THIS year, 15 matriculants in Buffalo City will benefit from the Mayoral Bursary Fund.

It was established for disadvantaged students to further their studies in various fields, including engineering, finance, planning and services, information technology and agriculture. Applications close on 1 February.

Buffalo City has called on all matriculants to apply for a bursary. Bursaries are awarded to current or perspective students to help with their tuition fees, study material and accommodation. "Successful candidates are expected to study full-time at any accredited South African tertiary education institution - preferably an Eastern Cape-based institution," reads a City report.

Applicants should live in Buffalo City and be South African citizens. To receive an application form, students should bring proof of residence, proof of income of family household and be willing to work in Buffalo City after completing their studies.

Selection criteria are based on academic merit and successful candidates are able to renew their bursaries annually based on their academic performance in the previous year. To apply, students must have at least a D in English and a C in mathematics and science. The City will select students ranging from 14 to 35 years of age.

Recent academic record, certified South African identity, proof of residence or a letter from the ward councillor must be attached to the application. The City has allocated R500 000 for this year's Mayoral Bursary Fund.

Application forms are available at the Buffalo City municipality, the National Youth Development Agency, and youth advisory centres within community support centres in Mdantsane, and King William's Town Civic Centre. In East London, forms can be collected at the Trust Centre Building, on the seventh floor, Room 707.

Completed forms must be submitted to the human resources department, Buxton House, Buxton Street or posted to the department at PO Box 134, East London, 5200.

For more information on the bursary fund contact Nandi Mtwebana on 043 705 1013.