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The CETA Bursary is a funding program offered by the Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA) to support South African students studying built environment qualifications such as Civil Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, and Real Estate. It covers tuition, accommodation, meals, and books, and mainly targets unemployed youth, women, and students from rural areas.https://indicium.ceta.org.za/Pages/OnlineRegistration/OnlineBursaryRegistration.aspx
Quick Summary OF THE CETA Bursary
| Bursary Name | CETA Bursary |
|---|---|
| Company / Organization | Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA) |
| Fields Covered | Built Environment (Architecture, Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Electrical Engineering, Geomatics, Mechanical Engineering, Property Studies, Quantity Surveying, Town Planning, Urban Planning, and related) |
| Who Can Apply | Unemployed South African citizens intending to study or registered for built-environment qualifications |
| Closing Date | 30 January 2026 (closed) |
| How to Apply | Online via CETA Indicium portal |
7. Table of Contents
- CETA Bursary Overview
- Who the CETA Bursary is For
- Fields of Study Covered
- What the Bursary Covers
- Eligibility Requirements
- Required Documents
- Step-by-Step How to Apply
- Closing Date
- Selection Process (if available)
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Important Notes & Warnings
- Related Searches Section
CETA Bursary Overview
The Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA) is one of South Africa’s 21 Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs). CETA focuses on skills development in the construction sector to address shortages and promote employment. It supports training for jobs like engineering, surveying, and management to grow the economy and create opportunities.
The CETA Thapelo Madibeng Bursary South Africa 2026 is a program to help unemployed students study in built-environment fields. It is named after Thapelo Madibeng, a former CETA board member, and provides full funding for undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications at public universities or universities of technology. The bursary is for courses that lead to scarce skills in construction.
CETA awarded bursaries to hundreds of students in previous years. The program is limited – only a certain number are given each year. Preference goes to students from poor families or rural areas.
The bursary is part of CETA’s work to transform the construction industry and help young people get qualifications for good jobs. It is funded by levies from construction companies, so it helps the sector grow its own talent.
Important update for March 2026: Applications closed on 30 January 2026. The bursary is now closed. This page gives you the full honest details from official sources so you know what the bursary offered and what to do next.
CETA also offers learner ships and apprenticeships, but this bursary is for unemployed students to get degrees or diplomas. If you are a young person with good marks but no money for university, this bursary can change your life by paying for your education in a growing sector like construction or engineering.
Who the CETA Bursary is For
The CETA Thapelo Madibeng Bursary is for South African students who:
- Are unemployed
- Have good academic results
- Want to work in construction after studies
- Come from poor families or rural areas (preference)
It is perfect for school-leavers or young adults who dream of becoming engineers, surveyors, or planners. The bursary helps people from disadvantaged groups get qualifications and jobs in the built environment.
Fields of Study Covered By the CETA Bursary
The bursary covers built-environment qualifications, including:
- Architecture
- Civil Engineering
- Construction Management
- Electrical Engineering
- Geomatics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Property Studies
- Quantity Surveying
- Town Planning
- Urban Planning
These are for undergraduate and postgraduate levels at public universities or universities of technology. The course must be related to construction.
What the CETA Bursary Covers
- Tuition fees
- Registration fees
- Books and study materials
- Accommodation
- Meals
The bursary is full-cost for one year, renewed if you pass. The amount depends on your course and institution. You may have to do vacation work or internships.
Who Qualifies for the CETA Bursary
You must meet ALL of these:
- South African citizen
- Currently unemployed
- Completed Matric
- Accepted or registered for a built-environment qualification at a public university or university of technology
- Good academic record
- Household income considered for need
Required Documents When applying for the CETA Bursary
- Proof of residence
- Certified IDs (student and parents/guardian)
- Statement of results
- Household income proof (payslips or affidavit)
- University acceptance letter
- Proof of registration
- Latest fees statement
- Lease agreement if private accommodation
- Prescribed books quotation
- For Masters/PhD: research proposal approval (non-compulsory)
All certified.
Step-by-Step How to Apply for the CETA Bursary
Applications are now closed, but this is exactly how it worked:
- Go to the CETA Indicium portal: https://indicium.ceta.org.za/Pages/OnlineRegistration/OnlineBursaryRegistration.aspx
- Register or log in
- Complete the online form
- Upload all documents
- Submit before 30 January 2026
Only online applications were accepted.
Closing Date for the CETA Bursary
30 January 2026 (closed).
Selection Process for the CETA Bursary
To qualify for the CETA Bursary, applicants must be South African citizens who are currently unemployed and studying or planning to study a built environment qualification at a recognized South African public institution. Applicants must have at least a 50% academic average and come from households earning below R600,000 per year.
Applications are submitted online through the CETA Indicium system, and required documents include a certified ID, proof of residence, academic results, and parents’ or guardian’s documents. The bursary can provide funding of up to R120,000 per student per year to cover study costs.https://www.ceta.org.za/etqa-projects-division/learning-programmes-implementation-monitoring-department#:~:text=The%20bursary%20may%20be%20awarded,is%20at%20the%20CETA’s%20discretion.
Frequently Asked Questions When applying for the CETA Bursary
Q: Is the CETA Bursary open for 2026? A: No, it closed on 30 January 2026.
Q: Can I apply if I am employed? A: No, for unemployed only.
Q: What fields are covered? A: Built environment like civil engineering, quantity surveying, architecture.
Q: Do I have to work for CETA after? A: Not officially specified.
Q: Can I study at private universities? A: No, public only.
Q: What if I have NSFAS? A: You can apply, but check for conflicts.
Q: Alternatives if closed? A: Other SETA bursaries like MERSETA, or NSFAS.
Q: Who to contact? A: CETA helpline or website.
Important Notes & Warnings When applying for the CETA Bursary
- The bursary is for unemployed students only – prove it with an affidavit.
- Always use the official CETA portal – never pay anyone.
- The bursary is limited – high competition.
- For 2027, check ceta.org.za from June 2026.
- Beware of scams using the CETA name.
Related Searches Section
Engineering bursaries in South Africa Bursaries open now 2026 Government bursaries for students NSFAS alternatives Civil engineering bursaries South Africa 2026 Quantity surveying bursaries 2026 Architecture bursaries South Africa Construction management bursaries Town planning bursaries Urban planning bursarieshttps://bursariesopennow.co.za/bursaries-closing-soon/