CETA Thapelo Modibe Bursary 2026 Application, Requirements

CETA's Thapelo Madibeng Bursary for 2026 is Now Open for Applications

If you're an unemployed South African student looking to get into the construction and built environment sector, here's some solid news for you. 

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

This is a pretty comprehensive bursary, so let's get straight into what it covers and who should apply.

What does CETA Thapelo Madibeng Bursary pay for?

Well, it's designed to take the main financial pressures off your shoulders so you can focus on studying. If you're successful, the bursary will cover:

• Your full tuition fees.

• Money for prescribed textbooks.

• Accommodation and meals.

• Transport fees (although there are some conditions attached to this).

• If you're doing a Master's or PhD, you also get a research allowance.

CETA Bursary Requirements:

CETA is looking for specific candidates to support. You must tick all these boxes:

• Be a South African citizen.

• Be currently unemployed.

• Have plans to study towards a built-environment qualification (think civil engineering, construction management, quantity surveying, architecture, etc.) at a public university or TVET college in South Africa.

• Have a minimum overall average of 50% in your latest studies.

• Come from a household with a total annual income of less than R600,000.

Also Apply for:  SASSETA Bursary 2026: Applications Now Open

CETA Bursary Required Documents 

The application is online, but you'll need to upload clear copies of these documents. Get them certified and ready to go:

1. Your certified ID copy.

2. Your Matric certificate or statement of results (if you're applying for first year).

3. Your latest academic record from tertiary (if you're already studying).

4. Proof that you've been accepted by your chosen public institution for 2026.

5. Certified ID copies of your parents or guardians.

6. Proof of your parents' or guardians' income (like a recent payslip).

7. A sworn affidavit stating that you are unemployed.

How to for CETA 2026 Bursary:

1. You must apply through their online system called INDICIUM. They will not accept applications sent by email.

2. Go directly to the application portal here: https://indicium.ceta.org.za/.

3. Alternatively, you can start from the main CETA website (www.ceta.org.za), find the link for INDICIUM, and navigate to the bursary application section.

4. Complete the form and upload all the required documents we listed above.

Make sure everything is clear and attached. Incomplete applications likely won't be considered.

If you have any questions while preparing your application, you can reach out to CETA at unemployedbursary@ceta.co.za. 

Also look: DHET International Scholarships for 2026

CETA Bursary 2026: Application Dates

This is the most important part—follow the steps carefully.

Application Dates:

• Opens: 05 January 2026 at 8:00 AM

• Closes: 30 January 2026 at midnight (00:00 AM)

Conclusion

This bursary is specifically for the built environment field and only for study at public institutions. It's a great opportunity if your career goals are in construction, engineering, or any related field.

Since the application window is only open for about three and a half weeks in January, it's a smart move to start gathering all your documents now. Getting that proof of acceptance from a university is often the step that takes the longest.

Good luck! If you meet the criteria, this bursary could be a major step towards a career in shaping South Africa's infrastructure.