SAICE SPEBS Civil Engineering Bursary 2026: Up to R7,000/Semester

The South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE) is inviting Civil Engineering students to apply for the SPEBS (SAICE Patrons Engineering Bursary Scheme) bursary for the second semester of the 2026 academic year. The bursary awards up to R7,000 per student per semester towards registration fees, tuition and prescribed books. Applications close on 31 July 2026, giving current students less than two weeks to submit.

About the Programme

The SAICE Patrons Engineering Bursary Scheme was founded in 1992 to provide financial assistance to academically deserving Civil Engineering students who face financial need. It is administered by the South African Institution of Civil Engineering, a professional body founded in 1903 that today has around 8,000 members, including civil engineers, technologists and technicians. SAICE members plan, provide and maintain the infrastructure used in the daily life of modern society, from roads and bridges to water systems.

Bursaries are awarded each semester on academic merit, and recipients may continue to receive funding until they complete their qualification, depending on academic performance and the availability of funds. For students juggling fees, registration costs and expensive prescribed textbooks, this partial bursary can be the difference between continuing and dropping out.

What Is Covered

• A partial bursary of up to R7,000 per student per semester
• Registration fees
• Tuition fees
• Prescribed books
• Funding is paid directly to the tertiary institution
• Possible renewal each semester until completion of the qualification, based on academic performance and available funds

Who Can Apply

• South African citizens
• Applicants who have completed Matric
• Students studying towards a Civil Engineering qualification (Degree or National Diploma)
• Students who have passed and completed all previous subjects
• Degree students: must have passed first semester exams and be entering 2nd, 3rd or 4th year of study
• National Diploma students: must have passed the S1 examination and be entering S2, S3 or S4
• Students at a recognised and accredited tertiary institution in South Africa
• Applicants with proven financial need
• Applicants with a strong academic record

RELATED: Gallagher Foundation Scholarship 2027: Fully Funded at UCT, Closes 31 July

Required Documents

• Completed SPEBS bursary application form
• Certified copy of your ID document
• Certified copy of your full tertiary academic record, including your most recent results
• Certified proof of tertiary registration (required from successful applicants at feedback stage)

How to Apply

1. Download the SPEBS bursary application form and brochure from the SAICE website.
2. Complete the form in full and gather your certified supporting documents.
3. Email your completed application and documents to spebs@saice.org.za with the words “SPEBS Bursary” in the subject line.
4. Submit before 31 July 2026. Successful candidates receive feedback during March or September and must then provide certified proof of registration.

Download the application form here: Apply at SAICE.

Closing Date

The closing date for the SPEBS bursary (2nd semester 2026 intake) is 31 July 2026. No late applications will be accepted. The next intake closes on 31 January for first semester funding.

Why It Matters

South Africa has a well documented shortage of civil engineers, technologists and technicians, and infrastructure delivery in water, sanitation, roads and housing depends on growing this skills base. At the same time, thousands of capable engineering students stall or drop out every year for financial reasons, often over amounts far smaller than a full bursary.

A semester-based top-up like SPEBS is designed exactly for that gap. Because it is renewable and merit-based, it also rewards students who keep passing, and it connects recipients to SAICE, the professional home of civil engineering in South Africa, which is valuable for vacation work, mentorship and future employment.

Tips for a Strong Application

Because the SPEBS bursary is awarded based on academic merit and financial need, your academic record is one of the most important parts of your application.

Keep these tips in mind before you apply:

• Ensure your certified full tertiary academic record includes your most recent semester results.
• Certify all required documents at your nearest police station or post office before scanning them.
• Scan every document clearly in PDF format to avoid delays.
• Use the exact email subject line: “SPEBS Bursary” so your application is routed correctly.
• Submit your application well before 31 July to allow time to correct any missing documents if necessary.

If you have any questions before applying, contact the SAICE SPEBS Desk on 011 805 5947 or email spebs@saice.org.za during office hours.

Frequently Asked Questions