Nkangala District Municipality Bursary South Africa 2026

The Nkangala District Municipality (NDM) Bursary 2026 is a funding initiative designed to support South African students from the Nkangala District who wish to pursue higher education. This bursary aims to reduce financial barriers and develop local talent across a range of critical fields of study.

About the Municipality

The Nkangala District Municipality is located in the Mpumalanga Province and covers several local municipalities including Emalahleni Local Municipality, Steve Tshwete Local Municipality, Emakhazeni Local Municipality, Thembisile Hani Local Municipality, Dr JS Moroka Local Municipality and Victor Khanye Local Municipality. The bursary is part of the municipality’s broader strategy to invest in education and human capital in the region.

Purpose of the Bursary

The bursary is intended to:

• Support local students who face financial challenges and aspire to tertiary education.
• Encourage enrolment in fields that address skills gaps and support regional development.
• Strengthen the link between education and the municipality’s social and economic objectives.

Fields of Study Covered

The NDM bursary gives priority to studies in the following areas:

• Engineering (Mining, Civil, IT/Software Development)
• Architecture and Town/Regional Planning
• Environmental Management and Disaster Management
• Law and Finance
• Social Sciences

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following criteria to apply:

• Must be a South African citizen aged between 17 and 35 years.
• Must reside within the Nkangala District Municipality area (in one of the local municipalities listed above).
• Must be intending to study or already enrolled in full-time undergraduate studies at a university, university of technology or TVET college in South Africa.
• Financial need is required — combined net household income should not exceed R 180,000 per annum.
• Academic performance: minimum average of 60% at university level, or 50% for TVET college level.
• Applicants may be required to enter into a contract or agreement with the municipality upon selection.

Required Documents

The application must include the following:

• Certified copy of the applicant’s South African ID.
• Certified copy of the parent/guardian’s ID (where relevant).
• Proof of residence (municipal bill, tribal authority letter, or affidavit).
• Proof of financial need (payslips, SASSA statement or affidavit).
• Latest academic transcript or results (Grade 11/12 if still in school, or current transcripts if already at tertiary level).
• Acceptance or conditional acceptance letter from the tertiary institution (if available).
• Completed application form signed by applicant (and parent/guardian if required).

How to Apply

1. Download or obtain the official application form from the Nkangala District Municipality offices or local municipal youth offices.
2. Fill in the form completely, attach all required certified documents and ensure everything is accurate.
3. Hand-deliver the completed application and attachments to any of the designated offices:
   • Nkangala District Municipality, Middelburg
   • The youth offices of the six local municipalities in the district
4. Use the form’s checklist to verify that all required documentation is included before submission.

Closing Date and Notification

Applications for the 2026 cycle must be submitted by 14 November 2025 (13:30). Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted by the municipality.

Why This Bursary Matters

This bursary is a valuable resource for students in the Nkangala region who may otherwise be unable to afford tertiary qualifications. By focusing on priority fields and local residency, the municipality ensures support goes to those who are both deserving and likely to contribute positively to the region’s development. Furthermore, borrowers may benefit from linkages to internships, mentorship and possible local employment once they complete their qualifications.

Tips for Applicants

• Start preparing early: secure certified copies of all documents and ensure proof of residence and income are current.
• Ensure your academic results meet or exceed the minimum averages required.
• In your motivation (if required), explain why you selected your field of study and how you intend to contribute to your community or region.
• Submit the application well before the deadline rather than waiting until the last day.
• Check that every section of the form is complete and signed where needed; incomplete applications risk being disqualified.

Conclusion

The Nkangala District Municipality Bursary 2026 offers a meaningful opportunity for local students to access higher education in fields of national and regional importance. If you meet the criteria and are serious about pursuing your studies, this bursary could be a key step in achieving your academic and career ambitions.