For many students in eThekwini, the dream of pursuing higher education is met with financial barriers. Recognizing this, the EThekwini Municipality has introduced the EThekwini Municipal Student Relief Fund for the 2025/2026 academic year, specifically aimed at supporting students who face financial challenges in accessing education.

    This initiative, driven by the Outreach & Capacity Building department under the Community Development Projects branch, aligns with the municipality’s commitment to fostering educational growth and capacity building within the community.

    Objective of the Relief Fund

    The primary goal of the EThekwini Municipal Student Relief Fund is to assist students who are South African citizens residing within the eThekwini Municipal Area to access undergraduate education. This relief fund seeks to alleviate the financial burden of registration fees and, where possible, partially cover tuition fees. However, it should be noted that the fund does not cover accommodation, meals, books, transport, or any other related study costs.

    This funding opportunity is a beacon of hope for students who have academic potential but lack the financial resources to pursue full-time studies. The program is exclusively available to students attending public higher education institutions, not private institutions, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility for underprivileged students.

    Who Can Apply?

    The EThekwini Municipal Student Relief Fund is open to South African citizens who permanently reside in the eThekwini Municipal Area and intend to begin or continue their undergraduate studies in 2025. This fund prioritizes students with financial constraints, setting a combined annual income limit for parents or guardians of R160,000. If two or more students reside in the same household, the cut-off income is slightly higher at R200,000.

    The municipality has taken steps to be inclusive by encouraging applications from people with disabilities. However, prospective applicants should remember that the onus is on them to secure a spot at a recognized public higher education institution, as acceptance into a university or college is a fundamental eligibility requirement.

    Eligibility Requirements

    To be considered for the EThekwini Municipal Student Relief Fund, applicants must meet the following criteria and provide the required documentation:

    1. Academic Background:
      • A Matric certificate for students who have completed their NSC (Matric) but have not yet pursued higher education.
      • An academic record for those already enrolled in a higher education institution.
    2. Income Documentation:
      • Proof of income for both parents or guardians, which could include a payslip, employer letter, sworn statement, or tax return statement for self-employed individuals.
      • For unemployed parents or guardians, proof of unemployment from the Department of Labour.
    3. Identification and Residency:
      • A certified copy of the applicant’s South African ID.
      • ID copies of parents or guardians or death certificates where applicable.
      • Proof of residence showing the applicant’s name.
    4. Acceptance and Financial Statements:
      • An acceptance letter from a public higher education institution.
      • A financial statement from the higher education institution.
    5. Motivational Letter:
      • A personal motivation from the applicant, explaining why they should be considered for financial support.

    These requirements ensure that the assistance reaches the students most in need, whose academic aspirations align with their financial background and potential for academic success.

    Application Process

    The deadline for applications is set for 17 January 2025, with the reference number ETH241107-7 and job number STUDENTRELIEF2025. Aspiring applicants should submit a complete application with all the required documents, as outlined above. Early preparation is highly recommended to ensure all necessary paperwork is in place by the closing date.

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    Encouragement to Seek Additional Financial Assistance

    The EThekwini Municipal Student Relief Fund is primarily focused on registration and tuition support. Consequently, students are strongly encouraged to seek additional financial aid from other sources, as the fund does not extend to costs like accommodation, meals, or books. This approach empowers students to explore various funding avenues to fully support their academic journeys.

    Municipal Commitment to Education and Community Development

    Through this relief fund, the EThekwini Municipality underscores its dedication to community development by investing in education and human capital. This initiative also aligns with broader strategies to build capacity and uplift economically disadvantaged communities. By assisting students financially, the municipality not only aids in the immediate alleviation of educational costs but also contributes to the longer-term development of a skilled, educated, and employable population within the region.

    Contact Information

    For further information or assistance regarding the application process, prospective applicants can reach out to one of the designated contacts at the EThekwini Municipality:

    • Prince Mthembu: 031 322 0413
    • Wendy Shabalala: 031 322 3924
    • Khusela Majikijela: 031 311 9838

    The availability of this support network reinforces the municipality’s commitment to helping students successfully complete the application process, particularly those who may need guidance in compiling the necessary documentation.

    Related: Mr Price Foundation Professional Retail Programme 2025 – Apply Now!

    The EThekwini Municipal Student Relief Fund represents a meaningful opportunity for financially constrained students in the eThekwini Municipal Area to pursue higher education. By providing support for registration and part of the tuition fees, the fund alleviates some of the financial pressures that students face, enabling them to focus on their studies and achieve their academic and professional goals.

    This initiative reflects the EThekwini Municipality’s dedication to community upliftment through educational support, setting a pathway for a more educated and empowered local population.

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