CETA Thapelo Madibeng Bursary 2026 — The Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA) is inviting students to apply for the Thapelo Madibeng Bursary Scheme for the 2026 academic year. This comprehensive bursary programme supports studies within the built environment field, providing financial assistance to deserving students pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications in construction-related disciplines.
About CETA & Thapelo Madibeng
The Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA), established in 2000, aims to positively influence training and skills development within South Africa’s construction industry. As an accredited Education and Training Quality Assurance (ETQA) body, CETA’s mission is to develop a strong skills base for economic empowerment and infrastructural development.
The bursary programme has been renamed in memory of the late Mr. Thapelo Madibeng, a core business executive who passed away in August 2018. This renaming honours his contributions to the construction sector and his commitment to skills development.
The construction industry comprises 4 sub-sectors: Materials Manufacturing; Built Environment Professions; Building Construction; and Roads and Civil Construction.
Fields of Study Covered
- Architecture (National Diploma / BSc to PhD)
- Building Arts (BA)
- Building Construction (N4 to N6)
- Civil Engineering (BSc to PhD)
- Climate Change Science (All levels to PhD)
- Construction BIM (All levels to PhD)
- Construction Economics (BSc to PhD)
- Construction Management (BSc to PhD)
- Construction Studies (BSc to PhD)
- Electrical Engineering (N4 to N6)
- Environmental Management (All levels to PhD)
- Geomatics (BSc to PhD)
- Property Development (BSc)
- Quantity Surveying (BSc to PhD)
- Real Estate (National Diploma)
- Urban and Regional Planning (BSc to PhD)
- Other construction-related fields
Bursaries are awarded for both undergraduate and postgraduate studies, including Masters and PhD programmes.
Bursary Coverage
- Tuition fees
- Prescribed textbooks
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Transport fees (with conditions)
- Research allowance (Masters & PhD)
Masters and PhD students receive additional research allowances to support their advanced studies.
Eligibility Requirements
- South African citizen
- Currently unemployed
- Completed Matric
- Studying built environment field
- Registered at public institution
- Minimum 50% overall average
- Household income below R600,000/year
Important: All requirements must be met. Failure to satisfy any will result in disqualification.
How to Apply
Application Method: Online submission only via the CETA bursary portal. Applications must be completed electronically with all required documents uploaded.
⏰ Closing Date: All applications must be submitted by 30 January 2026 at 00:00. Late applications will not be accepted.
Contact for Queries: unemployedbursary@ceta.co.za
Required Documents
- Certified ID document copy
- Matric certificate/statement (1st year applicants)
- Latest academic record (2nd year onwards)
- Proof of acceptance to study
- Student fees quotation (if available)
- Parents/guardians ID documents/death certificates
- Parents/guardians proof of income
- Proof of home address
- SASSA card copy (if applicable)
- Details of other funding received
- Medical certificate (if disabled)
Important: Submit clear copies only. Incomplete applications or missing documents will lead to disqualification.
Study Institutions
- Public Universities
- Universities of Technology
- TVET Colleges
The bursary supports studies at accredited public institutions in South Africa. Both undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications are covered, from National Diplomas to PhD programmes in construction-related fields.
For more construction and engineering bursaries, visit our dedicated engineering bursaries page.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is eligible for the CETA Thapelo Madibeng Bursary?
South African citizens who are unemployed, have completed Matric, are studying built environment fields, with household income below R600,000/year and minimum 50% academic average.
2. What fields of study are covered?
All built environment fields including architecture, civil engineering, construction management, quantity surveying, urban planning, and related disciplines.
3. Does the bursary cover postgraduate studies?
Yes, the bursary covers undergraduate, Masters, and PhD programmes in construction-related fields.
4. How do I apply?
Apply online via the CETA bursary portal before 30 January 2026 at 00:00.
5. What documents do I need?
Certified ID, academic records, proof of acceptance, proof of income, proof of address, and other supporting documents listed above.
6. Can employed people apply?
No, this bursary is specifically for unemployed South African citizens.
7. What does the bursary cover?
Tuition, textbooks, accommodation, meals, transport (conditions apply), and research allowance for postgraduate students.
8. What is the minimum academic requirement?
A minimum overall average of 50% in your most recent academic year.
9. Can TVET college students apply?
Yes, students registered at public universities, universities of technology, or TVET colleges may apply.
10. Who was Thapelo Madibeng?
The bursary is named in memory of Mr. Thapelo Madibeng, a CETA core business executive who passed away in August 2018, honouring his contributions to the construction industry. For more built environment opportunities, explore our bursaries database or check other educational programmes.
For more construction and engineering bursaries, visit EduFunds Engineering Bursaries
Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA)