The CETA Thapeko Madibeng Bursary 2026 pursues a policy of making bursaries available to previously disadvantaged and unemployed South African students who intend to study Built Environment at undergraduate or postgraduate level. This bursary aims at improving access to education with a view to addressing critical skills shortages within the construction sector of the South African economy. Below, one will find a comprehensive guide that covers eligibility requirements, field of study, areas of expenses covered, ways to apply and critical deadlines.
The Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA) was inaugurated in the year 2000 to assist in developing the needed skills and training in South Africa's construction sector. CETA is responsible for the development and implementation of learnerships, skills programs and bursary initiatives that will contribute toward the improvement of the South African workforce within the construction sector. CETA is the accredited ETQA responsible for the developmet of sustainable skills that would lead to economic empowerement and growth in the infrastructure. There are four construction industry sub-sectors under CETA:
- Materials Manufacturing
- Built Environment
- Building Construction
- Roads and Civil Construction
The bursary programme has been renamed the Thapelo Madibeng Bursary in honour of the late Mr Thapelo Madibeng, a senior executives at CETA who passed away in 2018.
The Thapelo Madibeng Bursary Scheme for 2026 has been awarded by CETA and will be benefited by students wishing to study careers related to the built environment.
The bursary is available to both undergraduate and postgraduate students, including those studying towards Masters's and PhD qualifications at recognised public institutions in South Africa.
Fields of Study Covered
These bursaries are for degrees that are related to the Built Environment, such as:
- Architecture (National Diploma, BSc to PhD)
- Building Arts (BA)
- Building Construction or equivalent (N4 to N6)
- Civil Engineering (BSc to PhD)
- Climate Change Science (up to PhD)
- Construction BIM (all levels up to PhD)
- Construction Economics (BSc to PhD)
- Construction Management (BSc to PhD)
- Construction Studies (BSc to PhD)
- Environmental Management (all levels up to PhD)
- Electrical Engineering (N4 to N6)
- Property Development (BSc)
- Geomatics (BSc to PhD)
- Quantity Surveying (BSc to PhD)
- Real Estate (National Diploma)
- Urban and Regional Planning (BSc to PhD)
- Other construction-related qualifications
Only approved built environment programmes will be considered.
Selection Criteria
Applicants are assesed based on:
- Academic performance
- Financial need
- Alignment of the qualification with the built environment sector
- Compliance with all eligibilty requirements
Funding is limited and meeting the minimum criteria does not guarantee selection.
Expenses Covered by the Bursary
The CETA Thapelo Madibeng Bursary may cover the following costs:
- Tuition fees
- Prescribed textbook
- Accomodation
- Meals
- Transport costs (subject to conditions)
Postgraduate students (Master's and PhD) will also receive a research allowance, where applicable.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet all of the following minimum requirements:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be currently unemployed
- Have completed Matric
- Be studying or planning to study in the Built Environment field
- Be registered or accepted at a public institution in South Africa (University, University of Technology, or TVET College)
- Have achieved a minimum overall average of 50%
- Have a total household income of less than R600,000 per year
Failure to meet any requirements may result in disqualification.
How to Apply for the CETA Thapelo Madibeng Bursary 2026
Applications must be submitted online via the CETA Thapelo Madibeng Bursary Application 2026
Ensure that all information is accurate before submitting your application.
Supporting Documents Required
The required documents have to be submitted via one PDF attachment consisting of the following documents:
- South African ID
- Matric certificate or statement of Results (for first-Year applicants only)
- Latest academic record (for second-year students and above)
- Letter from a tertiary Institution Confirming Enrollment or Registration (on letterhead)
- Fee quotation (if applicable)
- Parents' or guardians' ID papers or death certificates
- Proof of parents\guardians income (Last 3 months payslips, or affidavit if unemployed)
- Proof of residental address (municipal account, bank statement, official account statement, letter from tribal authority or councillor)
- Copy of SASSA cards (Front & Back) or proof of grant, if applicable
- Details of any other funding received (NSFAS or another SETA, excluding CETA)
- Medical certificate (if living with a disability)
Incomplete submission may be disqualified.
Submission Methods
All required documents must be emailed in one PDF file to:
- Email: tm.bursary@ceta.co.za
- Email subject line : Your South African ID Number
Closing Date
The closing date for applications is:
30 January 2026 at 00:00
Late applications will not be accepted.
Contact Details
For bursary-related enquiries, contact CETA directly:
- Email: unemployedbursary@ceta.co.za
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who can apply for the Thapelo Madibeng Bursary?
Unemployed South African citizens who have completed Matric and plan to study in the built environment sector may apply.
Does the bursary fund postgraduate studies?
Yes. The bursary supports undergraduate, Master's and PhD studies.
When should applicants expect feedback?
Applicants should monitor official communication channels after submitting their application.
Disclaimer
This article is intended for informational purpose only. Applicants should always verify the details directly with Ceta or the official bursary application platform.
BurzarsNet wish you luck with your application.