IMESA Bursary South Africa 2026 | Apply Now

The IMESA Bursary, administered by the Institute of Municipal Engineering of Southern Africa, plays a vital role in nurturing the next generation of municipal and infrastructure engineers. This distinguished programme offers financial support to students pursuing civil or related infrastructure engineering disciplines, fostering academic excellence, professional growth, and community development throughout South Africa. It opens pathways for students who demonstrate potential but may lack the financial means to complete their studies.

Fields of Study Supported

Eligible fields include civil engineering and other disciplines within infrastructure engineering that have been approved by the Executive Council of IMESA. The bursary is available to students enrolled full-time at Council for the Built Environment–accredited institutions in South Africa.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• For the Non‑Member Scheme (Scheme A): Applicants must be full-time students in civil or infrastructure engineering and have completed their first year of studies.
• For the Dependent Scheme (Scheme B): Applicants must be dependents of IMESA members who have held membership for at least five years. The applicant must also be entering the second year or beyond of a civil or infrastructure engineering qualification at an accredited institution.
• All candidates must demonstrate genuine financial need and be unable to fund their studies independently.
• Other bursaries or financial assistance must be declared, as these will be considered during the evaluation process.
• Incomplete or late applications will not be accepted and will be disqualified.

What the Bursary Covers

The bursary provides comprehensive funding for tuition fees and textbooks, with a maximum value of fifty thousand rand per annum. The first payment is typically released within sixty days of receiving a student account statement from the institution or as mutually agreed between the student and IMESA representatives.

Before the first instalment is released, students must submit proof of enrolment and a valid medical certificate to IMESA’s head office.

Selection and Assessment

The bursary is awarded at the discretion of IMESA’s Executive Committee following a formal evaluation process. Recipients are encouraged to participate in IMESA activities and may be paired with a mentor to support their academic and professional development. IMESA does not guarantee employment after graduation but strongly encourages graduates to pursue careers in local government.

How to Apply

Applications are open from June and must be received by fifteen September of the year preceding the study year. The correct application form must be used depending on whether the applicant is a dependent of a member or not. Applicants must submit the completed form along with:

• Certified identity document
• Mid-year academic results or proof of first-year completion
• Affidavit declaring family income and the student’s financial situation
• Endorsement from the tertiary institution confirming academic progress
• Proof of enrolment and medical certificate for the first instalment

Applications must be submitted via the official IMESA channels as indicated in the bursary documentation.

Timeline and Deadlines

The application window opens in June and closes on September 15, 2025. Successful candidates are notified before the year’s end. Late applications or those missing required documentation are not considered under any circumstances.

Final Thoughts

The IMESA Bursary is an invaluable resource for civil and infrastructure engineering students who are committed to building a future in municipal engineering. By covering tuition and essential study materials, offering mentorship, and aligning studies with professional pathways, the bursary empowers students to excel. If you are a student or a dependent of an IMESA member pursuing civil or related infrastructure engineering, this bursary may be the catalyst for your educational and professional advancement.