The Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA) has officially opened applications for the Thapelo Madibeng Bursary Scheme for the 2026 academic year.

This bursary is aimed at unemployed South African students who want to study towards a built-environment qualification at a public institution of higher learning in South Africa.

What Is the CETA Thapelo Madibeng Bursary Scheme?

The Thapelo Madibeng Bursary Scheme is a financial support programme offered by CETA to help students access education in construction-related and built-environment fields. The bursary is designed to address skills shortages while supporting students from households with limited income.

Only students studying at public universities or TVET colleges within South Africa will be considered.

What Does the CETA Bursary Cover?

Successful applicants may receive funding for the following:

• Tuition fees
• Prescribed textbooks
• Accommodation and meals
• Transport costs (subject to conditions)
• Research allowance (Masters and PhD students only)

Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Requirements)

To qualify for the CETA Thapelo Madibeng Bursary 2026, applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

• Be a South African citizen
• Be currently unemployed
• Intend to study towards a built-environment qualification
• Be accepted or planning to study at a South African public institution
• Have achieved a minimum overall average of 50%
• Come from a household with a total income of less than R600 000 per year

Documents Required for the CETA Bursary Application

Applicants must upload all mandatory documents when applying online. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

You will need:

1. Certified copy of your South African ID
2. Matric certificate or statement of results (for first-year applicants)
3. Latest tertiary academic record (for returning students)
4. Proof of acceptance from your tertiary institution
5. Certified copies of parents’ or guardians’ IDs
6. Proof of household income (latest payslip, pension slip, or similar)
7. Affidavit confirming unemployment status

Related: Department of Human Settlements Scholarship Programme 2026

How to Apply for the CETA Thapelo Madibeng Bursary 2026

All applications must be submitted online via the INDICIUM system.
No emailed or manual applications will be accepted.

Application Steps:

1. Visit the INDICIUM bursary portal
2. Complete the online bursary registration form
3. Upload all required supporting documents
4. Submit your application before the closing date

👉 Apply here:
https://indicium.ceta.org.za/Pages/OnlineRegistration/OnlineBursaryRegistration.aspx

Alternatively, you can visit www.ceta.org.za, click on INDICIUM, and navigate to the bursary application section.

Important Dates for the CETA Bursary 2026

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

Late applications will not be accepted.

Important Notes for Applicants

• Applications are for the 2026 academic year only
• Only public higher education institutions will be considered
• All uploaded documents must be clear and certified
• Incomplete applications will be automatically disqualified

Contact Details for CETA Bursary Enquiries

For questions related to the bursary application, contact CETA directly:

• Email: unemployedbursary@ceta.co.za
• Website: www.ceta.org.za