Looking for a free scholarship to study design, construction, or any built‑environment subject?
If you’re a South African student who isn’t working right now but wants to study at a public university or a university of technology, the Thapelo Madibeng Bursary Scheme 2026 could be your ticket. This scholarship, run by the Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA), is open for students who plan to enroll in a course that helps build and maintain our cities and towns.
What the Thapelo Madibeng Bursary Is All About
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Thapelo Madibeng Bursary Scheme |
| Year | 2026 |
| Who runs it? | Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA) |
| Who can get it? | Unemployed South African students from low‑ to middle‑income homes |
| Subjects | Courses in the built environment (architecture, engineering, construction management, etc.) |
| Where | Public universities and universities of technology in South Africa |
The main idea is to give you money so you can focus on learning instead of worrying about bills. The bursary can help pay for:
- Tuition fees
- Required textbooks
- Living costs (room and food)
- Travel expenses, if needed
- Extra funding for Master’s or PhD students (just for research)
The goal is to knock out financial barriers and help you finish your studies on time.
When and How to Apply
- Open: 5 January 2026, 08:00
- Close: 30 January 2026, midnight
You must apply online through CETA’s INDICIUM system – no emails or paper forms will work.
Ready to apply?
👉 Apply for the Thapelo Madibeng Bursary Scheme 2026
You can also go to the CETA website, click INDICIUM → Bursary Application, and start the process from there.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify, you need to meet all the following:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Be currently unemployed.
- Want to study a built‑environment subject.
- Attend a public higher‑education institution in South Africa.
- Have an overall grade average of at least 50 %.
- Come from a household that earns less than R600,000 a year.
If any of these are missing, your application will be rejected.
What Papers Do You Need?
You must upload clear, official copies of these documents:
- Your South African ID
- Your high‑school (matric) certificate or result statement (if you’re a first‑year student)
- Your most recent university grades (for second‑year or returning students)
- An official acceptance letter from the public university or university of technology you plan to attend
- Parents’ or guardians’ ID copies
- Proof that your parents or guardians earn money (e.g., latest payslip)
- An affidavit confirming that you are unemployed
If any document is blurry, missing, or not official, it won’t be accepted.
Key Things to Keep in Mind
- You must use the INDICIUM portal only – no other ways to send in your application.
- The bursary is only for the 2026 academic year.
- You can only apply if you’re going to study at a public institution.
- Double‑check that every file is clear and correctly uploaded.
Missing or incomplete information will mean your application is thrown out.
Need Help or Have Questions?
- Email: unemployedbursary@ceta.co.za
- Website: https://www.ceta.org.za
The CETA team is ready to answer any questions you may have.
Don’t Miss the Deadline
The last moment to get in is 30 January 2026, midnight. Once that time passes, no late or partial applications will be considered. If you’re a student who doesn’t have a job right now and wants a career in building, designing, or managing construction, this bursary could be the push you need to start your studies in 2026.
Take a few minutes to check if you qualify, gather the right papers, and submit your application before the deadline. Good luck!