Are you a student from Randfontein or Westonaria with dreams of pursuing higher education but facing financial challenges? The Rand West City Local Municipality is once again offering the Mayoral Bursary Programme for the 2026 academic year — and it’s a golden opportunity for local youth to get the financial support they need to build a better future.
If you’re currently in Grade 12 or already studying at a public institution of higher learning, and you reside in the Rand West City area (Gauteng), this bursary could be your ticket to achieving your career goals.
Let’s break down everything you need to know — eligibility, benefits, how to apply, and why you should apply as soon as possible.
Bursary Location
Rand West City Local Municipality (Gauteng), which includes the towns of:
- Randfontein
- Westonaria
Application Closing Date
Deadline:
25 November 2025 at 16:00 (sharp)
Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.
Who Can Apply?
This bursary is open to South African students who live within the Rand West City Local Municipality, and who are:
- Currently in Matric, OR
- Have already completed Matric, AND
- Planning to study full-time towards an undergraduate qualification or artisan training in specific fields
Fields of Study Funded
The Mayoral Bursary is aligned with skills that are considered scarce and critical in South Africa, especially in local government and development sectors. Applicants must be pursuing studies in one of the following fields:
- Agriculture
- Energy
- Engineering
- Environmental Health
- Finance
- Information Technology (IT)
- Mining
- Public & Business Management
- Any other scarce or critical skills identified by the municipality (at the discretion of the Executive Mayor)
Note: Funding is aimed specifically at undergraduate qualifications and artisan training (no postgraduate studies will be funded under this bursary).
What the Bursary Covers
This bursary is designed to ease the financial burden of tertiary education. It typically covers:
- Registration fees
- Tuition fees
- Prescribed study materials
- Accommodation and meal allowances (subject to financial need and available funds)
The exact value of the bursary may vary based on the course, institution, and the financial circumstances of the applicant.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the Rand West Mayoral Bursary, you must:
- Be a resident of Rand West City Local Municipality (Gauteng)
- Be currently in Matric or have already completed Matric
- Be accepted or provisionally accepted to study at a public university or public TVET college in South Africa
- Be pursuing a full-time undergraduate course or artisan programme (minimum duration: 1–4 years)
- Have a combined household income of R350,000 or less per annum
- Preferably come from a disadvantaged background or be listed on the municipality’s indigent database
Required Supporting Documents
Incomplete applications will be disqualified, so make sure you have all these documents ready:
- Certified copy of your South African ID
- Matric results (if still in Grade 12) or Matric certificate (if completed)
- Academic transcript (if already studying)
- Proof of application, admission, or provisional acceptance from a public university or TVET college
- A document outlining the course duration, scope, and tuition fees
- Proof of residence (confirming you live in Randfontein or Westonaria)
- Certified copies of ID documents of parents/guardians
- Death certificate(s) of parents or guardians (if applicable)
- Proof of household income, such as:
- Latest payslips (if employed)
- Affidavit (if unemployed or self-employed)
- Proof of social grants (if applicable)
- Doctor’s certificate (if the applicant is permanently disabled)
Tip: All certifications must be recent — ideally not older than 3 months.
How to Apply
You can apply by downloading and completing the official application form.
Download the Rand West City Mayoral Bursary Application Form 2026 (PDF)
Once completed, applications must be hand-delivered or emailed as per the instructions on the form. Be sure to double-check all required sections and attachments before submission.
Why Apply for This Bursary?
This bursary isn’t just about money — it’s about opportunity. Here’s why applying could change your life:
- Access to education: Get the chance to study even if you can’t afford it
- Support from your local government: This bursary is funded and supported by your own municipality
- Practical skills focus: Many of the funded fields lead directly into in-demand careers
- Financial relief: Reduce the burden of fees, textbooks, accommodation, and more
- Better job prospects: Graduating in a scarce-skill field increases your employability in South Africa’s job market
FAQs – Quick Answers
Q: Can I apply if I’m already studying?
A: Yes, as long as you’re studying full-time at a public institution and meet the income/residency criteria.
Q: Will I get full funding?
A: The bursary typically covers registration, tuition, and study materials. Accommodation and meals may be covered depending on financial need.
Q: Can I apply if I’m studying at a private institution?
A: No. The bursary only applies to public universities and public TVET colleges in South Africa.
Q: Is this only for university students?
A: No. Artisan training and qualifications at accredited TVET colleges are also eligible.
Final Thoughts
The Rand West City Local Municipality Mayoral Bursary Programme 2026 is more than just financial support — it’s an investment in the future of young people who want to rise above their circumstances and make a difference in their communities.
With only a few weeks left before the 25 November 2025 deadline, now is the time to gather your documents, fill out the form, and apply.
This could be your first step toward a brighter, more secure future — don’t miss out.
Need Help?
If you need help completing your application or preparing supporting documents, reach out to your school’s guidance counselor, a local library, or your municipal youth office for assistance.
Lerato M. Khumalo is the founder of YouthLearnerships.co.za, a platform dedicated to helping South African youth access real learnerships, internships, and career opportunities. She’s passionate about youth development and committed to bridging the gap between education and employment.
