IMATU bursary Scheme 2026 — The Independent Municipal & Allied Trade Union (IMATU) has announced its 2026 Bursary Scheme, providing financial assistance exclusively to union members and their children pursuing tertiary qualifications. In collaboration with Discovery Health, this initiative offers 70 bursaries at two funding levels, with a strong focus on supporting IMATU families in municipal and allied sectors. Applications require membership in both IMATU and the LA Health Medical Scheme, targeting students in their second year or beyond at recognized tertiary institutions.
About IMATU
The Independent Municipal & Allied Trade Union (IMATU) is a registered trade union representing workers in South Africa’s municipal sector and related industries. The union’s bursary scheme, run in collaboration with Discovery Health, demonstrates its commitment to member welfare and educational advancement. This initiative reflects IMATU’s dedication to supporting not just workplace rights but also the broader development and opportunities for members and their families within South Africa’s local government community.
As a union dedicated to municipal and allied sector workers, IMATU’s bursary programme represents a significant investment in the educational advancement of its membership community, reinforcing the union’s commitment to comprehensive member support beyond traditional workplace representation.
Key Programme Information
- Available Bursaries: 70 bursaries available nationwide
- Bursary Tiers: 20 at R20,000 and 50 at R10,000
- Selection Method: Panel evaluation with preference criteria
- Preference Factors: Length of membership, first qualification
- Notification: Successful applicants contacted directly
- Membership Requirement: IMATU and LA Health Medical Scheme
- Education Level: Tertiary only (second year or beyond)
- Family Limitation: One bursary per family maximum
With only 70 bursaries available and specific eligibility requirements, this is a targeted opportunity for IMATU families. Ensure you meet all criteria before applying.
Eligibility Criteria For IMATU Bursary Scheme 2026
- Must be IMATU member in good standing OR
- If applying for child: Parent must be IMATU member in good standing
- Must be member of LA Health Medical Scheme (or parent if child)
- Must be in SECOND YEAR or beyond at recognized tertiary institution
- Preference to first tertiary qualification applicants
- No “dual” union members (IMATU only)
- Must have proof of 2025 study completion
- Must have proof of 2026 registration/enrolment
- Only one bursary per family (member OR child)
Eligibility is strictly limited to IMATU members and their children. Spouses, siblings, in-laws, or other relatives are explicitly excluded. “Dual” union members are not eligible.
Required Documents For IMATU Bursary Scheme 2026
- Completed official application form
- Copy of SA ID, driver’s license, or passport
- Proof of successful 2025 study completion
- Proof of 2026 registration/enrolment
- Proof of 2026 tuition fees (paid/payable)
- Proof of LA Health Medical Scheme membership
- Proof of relationship (if applying as member’s child)
- Most recent payslip
- Bank letter with verified details (official stamp)
- Letter of motivation (max one A4 page)
All 10 documents must be submitted for consideration. Incomplete applications or missing required documents will not be processed or considered.
Bursary Rules & Conditions
The IMATU Bursary Scheme operates under specific rules designed to ensure fair allocation and proper use of union resources for qualifying members and their families.
- Dual Membership Exclusion: “Dual” union members do not qualify
- Medical Scheme Requirement: LA Health Medical Scheme membership mandatory
- Academic Level: Second year or beyond only (no first years)
- Preference System: Longer IMATU membership prioritized
- Qualification Preference: First qualifications prioritized over postgrad
- Family Limit: One bursary per family maximum
- Repayment Clause: Full refund if membership terminates during bursary year
- Panel Discretion: Bursary Panel decisions are final
If a bursary recipient resigns or terminates IMATU membership during the bursary year, the FULL bursary amount must be refunded to IMATU within 30 days.
How to Apply
Application Method: Applications for the IMATU Bursary Scheme 2026 must be submitted either physically or via email to Ms Jenny Pohl at the IMATU National Office. The application form is available for download online.
Submission Options:
- Download and complete the official application form
- Gather all 10 required supporting documents
- Submit to Ms Jenny Pohl via:
- Physical Address: IMATU National Office, 47 Selati Street, Ashlea Gardens, Pretoria, 0081
- Email: Scanned copies to jenny@imatu.co.za
- Ensure application is complete with all documents
- Keep proof of submission/postage
⏰ Closing Date: Applications must be received by 16:00 on 27 February 2026. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered under any circumstances.
Selection & Preference System
If more than 70 eligible applications are received, the Bursary Panel follows a specific preference system to allocate the limited bursaries fairly among qualified applicants.
- Primary Preference: Longer period of uninterrupted IMATU membership
- Secondary Preference: Applicants completing first tertiary qualification
- Tertiary Consideration: Quality of motivation letter and application
- Panel Discretion: Panel may adjust bursary amounts proportionally
- Final Authority: Bursary Panel decisions are final and binding
The Bursary Panel reserves the right to not award all 70 bursaries if there are insufficient qualifying applications, or to adjust award amounts based on application strength.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can first-year students apply for IMATU bursary?
No. The bursary is specifically for students in their SECOND YEAR or beyond at recognized tertiary institutions. First-year students are not eligible.
2. What if I belong to IMATU and another union?
“Dual” members (belonging to IMATU and another union) are explicitly excluded and do not qualify for this bursary scheme.
3. Is LA Health Medical Scheme mandatory?
Yes. Both the applicant (or parent if applying for child) must be members of the LA Health Medical Scheme. This is non-negotiable.
4. Can I apply for my spouse’s education?
No. Only IMATU members themselves or their children are eligible. Spouses, siblings, in-laws, or other relatives are explicitly excluded.
5. What if my child is in postgraduate studies?
Postgraduate students may apply, but preference is given to those completing their FIRST tertiary qualification. Postgrad applications compete at a disadvantage.
6. What bank details are required?
Verified banking details on official bank letterhead with an official bank stamp are mandatory. Simple bank statements are not sufficient.
7. Can I reapply if I got a bursary before?
Previous recipients may reapply, but the Bursary Panel has full discretion regarding repeat awards to the same individual or family.
8. What happens if membership ends during bursary?
The FULL bursary amount must be refunded to IMATU within 30 days if membership terminates during the bursary year.
9. How strict is the 16:00 deadline?
Extremely strict. Applications received after 16:00 on 27 February 2026 will not be considered, regardless of postal delays or other circumstances.
10. Where can I find more union bursaries?
For more opportunities, explore our bursaries database or check specific government bursaries in South Africa.
For more bursaries and funding opportunities, visit EduFunds.co.za
IMATU Bursary Scheme 2026 – Investing in our Members’ Futures