Are you unemployed and dreaming of studying architecture, engineering, construction, or design in 2026? The CETA Thapelo Madibeng Bursaries 2026 offer full financial support to South African students who want to build careers in the built-environment sector.
About the Thapelo Madibeng Bursary Scheme
The Thapelo Madibeng Bursary Scheme is funded and managed by the Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA). The bursary aims to remove financial barriers for unemployed South African students from low- to middle-income households who wish to study built-environment qualifications.
The programme supports students studying at public universities and universities of technology across South Africa.
Bursary Overview
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Bursary Name | Thapelo Madibeng Bursary Scheme |
| Academic Year | 2026 |
| Funding Body | Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA) |
| Target Group | Unemployed South African students |
| Study Fields | Built-environment qualifications |
| Institutions | Public universities & universities of technology |
What the Bursary Covers
The CETA Thapelo Madibeng Bursary provides comprehensive financial support, including:
- Full tuition fees
- Prescribed textbooks and study materials
- Accommodation and meals
- Living allowance
- Travel costs, where applicable
- Research funding for Master’s and PhD students (research-only support)
This allows students to focus on completing their studies without financial pressure.
Fields of Study Supported
The bursary supports qualifications in the built environment, including but not limited to:
- Architecture
- Civil Engineering
- Construction Management
- Quantity Surveying
- Town & Regional Planning
- Building Science
- Property Studies
- Other CETA-aligned built-environment programmes
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be currently unemployed
- Intend to study a built-environment qualification
- Be registered or accepted at a public university or university of technology
- Have a minimum average of 50%
- Come from a household earning less than R600,000 per year
Failure to meet any requirement will result in disqualification.
Related Opportunity: Vaal Central Water Bursary 2026: Fully Funded Studies for Engineering & Water Careers
Required Supporting Documents
Applicants must upload clear and certified copies of the following documents:
- South African ID document
- Matric certificate or latest Grade 12 results (for first-year students)
- Latest academic transcript (for returning students)
- Official university acceptance or registration letter
- Parents’ or guardians’ ID documents
- Proof of household income (e.g. payslips or affidavits)
- Signed affidavit confirming unemployment
⚠️ Blurred, missing, or incorrect documents will not be accepted.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online only via the CETA INDICIUM system.
👉 Apply for the Thapelo Madibeng Bursary Scheme 2026
Applications Close: 30 January 2026 at midnight
No email, hand-delivered, or late applications will be accepted.
Important Notes
- The bursary is awarded for the 2026 academic year only
- Only students at public institutions are eligible
- Incomplete applications will be rejected
- All documents must be uploaded via INDICIUM
- Selection is competitive and based on eligibility and funding availability
Enquiries & Contact Details
📧 Email: unemployedbursary@ceta.co.za
🌐 Website: www.ceta.org.za
Why This Bursary Matters
South Africa needs skilled professionals to design, build, and maintain its infrastructure. The CETA Thapelo Madibeng Bursary helps talented students enter critical built-environment careers while supporting transformation and skills development.
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