The Newcastle Municipality is inviting eligible students for the 2025 / 2026 academic year to apply for its bursary scheme. This offer targets South African residents of the Newcastle area who have completed Matric and are entering full-time undergraduate studies in any field of study (with emphasis on scarce skills).

About the Bursary Provider

The Newcastle Municipality, located in KwaZulu-Natal, is responsible for local government services and community development in the area. The Municipality’s bursary programme supports historically disadvantaged and financially needy students from its jurisdiction by offering registration and study assistance to help them pursue tertiary qualifications.

Fields Covered

The bursary covers studies in the following field(s):

  • Any full-time undergraduate field at a government-recognised institution (especially scarce skills).

Expenses Covered

The bursary will cover:

  • Registration fees or initial funding assistance for first-year undergraduate students.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following minimum entry criteria:

  • Must be a South African citizen.
  • Must permanently reside within the Newcastle Municipality area, KwaZulu-Natal.
  • Must have completed Matric and have the required admission pass for tertiary study.
  • Must be entering the first year of full-time undergraduate studies at an accredited institution.
  • Must be between the ages of 14 and 35 years.
  • Must not have outstanding tertiary fees and must not be receiving funding from National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).

This page was updated on October 24, 2025 to provide the most current bursary information.

Indicate “www.bursaryforms.co.za” when asked how you heard about this bursary.

How to Apply

To apply, obtain the official application form and submit it with the required documents:

Application forms are available at the Newcastle Municipality offices and municipal libraries, or via the Municipality’s website.

Submit clear, certified copies of the following documents with the completed form:

  • South African ID document (applicant).
  • Matric certificate or statement of symbols.
  • Proof of acceptance into a recognised tertiary institution.
  • Proof of residence (from Ward Councillor) within Newcastle.
  • Parent or guardian ID document(s).
  • Proof of household income (latest payslips/affidavit if unemployed).
  • Motivational letter explaining why you should be awarded the bursary.

Applications must be hand-delivered to:

37 Scott Street, Old Building, Youth Office (F28), Reception/Security Desk, Town Hall entrance, Newcastle Municipality.

Note: Email or fax submissions will not be accepted.

Related Bursaries in South Africa

Apply for multiple bursaries in South Africa to increase your chances of receiving funding this year.

Closing Date

24 January 2025 (for the 2025 academic year).

Ensure your application reaches the office before this date. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Contact the Bursary Provider

For queries, contact:
Newcastle Municipality
37 Murchison Street, Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal, 2940.
Telephone: 034 328 7777 / 034 328 7762 (Office of the Mayor)

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who qualifies to apply for the Newcastle Municipality bursary?
You must be a South African citizen, permanently reside in the Newcastle Municipality area, be between the ages of 14-35, have completed Matric with University Admission Pass, and be entering your first year of full-time undergraduate studies at a recognised institution.
2. Which fields of study are eligible?
Any undergraduate field is eligible, though preference is given to studies in scarce-skills areas as specified by the Municipality.
3. Does the bursary cover multiple years of study?
No. This bursary supports first-year undergraduate students only. Further years may require new application or alternative funding.
4. Can I apply if I am already receiving NSFAS funding?
No. Applicants who already receive funding from NSFAS are not eligible for this bursary.
5. What documents are required to complete my application?
You will need certified copies of your ID, Matric certificate or results, proof of acceptance to a tertiary institution, proof of residence, parent/guardian ID and income documents, and a motivational letter.
6. How and where must applications be submitted?
Applications must be hand-delivered to the Newcastle Municipality office at 37 Scott Street, Old Building, Youth Office (F28), Reception/Security Desk. Email or fax submissions are not accepted.
7. When is the closing date for applications?
For the 2025 academic year, the closing date is 24 January 2025. Late applications will not be considered.
8. What happens after I submit my application?
The Municipality assesses all complete applications. Shortlisted candidates may be notified. If you do not receive any feedback, assume your application was not successful.
9. Can students from outside Newcastle apply?
No. Only residents within the boundaries of the Newcastle Municipality are eligible for this bursary.
10. Must I pay back the bursary if awarded?
The bursary does not specify repayment, but recipients may be required to meet academic progress or other conditions set by the Municipality. Always check the bursary agreement.

Before you apply for any bursary, make sure you have a clear plan. Download our comprehensive Bursary Application Checklist to stay organized, submit your documents correctly, and increase your chances of success.

Bursary Application Checklist