CETA has opened applications for the Thapelo Madibeng Bursary Scheme for the 2026 academic year. This bursary is aimed at unemployed South African citizens who want to study a built-environment qualification at a public university or TVET college.
At a glance
- Who it’s for: Unemployed South African citizens (with financial need).
- What it covers: Tuition, prescribed textbooks, and (where applicable) accommodation/meals and limited transport support.
- Service obligation: No work-back obligation is stated on the application portal; conditions may apply per CETA’s bursary rules.
- Key dates: Applications open 05 Jan 2026 (08:00) and close 30 Jan 2026 (00:00).
- Other notes: Applications are online-only via CETA’s INDICIUM platform.
Who’s offering this?
The Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA) is one of South Africa’s Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), responsible for developing skills in the construction and built environment industries. CETA supports skills development by helping fund and coordinate learnerships, apprenticeships, internships, and other training programmes, working with employers, training providers, and government to grow a pipeline of qualified artisans and professionals, improve workplace training, and strengthen the construction sector’s capacity and productivity.
What’s on offer
CETA is the SETA responsible for skills development in the construction and built environment sector. Through this bursary scheme, CETA supports studies that contribute to scarce and critical skills in the sector.
- Full/partial tuition fees (as approved).
- Prescribed textbooks and study materials.
- Accommodation and meals (subject to conditions and limits).
- Transport support (where applicable) and a research allowance for Master’s/PhD (where applicable).
Funding is aimed at built-environment qualifications. Examples may include:
- Civil / Construction / Structural-related qualifications (built environment).
- Architecture, Quantity Surveying, Construction Management and related programmes.
- Other built-environment qualifications recognised by CETA (as per the application system).
Eligibility checklist
- You are a South African citizen and currently unemployed.
- You are studying (or have applied to study) full-time at a public university or TVET college in South Africa.
- Your intended qualification is in the built environment.
- You meet the academic requirement (minimum 50% overall average; higher may be required for selection).
- Your household income is below the stated threshold (as indicated on the bursary notice/platform).
Documents to prepare
- Certified copy of your ID document.
- Most recent academic results (Matric results and/or latest tertiary transcript).
- Proof of admission/registration for 2026 (institution letterhead; no screenshots).
- Proof of household income and proof of residence (plus any additional documents requested on INDICIUM).
Key dates
Applications open on 05 January 2026 and close on 30 January 2026 (midnight). Apply early to avoid last-minute portal congestion.
How selection and placement work
Applications are assessed against eligibility and the availability of funding. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee funding.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Submitting after the deadline (late applications are not accepted).
- Uploading unclear/uncertified documents or missing compulsory documents.
- Applying for a qualification that is not built-environment related.
- Waiting until the last day (portal traffic and upload failures are common).
How to apply (step-by-step)
- Go to CETA’s INDICIUM portal and select the bursary application option.
- Register/log in and complete all sections of the bursary application form.
- Upload the required supporting documents in the required formats.
- Review your information for accuracy and submit your application online.
- Keep proof of submission and monitor INDICIUM/your email for updates or requests.
After you submit
If you are not contacted after the closing date, treat your application as unsuccessful unless the funder states otherwise. Keep your documents ready in case you are requested to submit outstanding information.