The Thapelo Madibeng Bursary Scheme has officially opened applications for the 2026 academic year, offering critical financial support to unemployed South African students pursuing qualifications in the built environment. Administered by the Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA), the bursary seeks to expand access to education, strengthen skills development, and support transformation within South Africa’s construction and built-environment sectors.
The scheme is designed to alleviate financial barriers faced by students from low-income households, enabling them to complete their studies at public institutions of higher learning within South Africa. By investing in education and skills development, the bursary contributes to long-term workforce development and economic inclusion.
Purpose and Scope of the Bursary
The Thapelo Madibeng Bursary Scheme aims to support students who demonstrate financial need and academic commitment while remaining unemployed during their studies. The bursary covers a range of essential academic and living costs to ensure that recipients can focus on their education without undue financial strain.
The bursary provides funding for:
- Tuition fees payable to a public institution of higher learning
- Prescribed textbooks required for the approved course of study
- Accommodation and meals, subject to institutional guidelines
- Transport costs, under specific conditions
- Research allowance for postgraduate students at Master’s and PhD level only
This comprehensive support package reflects CETA’s commitment to enabling student success across undergraduate and postgraduate levels in built-environment disciplines.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the 2026 bursary, applicants must meet all eligibility requirements. Applicants must:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be currently unemployed
- Intend to study or be registered for a built-environment qualification
- Be enrolled at a public institution of higher learning within South Africa
- Have achieved a minimum overall academic average of 50%
- Come from a household with a total annual income below R600,000
Only applicants who meet all eligibility conditions will be considered during the assessment process.
Required Supporting Documentation
Applicants are required to submit complete and accurate documentation as part of their application. Incomplete or unclear submissions may result in disqualification.
Mandatory documents include:
- Certified copy of the applicant’s South African identity document
- Matric certificate or statement of results for first-year applicants
- Latest tertiary academic record for returning students
- Proof of acceptance or registration from a public tertiary institution
- Certified copies of parents’ or guardians’ identity documents
- Parents’ or guardians’ proof of income, such as recent payslips or affidavits
- A signed affidavit confirming unemployment status
Applicants are encouraged to ensure that all documents are legible and correctly certified before submission.
Application Process
All applications for the Thapelo Madibeng Bursary Scheme must be submitted online via the INDICIUM platform. Applications submitted through email or other channels will not be accepted.
Applicants may apply by:
- Visiting the online application link:
https://indicium.ceta.org.za/Pages/OnlineRegistration/OnlineBursaryRegistration.aspx - Alternatively, visiting www.ceta.org.za, navigating to INDICIUM, and selecting the Bursary Application option
Applicants are advised to submit their applications well before the closing date to avoid last-minute technical issues.
Key Dates
- Opening Date: 05 January 2026 at 08:00
- Closing Date: 30 January 2026 at 00:00
Late applications will not be considered.
About CETA
The Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA) is mandated to develop skills within the construction and built-environment sectors. Through bursaries, training initiatives, and strategic partnerships, CETA supports workforce development and promotes inclusive economic growth across South Africa.
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