Education remains one of the most powerful tools for social and economic transformation in South Africa. However, for many talented students, financial constraints continue to be a major barrier to accessing higher education. To address this challenge, the Lephalale Local Municipality has once again opened applications for the Mayoral Bursary Fund Programme for the 2026 academic year.
This bursary is specifically designed to support deserving students residing within the Lephalale Local Municipality in Limpopo Province. By investing in local youth, the municipality aims to develop scarce skills, reduce unemployment, and promote long-term community development.
If you are a student planning to study in 2026 and meet the requirements, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the Lephalale Municipality Mayoral Bursary Fund 2026, including eligibility criteria, funded fields, benefits, and how to apply successfully.
Bursary Overview
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Bursary Name: Lephalale Municipality Mayoral Bursary Fund
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Academic Year: 2026
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Closing Date: 30 January 2026
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Location: Lephalale Local Municipality, Limpopo, South Africa
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered, so applicants are encouraged to apply well before the deadline.
About Lephalale Local Municipality
The Lephalale Local Municipality is situated in the Limpopo Province and plays a vital role in governance, service delivery, and socio-economic development within the region. Recognising the importance of education in addressing poverty and skills shortages, the municipality established the Mayoral Bursary Fund to empower young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Through this bursary programme, Lephalale Municipality aims to:
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Develop critical and scarce skills
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Promote equal access to higher education
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Support academically strong but financially needy students
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Build a skilled workforce that contributes to local development
Fields of Study Funded
The Lephalale Municipality Mayoral Bursary Fund primarily supports undergraduate studies in fields aligned with municipal development priorities and national scarce skills. These include:
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Financial Studies
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Civil Engineering
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Chemical Engineering
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Electrical Engineering
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Mechanical Engineering
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Town and Regional Planning
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Mining-related Studies
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Other Scarce Skills as identified by the municipality
Preference is given to qualifications that directly contribute to infrastructure development, financial management, and economic growth within the municipality.
What Does the Bursary Cover?
Successful applicants will receive financial support covering essential study-related expenses, including:
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Tuition fees (paid directly to the institution)
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Accommodation and meals
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Prescribed textbooks (for financially needy students)
This comprehensive coverage ensures that students can focus on their studies without the burden of financial stress.
Selection Process and Important Conditions
The selection process for the Mayoral Bursary Fund is rigorous to ensure fairness and transparency. Applicants should note the following:
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Shortlisted candidates will undergo psychometric assessments
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Applicants must attend formal interviews
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A means test will be conducted to assess financial need
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Home visits may be conducted to verify living conditions and indigence status
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee selection, as funding is limited.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Lephalale Municipality Mayoral Bursary Fund 2026, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
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Must be a resident of Lephalale Local Municipality, Limpopo
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Must have completed Matric
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Must be studying or intending to study full-time
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Must be enrolled or planning to enroll at a recognised South African tertiary institution
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Must have a consistently strong academic record
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Parents or guardians must be unemployed or classified as indigent
Preference will be given to students who passed:
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Mathematics
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Commerce
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Physical Science
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Technology
How to Apply for the Lephalale Municipality Mayoral Bursary Fund 2026
Applicants can obtain the application form using one of the following methods:
Download Online:
👉 https://www.lephalale.gov.za/Documents/Mayoral%20Bursary%20Form%20(2).pdf
Physical Collection:
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Civic Centre offices
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Local libraries within the municipality
Ensure the form is completed accurately and signed where required.
Required Supporting Documents
All applications must include clear certified copies of the following documents. Missing documents may lead to disqualification:
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South African ID document
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Matric certificate
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Latest academic results (on institution letterhead)
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Proof of tertiary acceptance or admission (if available)
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Parents’ or guardians’ ID documents
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Parents’ or guardians’ proof of income:
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Payslips or income statement (if employed), or
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Affidavit (if unemployed)
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Proof of residence
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Motivational letter
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Curriculum Vitae (for current tertiary students)
Certification should be recent (within the last 3 months).
Submission of Applications
Completed applications must be submitted via post or hand delivery only.
Postal Address
The Municipal Manager
Lephalale Municipality
Private Bag X136
Lephalale
0555
Hand Delivery
Civic Centre
Corner Joe Slovo & Douwater Avenue
Onverwacht
Lephalale
0555
Conclusion
The Lephalale Municipality Mayoral Bursary Fund 2026 is a valuable opportunity for students from disadvantaged backgrounds to access higher education and build meaningful careers. By supporting studies in critical and scarce skills, the municipality is investing in both individual futures and the broader development of the Lephalale region.
If you meet the eligibility criteria and have the ambition to succeed academically, do not miss this opportunity. Prepare your documents early, complete your application carefully, and submit it before the closing date of 30 January 2026.
FAQs – Lephalale Municipality Mayoral Bursary Fund 2026
1. Can I apply if I am still waiting for tertiary acceptance?
Yes. Proof of acceptance can be submitted once received.
2. Is the bursary for postgraduate studies?
No. The bursary primarily supports undergraduate studies.
3. Do I need to be unemployed to qualify?
No, but your parents or guardians must be unemployed or indigent.
4. Will late applications be accepted?
No. Applications submitted after 30 January 2026 will not be considered.
5. Is there an age limit?
No specific age limit is stated, but applicants must meet academic and residency requirements.
