Students' Relief Fund 2026/2027

eThekwini Municipality invites qualifying South African citizens who permanently reside within the eThekwini Municipal Area and wish to commence or continue studying towards their first undergraduate qualification at a public higher education institution to apply for financial assistance through the eThekwini Municipality Students' Relief Fund for the 2026/2027 academic year.

The Students' Relief Fund is intended to provide financial assistance to eligible students who have been accepted or are registered for full-time undergraduate studies at recognised public higher education institutions.

Please note that students attending private higher education institutions are not eligible for this funding.

Financial assistance will be awarded based on applicants' academic performance and the Municipality's assessment and selection criteria. The funding is primarily intended to assist with registration fees, and the amount awarded will be determined through the Municipality's assessment process.

Applicants are responsible for applying for admission and securing acceptance at a recognised public higher education institution.

As the Students' Relief Fund does not cover all study-related expenses, applicants are encouraged to explore additional financial assistance opportunities.

Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for consideration, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be a South African citizen.
• Be a permanent resident within the eThekwini Municipal Area.
• Be commencing or continuing studies towards their first undergraduate qualification.
• Have been accepted or be registered at a recognised public higher education institution.
• Be enrolled in, or accepted for, a full-time study programme.
• Meet the academic and financial assessment requirements determined by the Municipality.

Priority Consideration

Priority will be given to eligible applicants from groups that are underrepresented in terms of race, gender and disability, in accordance with the Municipality's applicable selection criteria.

Important Notice to All Applicants – Compulsory Application Form and Supporting Documents

All applicants are required to complete the online application in full and attach the prescribed Students' Relief Fund Application Form, together with all compulsory supporting documents.

Warning: Incomplete Applications Will Not Be Considered

Applications will not be considered if:

• The prescribed Students' Relief Fund Application Form has not been completed or attached.
• Any compulsory supporting document is missing.
• Mandatory sections of the application have not been completed.
• Required documents are incomplete, illegible or invalid.
• The applicant has not provided the required information or supporting evidence.

Required Supporting Documents

Applicants must submit the following documents, where applicable:

• Matric Certificate: A copy of the National Senior Certificate (Matric) for applicants who have completed Matric and have not previously studied at a higher education institution.
• Academic Record: A copy of the academic record for applicants currently studying at a higher education institution.
• Proof of Income: Proof of income or salary for both parents and/or guardians, such as payslips, employer letters, sworn statements or tax return statements for self-employed parents or guardians.
• Household Income: The advertisement specifies a combined parental or guardian income of R160,000 and two or more students in the household, with a cut-off of R200,000.
• Proof of Unemployment: Official proof from the Department of Labour where parents or guardians are unemployed.
• Applicant's Identification: Certified copy of the applicant's South African Identity Document.
• Parents' or Guardians' Identification: Copies of parents' or guardians' Identity Documents or death certificates, where applicable.
• Acceptance Letter: An acceptance letter from a public higher education institution.
• Financial Statement: A financial statement from the higher education institution.
• Motivation Letter: A written motivation explaining why the applicant should be considered for financial assistance.
• Proof of Residence: Proof of residence reflecting the applicant's name.