Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Bursary Application for 2026/2027
Detailed guide on Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Bursary Application 2026/2027. Are you a South African student aspiring to build a career in local government, infrastructure development, finance, engineering, or public service? The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Bursary Programme 2026/2027 is now open, offering financial assistance to deserving students who wish to pursue studies in scarce and critical skills fields. As one of South Africa’s metropolitan municipalities, Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality plays a vital role in service delivery, urban development, and economic growth within the Eastern Cape, while investing in education to develop future professionals who will contribute to municipal and community development.
The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Bursary provides comprehensive financial support, which may cover tuition fees, registration fees, prescribed textbooks, accommodation, and in some cases a monthly allowance. The bursary is aimed at academically strong students who demonstrate financial need and a commitment to serving their communities. Beneficiaries may also be required to enter into a work-back agreement, giving them valuable workplace experience within municipal departments after completing their studies.
By applying for the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Bursary 2026/2027, students gain more than just financial support, they gain an opportunity to build a meaningful career in public service, contribute to sustainable development, and make a positive impact within their communities.
In addition, satrends.co.za offers a wide range of other bursary categories to suit your preference. Click on the links below to access other kinds of bursaries.
Universities in South Africa Bursaries Available for 2026
Government Departments Bursaries Available for 2026
Field of Studies Specified Bursaries Available for 2026
Keep reading to find out more about the eligibility criteria, fields of study funded, application process, and closing date for the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Bursary Programme 2026/2027.
About Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
The Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality, established in 2001, is one of South Africa’s eight metropolitan municipalities and is classified as a Category A municipality. It is named in honour of Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s first democratically elected President and a global symbol of leadership and transformation.
Situated in the Eastern Cape Province along the shores of Algoa Bay, the municipality encompasses Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), Kariega (Uitenhage), Despatch, and surrounding rural areas. The municipality plays a vital role in local economic development, service delivery, and skills development within the region.
About Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Bursary Programme 2026/2027
The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality External Bursary Programme for 2026 is designed to support students pursuing qualifications aligned with the municipality’s priority skills needs. The fields of study have been identified as scarce and critical skills by the Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority (LGSETA).
The bursary is awarded to students who demonstrate strong academic performance, financial need, and a commitment to contributing to local development.
Fields of Study Covered
The bursary supports studies in the following qualifications:
- Bachelor of Arts (General)
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
- Business Administration (Master’s Degree)
- Business Administration (Postgraduate Diploma)
- Civil Engineering (Bachelor’s Degree)
- Computer Science (Bachelor’s Degree)
- Development Finance (Postgraduate Diploma)
- Electrical Engineering (National Diploma)
- Electrical Engineering (Bachelor’s Degree)
- Graphic Design (Bachelor’s Degree)
- Horticulture (National Diploma)
- Human Resource Management (Advanced Diploma)
- Human Settlement Management (Bachelor of Administration)
- Internal Auditing (Bachelor’s Degree)
- Journalism (Diploma)
- Marketing (Bachelor of Business Administration)
- Mechatronics (Bachelor’s Degree)
- Public Administration (Postgraduate Diploma)
- Safety Management (National Diploma)
- Visual Communication Design (Bachelor of Arts)
Expenses Covered by the Bursary
The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality bursary provides financial cover for the following study-related costs:
- Registration fees
- Tuition fees
- Prescribed textbooks
This funding aims to reduce the financial burden on students and enable them to focus on academic success while acquiring skills that benefit the municipality and broader public sector.
Eligibility Requirements for Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Bursary Application 2026/2027
Applicants must meet all of the following minimum criteria to be considered:
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must reside in Gqeberha, Kariega or Despatch in the Eastern Cape
- Must have completed Matric
- Must be studying or intend to study full-time in 2026
- Must be enrolled or accepted at a recognised and accredited public university in South Africa
- Must have achieved a minimum average of 60% in the 2023 academic year
- Must have obtained at least 60% in subjects relevant to the chosen qualification
- Must be unemployed
- Must demonstrate financial need (supporting evidence required from shortlisted candidates)
Failure to meet any of the above requirements will result in the application being disqualified.
How to Apply for the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Bursary 2026/2027
Applicants must download and complete the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Bursary Application Form 2026 (PDF).
Required Supporting Documents
Submit the completed application form together with clear certified copies of the following documents:
- South African ID document
- Matric certificate or final Matric results
- Proof of acceptance from a public university (on institutional letterhead)
- Course outline indicating the duration of the qualification
- Course timetable for the full duration of study
- Official quotation from the institution for all study-related expenses
- Motivation letter (500–1000 words) explaining why you deserve the bursary
- Parents’ or guardians’ ID documents (if under 18 years old)
- Proof of residence (municipal account or affidavit from ward councillor)
Important: All documents must be certified within the last 6 months.
Submission Address
Completed applications must be hand delivered to the following address:
Skills Development and Employment Equity
15th Floor, Starport Building
Govan Mbeki Avenue
Gqeberha
Closing Date for Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Bursary Application 2026/2027
The closing date for applications is:
Application Deadline: 31 January at 16:00 (extended)
Late applications will not be accepted, so applicants are encouraged to submit well before the deadline.
Contact Details of Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
For further information or bursary-related enquiries, contact:
Contact Person: Ms. Zodwa Jikeka
Telephone: 041 506 2886
Email: zmaqoqa@mandelametro.gov.za