South African unemployed students planning to study in the built environment field now have an important funding opportunity for the 2026 academic year. The Thapelo Madibeng Bursary Scheme, administered by the Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA), is officially open and accepting applications.
Opening Date: 05 January 2026 at 08:00
Closing Date: 30 January 2026 at 00:00
This bursary is designed to support students from low- to middle-income households who wish to pursue qualifications at public institutions of higher learning in South Africa, with the aim of strengthening skills development in the construction and built-environment sector.
Bursary Overview
Bursary Name: Thapelo Madibeng Bursary Scheme
Academic Year: 2026
Administered by: Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA)
Target Group: Unemployed South African students
Fields Supported: Built Environment qualifications
Study Institutions: Public universities and universities of technology in South Africa
What the Thapelo Madibeng Bursary Covers
The bursary offers comprehensive financial support, which may include:
- Tuition fees
- Prescribed textbooks
- Accommodation and meals
- Transport costs (subject to conditions)
- Research allowance for Master’s and PhD students only
This support is intended to reduce financial barriers and allow students to focus fully on their academic progress.
Minimum Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must be currently unemployed
- Must be intending to study towards a built-environment qualification
- Must be studying at a public institution of higher learning in South Africa
- Must have achieved a minimum overall average of 50%
- Total household income must be less than R600 000 per annum
Applications that do not meet these requirements will not be considered.
Mandatory Documents Required
All applications must include the following certified and valid documents:
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Matric Certificate or Statement of Results (first-year applicants)
- Latest tertiary academic record (for second-year or returning students)
- Proof of acceptance from a public tertiary institution
- Certified copies of parents’ or guardians’ IDs
- Parents’ or guardians’ proof of income (latest payslip or equivalent)
- Affidavit confirming unemployment status
Incomplete applications or unclear attachments will be rejected.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online via the CETA INDICIUM system.
No emailed or hand-delivered applications will be accepted.
Click here to apply for the Thapelo Madibeng Bursary Scheme 2026
Alternatively, applicants may visit the official CETA website and navigate to INDICIUM → Bursary Application.
Important Notes for Applicants
- Applications are only accepted via INDICIUM
- This bursary is strictly for the 2026 academic year
- Only public institutions are eligible
- All required documents must be uploaded and clearly legible
Enquiries
For bursary-related queries, contact:
Email: unemployedbursary@ceta.co.za
Website: https://www.ceta.org.za
Final Reminder
The closing date is 30 January 2026 at 00:00. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. If you are an unemployed South African student aiming for a career in the built environment, this bursary could be the opportunity that enables your academic journey in 2026.