The City of Polokwane Municipality, officially known as the Polokwane Local Municipality (LIM354), is a Category B municipality that serves as the economic hub and capital city of the Limpopo Province in South Africa. It is located within the Capricorn District Municipality. The municipality is 23% urbanized and 71% rural, with a significant influx of people from surrounding rural areas seeking better economic opportunities and services.

The City of Polokwane Municipality is committed to empowering young people from disadvantaged backgrounds through education. The External Bursary Programme provides financial assistance to students residing within the Polokwane Municipality who wish to pursue higher education in various fields of study at recognised South African institutions.

This initiative forms part of the municipality’s mission to promote youth development, innovation, and sustainable growth within the city and the greater Limpopo region.

Who Can Apply

To qualify for the City of Polokwane External Bursary 2026, applicants must meet the following minimum criteria:

• Must be a Grade 12 learner or have completed Grade 12 and currently enrolled at an accredited institution of higher learning.
• Must be studying towards a first Degree, National Diploma, or National N Diploma.
• Must be a permanent resident within the Polokwane Municipality.
• Must be from a disadvantaged background.
• Must be a South African citizen.
• Must not be a beneficiary of any other bursary scheme.

Note: Successful applicants will be required to sign a Bursary Agreement with the municipality.

Required Supporting Documents

Applicants must submit certified copies (not older than 3 months) of the following documents along with the completed bursary application form:

• South African Identity Document (ID).
• Latest Grade 12 results or certificate (for current Grade 12 learners).
• Parent(s) or Legal Guardian’s ID.
• Provisional acceptance letter from a recognised and accredited institution of higher learning (excluding private colleges/universities).
• Proof of residence, such as:
  • A letter from a Traditional Local Authority, or
  • A recent municipal utility bill (not older than 3 months).
• Proof of household income for parent(s) or legal guardian(s):
  • Certified proof of income (for employed parents).
  • Affidavit (for unemployed parents).
  • Certified proof of pension or SASSA grant (if applicable).
• Proof of divorce decree (if parents are divorced).
• Death certificate (if one or both parents are deceased).
• Supporting medical documentation (for applicants living with disabilities).

How to Apply

Application forms can be obtained and submitted in person at the following Polokwane Municipality offices:

• City Centre and Cluster Offices:
  • Seshego
  • Sebayeng
  • Aganang
  • Molepo
  • Mankweng
  • Chuene
  • Maja

Or at:
Human Resource Development SBU
Offices 905 & 903
Cnr Landros Mare and Bodenstein Streets
Polokwane

Alternatively, you can download the application form directly here:
👉 Download the City of Polokwane External Bursary Application Form 2026 (PDF)

Completed applications must be submitted to the above offices on or before 05 December 2025 at 16h30.
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Important Notes

• Differently abled learners/students who meet the minimum requirements are strongly encouraged to apply.
• The bursary programme aims to promote innovation and sustainable development within the municipality.
• Successful candidates will enter into a formal bursary contract with the City of Polokwane.