By Fred Felton | Jan. 12, 2026
The eThekwini Municipality has called on
students that are ambitious, deserving residents to take advantage of a great
opportunity, the 2026 Student Relief Fund (EMSRF).
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| Photo: Pixabay. |
This initiative is aimed to help
first-time undergraduate students who have been accepted into public higher
education institutions, but lack the financial assistance.
The deadline for applications is Friday,
16 January 2026 to submit applications.
The Municipality is looking to break the
cycle of poverty and unlock opportunities for a future workforce that will
drive innovation and growth in the City.
This EMSRF is a lifeline for students who
dream to study in higher education, but face the barriers of a lack of
finances.
This fund covers registration fees and may
offer limited support toward tuition, ensuring that financial issues do not
stand in the way of academic success.
The fund excludes accommodation, books,
meals, transport and other related costs.
Who Can Apply?
§ South
African citizens permanently residing within eThekwini Municipality (proof of
residence required)
§ Students
admitted to a public university or TVET college for a full-time qualification
recognised by the Department of Higher Education and Training
§ Applicants
enrolled at UNISA may be considered, if not currently employed
§ Household
income must be below R200, 000 per year (proof required)
§ Applicants
must meet academic requirements for their chosen programme
How to Apply:
Collect application forms from Sizakala
Centres that have Human Resources Centre of Excellence offices, or from the EMA
Offices, 4th Floor, Standard Bank Building, 26 Matthews Meyiwa
Street.
Submit your completed forms along with:
§ Proof
of admission or study from the public university or TVET college
§ Academic
results
§ ID
documents (student and parent/guardian)
§ Proof
of income or affidavit
§ Proof
of residence
§ Incomplete
applicants will not be considered
Submit your applications to Human
Resources Centre of Excellence, 21 Archie Gumede Street, Durban, 4001, or
Sizakala Centres with HR Centre of Excellence offices.
Applicants who are underrepresented in
terms of race, gender and disability will be given priority.
If you have not been contacted within 10
weeks of the closing date, please consider your application as unsuccessful.
For more information on the Student Relief
Fund, contact 031 311 3924 or 031 322 0413.
