IMESA Bursary Requirements and Online Application

The Institute of Municipal Engineering of Southern Africa (IMESA) runs a respected bursary programme. 

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This scheme is specifically designed to provide financial help to students studying Civil Engineering or related infrastructure disciplines. 

IMESA’s mission is to promote excellence in the planning, design, and management of local government infrastructure in South Africa.

The bursary scheme has two categories: one for non-members who show financial need, and one that recognises the commitment of long-standing IMESA members.

IMESA Bursary Fields of Study Covered

The IMESA Bursary focuses on qualifications that support the development and maintenance of essential municipal infrastructure.

  • Civil Engineering (Degree qualification).
  • Related infrastructure engineering disciplines as approved by the IMESA Executive Council.

Eligibility Requirements for the IMESA Bursary

Applicants must meet the general criteria below, in addition to the specific requirements for their chosen scheme (Scheme A or Scheme B).

  1. You must be a South African citizen.
  2. You must be studying full-time at an accredited ECSA-accredited tertiary institution in South Africa.
  3. You must have successfully completed your first year of study.
  4. You must be entering your second year or a later year of study in 2026.
  5. You must declare all other bursaries you hold, as this may be taken into consideration before an award is made.
  6. You must be studying a Civil Engineering degree or an approved related infrastructure engineering discipline.

Scheme Specific Requirements

  • Scheme A (Non-members): You must demonstrate proven financial need.
  • Scheme B (Dependents of Members): You must be a child or dependent of an IMESA member who has held membership for a minimum of five years.

IMESA Bursary Coverage and Value

The IMESA Bursary provides essential financial assistance up to a set maximum amount. 

It is not intended to cover all expenses, but to provide a substantial helping hand.

  1. The maximum amount awarded per bursary for the 2026 academic year is typically R50,000.00.
  2. The funding primarily covers tuition fees and prescribed textbooks.
  3. The payment is made directly to the tertiary institution.
  4. Successful candidates will be provided with mentorship and are encouraged to participate in IMESA activities.

Application Process for the IMESA Bursary

The application process is handled entirely via email submission. It is important to use the correct application form and subject line.

  1. Download the Form: Download the relevant 2026 IMESA Bursary Application Form from the official IMESA website. Choose either Scheme A (non-members) or Scheme B (dependents of members).
  2. Complete the Form: Fill in all sections of the application form accurately and completely. The form must be used as provided.
  3. Certify and Collect Documents: Gather the following compulsory supporting documents and ensure they are certified:
    • A certified copy of your South African ID document.
    • A certified copy of your 2026 mid-year exam results.
    • An affidavit declaring your parents’ or guardians’ monthly income, detailing your financial situation.
    • An undersigned statement from your tertiary institution confirming your academic progress after your first year.
  4. Email Submission: Submit all clear copies of the required documents, along with the completed application form, in a single email.
  5. Use Correct Subject Line: The email subject line must clearly indicate the scheme you are applying for. Use either “IMESA Bursary Application (Scheme A)” or “IMESA Bursary Application (Scheme B)”.

IMESA Bursary Contact Details

For all official enquiries regarding the IMESA Bursary Programme, use the following contact information.

IMESA Bursary Closing Date

The closing date for the IMESA Bursary Programme for the 2026 academic year is 15 September 2026.

Applications must be submitted by this date. Any applications that are late, incomplete, or submitted using the wrong application form will be disqualified.

FAQs

1. Is the IMESA Bursary available to first-year students in 2026? +
No. To be eligible, you must have successfully completed your first year of study and be entering your second year or a later year of study in 2026.
2. What fields of study does the bursary cover besides Civil Engineering? +
The bursary covers Civil Engineering degree qualifications and related infrastructure engineering disciplines that have been specifically approved by the IMESA Executive Council.
3. Is there a maximum age limit for applicants? +
The application requirements do not specify an age limit. The focus is on the academic year of study and the field of qualification.
4. What is the maximum amount IMESA awards per student? +
The maximum award amount is typically R50,000.00 per bursary student per year. This amount is assessed annually.
5. Does the IMESA Bursary guarantee a job after graduation? +
No, IMESA does not guarantee employment after graduation. However, successful students are requested to pursue a career within Local Government if possible.
6. Can I apply if I am studying at a distance learning institution? +
No. The bursary requires you to be studying full-time at an ECSA-accredited tertiary educational institution in South Africa.
7. How do I prove my financial situation for Scheme A? +
You must submit an affidavit that clearly declares your parents’ or guardians’ monthly income, along with a statement about your overall financial situation.
8. What is the difference between Scheme A and Scheme B? +
Scheme A is for non-IMESA members demonstrating financial need. Scheme B is specifically for the children or dependents of an IMESA member who has been a member for at least five years.
9. What should the email subject line contain? +
The subject line must clearly state which scheme you are applying for, using either “IMESA Bursary Application (Scheme A)” or “IMESA Bursary Application (Scheme B).”
10. What is the final deadline for 2026 applications? +
The closing date for the IMESA Bursary for the 2026 academic year is 15 September 2026.

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