ETHEKWINI MUNICIPALITY STUDENTS’ RELIEF FUND 2026/2027
FUNDING OPPORTUNITY FOR STUDENTS IN DURBAN!
The eThekwini Municipality invites eligible South African students who permanently reside within the eThekwini Municipal Area to apply for the Students’ Relief Fund for the 2026/2027 academic year.
This funding opportunity is intended to assist students who are starting or continuing their first undergraduate qualification at a recognised public higher education institution.
Location: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
Funding: Students’ Relief Fund
Institution: Public higher education institutions only
Closing Date: 12 February 2027
WHO CAN APPLY?
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Permanently reside within the eThekwini Municipal Area.
- Be starting or continuing their first undergraduate qualification.
- Be accepted or registered at a recognised public higher education institution.
- Be studying full-time.
- Meet the Municipality’s academic and financial assessment criteria.
Important: Students attending private higher education institutions are not eligible. Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
WHAT DOES THE FUND COVER?
The funding is primarily intended to assist with registration fees. The amount awarded will depend on the Municipality’s assessment and selection process.
Please note that the fund does not cover all study-related expenses, and applying does not guarantee funding.
Priority consideration will be given to eligible applicants from underrepresented groups in terms of race, gender and disability, according to the Municipality’s selection criteria.
REQUIRED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS
Applicants should prepare the following documents, where applicable:
- Certified copy of the applicant’s South African ID.
- Matric certificate for first-time higher education applicants.
- Academic record for students already studying.
- Acceptance letter from a public higher education institution.
- Financial statement from the institution.
- Proof of residence showing the applicant’s name.
- Proof of income for parents or guardians, such as payslips or employer letters.
- Proof of unemployment from the Department of Labour, where applicable.
- Copies of parents’ or guardians’ IDs or death certificates, where applicable.
- Motivation letter explaining why financial assistance is needed.
- Any additional documents required by the official application instructions.
The advertisement also refers to household income thresholds and the number of students in a household. Applicants should confirm the applicable financial eligibility requirements in the official advert.
HOW TO APPLY
- Find the Students’ Relief Fund 2026/2027 vacancy, Job Identification 1727.
- Obtain and complete the prescribed Students’ Relief Fund Application Form.
- Complete all mandatory sections of the online application.
- Upload the completed application form and all compulsory supporting documents.
- Check that every document is clear, valid, readable and attached successfully before submitting.
IMPORTANT: Incomplete applications will NOT be considered. Missing documents, incomplete forms or blank mandatory fields may result in disqualification.
ENQUIRIES
Prince Mthembu: 031 322 0413
Wendy Shabalala: 031 311 3924
Closing Date: 12 February 2027
BIZA BONKE ABANTU ABASHA ABASAFUNDA! If you live within eThekwini and need financial assistance for your undergraduate studies, check the requirements and apply.
Share this opportunity with students, parents, friends and family. Someone may need this funding to keep their studies going!
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Skhumbuzo Shandu is the founder of Careers With Shandu, a platform dedicated to helping South Africans access job opportunities, learnerships, and career development resources.
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