Thapelo Madibeng Bursary Scheme 2026, Requirements & Application

The Thapelo Madibeng Bursary Scheme has officially opened applications for the 2026 academic year, offering full financial support to unemployed South African students who wish to study built-environment qualifications at public institutions.

Administered by the Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA), this bursary aims to address critical skills shortages in South Africa’s construction and built-environment sectors while supporting students from low-income households.

This guide explains who qualifies, what the bursary covers, how to apply, and important deadlines.

Thapelo Madibeng Bursary Scheme

The Thapelo Madibeng Bursary Scheme is a government-supported funding programme managed by CETA. Its purpose is to:

• Expand access to higher education for disadvantaged students
• Support transformation in the construction and built-environment sectors
• Develop scarce and critical skills in South Africa
• Enable unemployed students to complete their studies without financial stress

The bursary supports students studying toward built-environment qualifications at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.

What Does the Thapelo Madibeng Bursary Cover?

The bursary offers comprehensive financial support, which may include:

• Full tuition fees payable to the institution
• Prescribed textbooks
• Accommodation and meals (subject to institutional rules)
• Transport costs (under specific conditions)
• Research allowance for postgraduate students (Master’s and PhD only)

This funding allows students to focus fully on their academic success without worrying about financial barriers.

Who Can Apply for the Thapelo Madibeng Bursary?

To qualify, applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

Citizenship and Employment

• Must be a South African citizen
• Must be currently unemployed

Study Requirements

• Must be studying or intending to study toward a built-environment qualification
• Must be registered or accepted at a public university or public TVET college in South Africa

Academic Requirements

• Must have a minimum overall average of 50%
• Applies to first-year, returning, postgraduate, Master’s and PhD students

Household Income

• Total household income must be below R600,000 per year

Students studying at private institutions do not qualify.

Required Documents

All documents must be clear, complete, and correctly certified. Missing or unclear documents may result in automatic disqualification.

You will need:

• Certified copy of your South African ID
• Matric certificate or statement of results (for first-year students)
• Latest academic record (for returning students)
• Proof of acceptance or registration from a public institution
• Certified copies of parents’ or guardians’ IDs
• Proof of household income (payslips or affidavits)
• Signed affidavit confirming unemployment status

How to Apply for the Thapelo Madibeng Bursary

All applications must be submitted online via the INDICIUM platform.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Visit the INDICIUM bursary portal:
   https://indicium.ceta.org.za/Pages/OnlineRegistration/OnlineBursaryRegistration.aspx
2. Alternatively, go to www.ceta.org.za and navigate to INDICIUM → Bursary Application
3. Register or log in
4. Complete the online application form
5. Upload all required documents
6. Submit your application

No emailed or hand-delivered applications will be accepted.

Important Dates

• Opening date: 05 January 2026 at 08:00
• Closing date: 30 January 2026 at 00:00

Late applications will not be considered.

The Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA) is responsible for skills development in South Africa’s construction and built-environment sectors. Through bursaries, internships, learnerships, and training programmes, CETA supports workforce development and economic inclusion.