ABOUT THE BURSARY PROVIDER

Established in 1961, the Institute of Municipal Engineering of Southern Africa (IMESA) represents and advances the interests of over 1000 individual members, including businesses involved in the built environment and municipal engineering sectors.

In order to serve communities and their towns, the company's objective is to support and foster excellence in the engineering profession.

The IMESA Bursary Scheme was established in 2000 to recognize the accomplishments of IMESA members' dependents and to offer financial aid to students who otherwise would not be able to fund their studies in the field of civil engineering.

FIELDS COVERED

IMESA will give out two kinds of bursaries:
1) Bursary Scheme A: for non-IMESA members pursuing a degree in civil engineering (or a similar infrastructure engineering field authorized by the IMESA Executive Council).

2) Bursaries for dependents of IMESA members (Bursary Scheme B): scholarships for IMESA members' offspring to pursue a degree in civil engineering (or infrastructure engineering-related fields).

BURSARY COVERAGE AND SELECTION

The award, up to a maximum of R50,000, will solely cover books and tuition costs.

Students are urged to take part in IMESA events, and bursary beneficiaries will be paired with a mentor.

The recipient's higher institution will receive the bursary funding directly within 60 days of IMESA receiving the student account statement (or as agreed upon between the student and the IMESA official). Prior to receiving the first bursary installment, students are required to submit a medical certificate and proof of enrollment for the particular course to the IMESA Head Office.

Those that are selected will be contacted before the end of 2025. A thorough assessment procedure will be followed before bursaries are given out.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Before applying, candidates must meet the following minimal standards:

 Non-IMESA Members:

• You must be pursuing a degree in civil engineering (or a similar infrastructure engineering area) full-time.
• You have to have finished your first year of school.
• In 2026, you have to be starting your second year of studies or later.
• You have to be enrolled in a South African postsecondary institution that has earned ECSA accreditation.
• You must be able to pay for your education without a bursary, which requires proof of financial necessity.

Dependents of IMESA members:

• You have to be the dependant or child of an IMESA member who has been a member for at least five years.
• You must be pursuing a degree in civil engineering (or a similar infrastructure engineering area) full-time.
• You have to have finished your first year of school.
• In 2026, you have to be starting your second year of studies or later.
• You have to be enrolled in a South African postsecondary institution that has earned ECSA accreditation.

if you don't meet them all, your application won't be taken into consideration

APPLICATION PROCESS FOR THE IMESA BURSARY

Non-IMESA Members: 2026 Bursary Application Form

Dependents of IMESA members: 2025 Bursary Application Form (for dependents of members)

Together with your filled-out application, send in clear copies of the following supporting papers:

• Identity document (certified copy)
• Results of the 2025 midyear exam (certified copy)
• The tertiary institution's undersigned declaration attesting to your first-year academic progress
• Affidavit outlining your financial status and your parents' or guardians' monthly income

 You must provide these documents; otherwise, your application may be rejected

 Applications must be sent tobursaries@imesa.org.za

 In the subject line of the email, include the terms "IMESA Bursary Application (Scheme A)" or "IMESA Bursary Application (Scheme B)".

Please note that:

Before the IMESA bursary is awarded, applicants must inform IMESA of any previous bursaries they have received, since this will be taken into account.
While employment with IMESA after graduation is not guaranteed for bursary recipients, students will be encouraged to pursue a career in local government if at all possible.

CLOSING DATE: September 15, 2025.

GET IN TOUCH WITH THE BURSARY PROVIDER

Please get in touch with IMESA directly if you have any questions about this bursary program:

Email:bursaries@imesa.org.za

phone:031 266 3263

For more bursary opportunities go toview more bursaries