Ingquza Hill Local Municipality
Ingquza Hill Local Municipality is based in Flagstaff, Eastern Cape, and plays an important role in supporting social and economic development within its jurisdiction. Through its annual bursary programme, the municipality provides opportunities for academically capable and financially needy students to access university education and build careers that contribute to local development.
Fields of Study Covered
The bursary is awarded for undergraduate studies in priority fields aligned with municipal and national skills needs. These include Civil and Building Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Financial Accounting with a focus on Chartered Accountancy, Information Communication Technology, Maritime Studies, and Town and Regional Planning.
Students from indigent families are encouraged to apply even if their intended qualification does not strictly fall within the listed fields, provided they meet the general eligibility criteria.
Who Can Apply
Applicants must be South African citizens residing within the Ingquza Hill Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape. Candidates must be between 18 and 35 years old, have completed Matric, and intend to study toward an undergraduate qualification in 2026 at a recognised and accredited South African university.
Applicants must already have acceptance or provisional acceptance from the institution they plan to attend and must meet the academic entry requirements for their chosen qualification. The bursary is aimed at financially needy students, with a household income not exceeding R350 000 per year. All applicants must read and agree to the municipal bursary policy.
Failure to meet all requirements may result in disqualification.
Selection Process
After the closing date, applications will be assessed and shortlisted candidates will be contacted within approximately three months. Applicants who do not receive feedback within this period should consider their application unsuccessful.
Required Supporting Documents
There is no standard application form for this bursary. Instead, applicants must submit a complete set of compulsory supporting documents. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Documents required include a signed application letter addressed to the Municipal Manager and officially stamped by the relevant Ward Councillor, Matric final results or certificate, and proof of application, acceptance, or provisional acceptance from a recognised university.
Applicants must also include a quotation for registration fees and, for continuing students, a quotation reflecting the full fee structure, including accommodation and prescribed textbooks. Proof of household income is required in the form of latest payslips if parents or guardians are employed, an affidavit if unemployed, or certified proof of a SASSA grant where applicable. Proof of residence within the Ingquza Hill Local Municipality must also be attached.
Applications submitted by fax or email will not be accepted.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted by post only. All required documents should be clearly copied and properly organised before submission.
Applications must be posted to:
Attention: Municipal Manager
135 Main Street
Flagstaff
4810
Eastern Cape
Applicants are responsible for ensuring that their application reaches the municipality on time.
Enquiries
For further information or clarification regarding the bursary programme, enquiries may be directed to:
Mr M Ntotho
Human Resources Development Section
Telephone: 039 253 1568
Email: mntotho@ihlm.gov.za
Closing Date
The closing date for applications for the Ingquza Hill Local Municipality Bursary Programme 2026 is 15 January 2026.
Conclusion
The Ingquza Hill Local Municipality Bursary Programme 2026 provides a valuable opportunity for local students to access higher education and work toward careers that benefit both themselves and their communities. By supporting studies in engineering, finance, ICT, maritime studies, and planning, the municipality is investing in skills that are essential for long-term development. For eligible students with ambition and commitment, this bursary can be a critical step toward a brighter future.
