The Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA) has officially opened applications for the Thapelo Madibeng Bursary Scheme 2026, creating a major opportunity for unemployed South African youth who aspire to build careers in the construction and built environment sector. CETA Thapelo Madibeng Bursary Scheme 2026
The bursary targets students who want to study at public universities and TVET colleges and who come from households earning less than R600 000 per year. With the construction industry identified as a critical driver of economic growth and job creation, this bursary forms part of CETA’s long-term strategy to address skills shortages in South Africa’s built environment.
For many students who struggle to afford tuition, accommodation, and learning materials, the Thapelo Madibeng Bursary could be the difference between dropping out and graduating with a professional qualification.
What Is the Thapelo Madibeng Bursary Scheme?
The Thapelo Madibeng Bursary Scheme is a fully funded bursary administered by CETA to support students pursuing qualifications linked to the built environment. These include careers in construction, engineering, planning, property development, and infrastructure-related disciplines.
Unlike partial bursaries, this scheme is designed to remove most financial barriers that prevent capable students from completing their studies. It supports students from undergraduate level through to postgraduate studies, including Master’s and PhD programmes, provided the qualification falls within CETA’s priority skills areas.
Quick Overview of the Bursary
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Bursary Name | Thapelo Madibeng Bursary Scheme |
| Funding Authority | Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA) |
| Academic Year | 2026 |
| Opening Date | 05 January 2026 at 08:00 |
| Closing Date | 30 January 2026 at 00:00 |
| Eligible Applicants | Unemployed South African citizens |
| Institutions Covered | Public Universities and TVET Colleges |
| Fields of Study | Built Environment Qualifications |
| Application Method | Online via INDICIUM |
| Email Applications | Not accepted |
What Does the CETA Thapelo Madibeng Bursary Cover?
The bursary provides comprehensive financial support, allowing students to focus on academic success rather than financial survival.
The funding may include:
- Full tuition fees paid directly to the institution
- Prescribed textbooks and learning materials
- Accommodation and meals (subject to institutional arrangements)
- Transport allowances, where applicable
- Research allowance for Master’s and PhD students only
By covering these core costs, CETA ensures that beneficiaries can complete their studies without excessive debt or financial pressure.
Who Should Apply for This Bursary?
The Thapelo Madibeng Bursary Scheme is specifically designed for students who meet all eligibility requirements. Applicants who fail to meet even one criterion risk automatic disqualification.
Citizenship and Employment Status
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must be currently unemployed
Study and Institutional Requirements
- Intending to study or already studying a built environment qualification
- Must be registered at or accepted by a public university or TVET college in South Africa
- Students at private institutions do not qualify
Academic Requirements
- Minimum 50% overall academic average
- Open to:
- First-year students
- Returning undergraduate students
- Postgraduate students
- Master’s and PhD candidates
Household Income Requirement
- Total household income must be below R600 000 per year
Why CETA Focuses on the Built Environment
South Africa continues to face a shortage of skilled professionals in construction, engineering, and infrastructure development. These skills are essential for:
- Housing delivery
- Road and transport infrastructure
- Public facilities such as schools and hospitals
- Economic development and job creation
By funding students in these disciplines, CETA invests not only in individuals but also in the country’s long-term development.
Mandatory Documents You Must Prepare
Applications submitted with missing or unclear documents are automatically rejected, regardless of academic performance.
Applicants must prepare and upload the following:
- Certified copy of a South African ID
- Matric certificate or latest results (first-year students)
- Latest academic transcript (returning students)
- Proof of acceptance or registration from a public institution
- Certified copies of parents’ or guardians’ IDs
- Proof of household income (latest payslips or sworn affidavits)
- Affidavit confirming unemployment status
Important Tip:
Ensure documents are clear, correctly named, and legible before uploading. Blurred scans or incorrect file names may lead to rejection.
How to Apply for the Thapelo Madibeng Bursary 2026
All applications must be submitted online only through the INDICIUM system. No manual, emailed, or hand-delivered applications will be accepted.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Visit the official CETA bursary application platform
- Register an account or log in to INDICIUM
- Select the Thapelo Madibeng Bursary Scheme
- Complete the online application form
- Upload all required supporting documents
- Submit your application before the closing date
Applicants are advised not to wait until the last day, as system traffic is often high near the deadline.
Important Dates You Must Remember
- Applications Open:Â 05 January 2026
- Applications Close:Â 30 January 2026
- Late Applications:Â Not accepted under any circumstances
Submitting early reduces the risk of technical issues and missing documents.
Can You Apply If You Also Qualify for NSFAS?
Yes. Qualifying for NSFAS does not automatically disqualify you from applying for the CETA bursary. However, students may not receive duplicate funding for the same expenses. If approved for both, funding arrangements will be adjusted accordingly.
Why This Bursary Matters for Unemployed Youth
With youth unemployment remaining one of South Africa’s biggest challenges, access to funded education is critical. The Thapelo Madibeng Bursary offers unemployed students a realistic pathway into professional careers that are in demand nationally.
Graduates from built environment fields are more likely to find employment or create their own opportunities through entrepreneurship, contracting, and community development projects.
Common Reasons Applications Get Rejected
Many strong candidates are rejected each year due to avoidable mistakes, including:
- Missing documents
- Applying with private institution acceptance
- Household income above the threshold
- Poor document quality
- Applying after the deadline
Careful preparation significantly improves your chances of success.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the Thapelo Madibeng Bursary fully funded?
Yes. It covers tuition and may include accommodation, meals, learning materials, transport, and research support.
Can TVET college students apply?
Yes. TVET students studying built environment qualifications at public colleges are eligible.
Are employed students allowed to apply?
No. Only unemployed South African citizens qualify.
Can postgraduate students apply?
Yes. The bursary supports postgraduate, Master’s, and PhD students in relevant fields.
Can I submit my application via email?
No. Applications are accepted online only through INDICIUM.
What happens after I apply?
Shortlisted candidates may be contacted for verification or additional documentation before final approval.
Final Thoughts
The CETA Thapelo Madibeng Bursary Scheme 2026 is one of the most impactful funding opportunities available to South African students interested in the built environment. By covering key study costs and prioritising unemployed youth, the programme opens doors to sustainable careers and long-term economic participation.
Students who meet the requirements are strongly encouraged to apply early, prepare documents carefully, and submit complete applications before the deadline.
This bursary could be the foundation of your future in construction, engineering, and infrastructure development.
