South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE)

The South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE) is the professional body and learned society for civil engineers, technologists and technicians. SAICE represents more than 15 000 members from its Midrand head office and runs mentoring, membership and employment registration services for the profession.

Registered name

South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE)

Type

Professional institution (civil engineering)

Fields funded

National Diploma and degree study in civil engineering

Website

saice.org.za

Email

civilinfo@saice.org.za

Phone

011 805 5947

SPEBS started under another name

SAICE’s bursary scheme, SPEBS, began in 1992 under the South African Institute of Civil Engineering Technicians and Technologists (SAICET), and the letters originally stood for SAICET Patrons’ Engineering Bursary Scheme. When SAICET merged with SAICE, the institution kept the scheme, and SPEBS now forms part of SAICE’s outreach programmes.

Who SPEBS helps

SPEBS supports financially needy and academically deserving students studying towards a National Diploma or a degree in civil engineering at any South African tertiary institution. SPEBS awards diploma students a bursary after they pass their first level (S1) examinations, and degree students after they pass first year, so first-year students cannot apply.

SAICE grants bursaries per semester, and each award depends on the student’s latest results. The money partially covers registration, tuition and books rather than all study costs. Before SAICE releases funds, successful students must prove registration for the semester, and SAICE pays the institution directly.

Funded entirely by donations

SPEBS runs as a non-profit venture that depends entirely on donations, and SAICE has the scheme audited every year. Since 1992, companies have contributed either to a general bursary pool or by paying for bursaries awarded in the patron company’s name.

Researching SPEBS for your next semester

SAICE works with tertiary institutions to identify qualifying students, so ask your civil engineering department whether it nominates students for SPEBS. The second-semester 2026 round closed on 31 July 2026, and the first-semester 2027 date had not been published when BursariesAfrica checked. Because SPEBS pays per semester, keep your results strong and your registration documents ready at the start of each term. Keep copies of each semester’s results.

SAICE also posts professional opportunities on its website, including roles that require a CV and proof of qualifications, which gives students a view of where a civil engineering qualification leads.

See our civil engineering bursaries page for full-cost funders.