The Thapelo Madibeng Bursary Scheme – 2026 Applications Now Open

Applications deadline: January 30, 2026

Applications are officially open for the Thapelo Madibeng Bursary Scheme for the 2026 academic year. This comprehensive funding program, administered by the Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA), is designed to support unemployed South African citizens pursuing qualifications in the built environment at accredited public higher education institutions. Named in honour of the late Thapelo Madibeng, a dedicated contributor to skills development in the construction sector, the scheme aims to remove financial barriers and cultivate a new generation of skilled professionals in fields critical to national infrastructure and development.

About the Bursary Scheme

The Thapelo Madibeng Bursary Scheme is a pivotal initiative by CETA to address skills shortages and promote equitable access to education within South Africa’s construction and built environment sectors. By providing full financial support, the scheme enables talented but financially constrained students to focus on their studies without the burden of educational debt, thereby empowering them to become future leaders, engineers, technicians, and managers in the industry.

What the Bursary Covers

The bursary offers comprehensive financial support that includes:

• Full tuition fees for the registered qualification.
• Prescribed textbooks and learning materials.
• Accommodation costs (either university residence or an approved private accommodation allowance).
• Meal allowances or a stipend for living expenses.
• Transport allowance for travel between home and campus, where applicable.
• Research allowance for students enrolled in Master’s or Doctoral programmes to support thesis/dissertation work.
• A personal care allowance.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must satisfy all of the following requirements:

• Nationality: Be a South African citizen.
• Employment Status: Be unemployed.
• Field of Study: Be studying or intending to study towards a built-environment qualification (e.g., Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Architecture, Urban Planning, etc.) at an undergraduate or postgraduate level.
• Institution: Be enrolled or provisionally accepted for enrolment at a public university or TVET college in South Africa.
• Academic Performance: Have a minimum academic average of 50% in their most recent studies (Grade 12 or latest tertiary results).
• Financial Need: Have a total annual household income not exceeding R600,000.
• Commitment: Demonstrate a commitment to contributing to the South African built environment sector upon graduation.

Application Process & Key Dates

1. Prepare Documents: Gather certified copies of your ID, academic transcripts/proof of registration, proof of household income, and a CV.
2. Complete Application: Fill out the official application form accurately.
3. Submit: Applications must be submitted via the designated channel before the deadline.

• Applications Open: January 5, 2026
• Applications Close: January 30, 2026
• Outcome Communication: Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment. All applicants will be notified of the final outcome.

How to Apply

Prospective applicants are urged to read the full bursary guidelines carefully before applying.

Click here to apply

For more Information, please visit official website.

Why Apply?

This bursary represents a life-changing opportunity for unemployed South African youth with a passion for shaping the physical landscape of the nation. It provides not just funding, but a pathway to a stable and impactful career in a vital economic sector. If you meet the criteria and aspire to build a better South Africa literally and figuratively this support can be the foundation of your future.