The Thapelo Madibeng Bursary Scheme 2026 is now open for South African youth who want to study built environment qualifications at public universities and TVET colleges.
The bursary is funded and administered by the Construction Education and Training Authority. It targets unemployed students from low income households and focuses on addressing skills shortages in construction, engineering, and planning fields.
This bursary supports youth who want practical qualifications linked to national infrastructure development and long term employment in the built environment sector.
Programme Overview
- Bursary name: Thapelo Madibeng Bursary Scheme
- Funding body: Construction Education and Training Authority
- Academic year: 2026
- Application platform: INDICIUM online system
- Institutions covered: Public universities and public TVET colleges
- Target group: Unemployed South African youth
- Household income limit: Less than R600 000 per year
- Closing Date: 30 January 2026
About CETA
The Construction Education and Training Authority supports skills development within the construction and built environment sector. Its mandate focuses on improving training outcomes, supporting scarce skills development, and aligning education with industry needs.
The Thapelo Madibeng Bursary Scheme forms part of CETA’s broader strategy to build a skilled workforce capable of supporting infrastructure development and economic growth.
Fields of Study Covered
The bursary supports studies linked to the built environment. These include qualifications in construction, engineering, planning, and related disciplines offered by public institutions.
Only qualifications aligned to the built environment are considered. Private institutions do not qualify.
What the Bursary Covers
The bursary provides comprehensive financial support to qualifying students.
Funding may include:
- Tuition fees
- Prescribed textbooks
- Accommodation and meals
- Transport costs, subject to conditions
- Research allowance for Masters and PhD students
This support allows students to focus on academic performance without financial pressure.
Who Can Apply
Applicants must meet all eligibility requirements.
Citizenship and Employment Status
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must be unemployed at the time of application
Study Requirements
- Must intend to study a built environment qualification
- Must be accepted or registered at a public university or public TVET college
Academic Requirements
- Minimum overall average of 50 percent
- Applies to first year students, returning students, postgraduate, Masters, and PhD students
Household Income Requirements
- Total household income must be below R600 000 per year
Applicants studying at private institutions are not eligible.
Mandatory Supporting Documents
Applications with missing or unclear documents are rejected automatically.
Applicants must prepare:
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Matric certificate or statement of results for first year students
- Latest academic record for returning students
- Proof of acceptance from a public institution
- Certified copies of parents or guardians IDs
- Proof of household income such as payslips or affidavit
- Affidavit confirming unemployment status
All documents must be clear and correctly named before uploading.
How to apply
Use the button below to see the official application details.
Explore Vacancies
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should apply for the Thapelo Madibeng Bursary Scheme
This bursary is for unemployed South African youth who want to study built environment qualifications at public universities or public TVET colleges. You must come from a household earning less than R600 000 per year.
What counts as a built environment qualification
Built environment qualifications include construction, civil engineering, quantity surveying, town and regional planning, construction management, and related fields offered by public institutions. Courses not linked to construction or infrastructure do not qualify.
Can I apply if I am still waiting for final acceptance from an institution
No. Proof of acceptance or registration at a public university or TVET college is mandatory. Applications without proof of acceptance are rejected automatically.
Can TVET college students apply for this bursary
Yes. You may apply if you are studying or have been accepted at a public TVET college and your qualification falls under the built environment sector. Private colleges are not covered.
Can I apply if I already receive NSFAS or another bursary
No. This bursary is intended for students who are not funded elsewhere. If you already receive NSFAS or another full bursary, you do not qualify.
What happens if my documents are missing or unclear
Your application will be rejected. All documents must be clear, certified where required, and uploaded correctly. Unclear scans or missing affidavits lead to automatic disqualification.
How will I know if my application was successful
CETA contacts successful applicants after the closing date. If you are not contacted within 28 days after applications close, consider your application unsuccessful.
Can postgraduate students apply
Yes. Honours, Masters, and PhD students may apply if their studies fall under the built environment. Masters and PhD students may also receive research related support.
Are email or hand delivered applications accepted
No. All applications must be submitted online through the INDICIUM platform. Email and hand delivered applications are not considered under any circumstances.
