The Institute of Municipal Engineering of Southern Africa is offering a bursary that could pay for the majority of your Civil Engineering studies – and the deadline is only a few weeks away.
What the IMESA Bursary 2027 is
IMESA will fund students who are studying Civil Engineering or a related infrastructure engineering programme at an ECSA‑accredited South African university. The award can be up to R50 000 per student and will cover tuition fees and prescribed textbooks for the 2027 academic year.
Who can apply – eligibility checklist
- You are studying full‑time at an ECSA‑accredited tertiary institution in South Africa.
- You have successfully completed your first year of study.
- You will be entering your second year or higher in 2027.
- You are enrolled in a Civil Engineering degree or a related infrastructure engineering qualification.
- You must apply under one of the two schemes:
- Scheme A – for students who are not related to an IMESA member. You must show genuine financial need.
- Scheme B – for children or dependants of an IMESA member who has been a member for at least five years. Financial need is not a required condition.
- First‑year students who start in 2027 are not eligible.
What you get – benefits and support
- Up to R50 000 paid directly to your university (covers tuition and required books).
- Assignment of a professional mentor from IMESA.
- Invitation to IMESA events – networking, municipal engineering visits, industry talks and career‑development workshops.
- Opportunities to learn about municipal engineering work and to connect with potential employers.
Note: The bursary does **not** pay for accommodation, meals, transport, registration fees, personal allowances, equipment or electronic devices. It also does not guarantee a job after you graduate.
How to apply – step‑by‑step
- Download the correct application form:
- Scheme A form – for non‑members.
- Scheme B form – for dependants of IMESA members.
- Gather the required documents (see the list below).
- Complete the form accurately and attach clear, certified copies of all supporting papers.
- Email the entire package to bursaries@imesa.org.za. Use the appropriate subject line:
- “IMESA Bursary Application (Scheme A)” for Scheme A.
- “IMESA Bursary Application (Scheme B)” for Scheme B.
- Wait for confirmation. Successful applicants will be notified by the end of 2026.
Required supporting documents
- Completed IMESA bursary application form (Scheme A or B).
- Certified copy of your South African ID.
- Certified copy of your 2026 mid‑year examination results.
- Signed academic progress statement from your university confirming completion of the first year.
- Affidavit declaring your parents’/guardians’ monthly income and household financial situation.
- Affidavit explaining your personal financial circumstances.
- Proof of enrolment for the 2027 qualification (required before the first payment).
- Medical certificate (required before the first payment).
Missing any of these documents may lead to disqualification.
Tips to improve your chances
- Start gathering certified documents early – certification can take time.
- Write a clear, honest financial affidavit. Over‑ or under‑stating income can hurt your application.
- Ensure your programme is specifically accredited by the Engineering Council of South Africa; do not assume all engineering courses at your university are accredited.
- Double‑check that you have selected the correct scheme and used the exact subject line when emailing.
- If you have received any other bursary, disclose it fully. Transparency is crucial.
- Proofread your application for spelling or missing information before sending.
Next steps
Make a checklist of the items above and tick them off one by one. Reach out to your university’s bursary office for certified copies and the academic progress statement. If you have questions, call IMESA at 031 266 3263 or email the address above.
Remember, the closing date is 15 September 2026. Submitting early gives you time to correct any issues before the deadline.
