IMESA Bursary

Who can apply

• Bursary Scheme A: for non-IMESA members
• You must be studying full time towards a Civil Engineering degree qualification (or a related infrastructure engineering discipline)
• You must have completed your 1st year of study
• You must be entering your 2nd year (or higher) of study in 2027
• You must be studying at an ECSA accredited tertiary institution in South Africa
• You must have proven financial need (NOT be able to afford your studies without a bursary)
• Bursary Scheme B: for dependents of IMESA members
• You must be a child or dependent of an IMESA member (the IMESA member must have held membership for a minimum of 5 years)

How to apply

Applications are submitted directly to IMESA - we do not collect applications. Read the eligibility criteria, prepare your supporting documents, then complete your application on the official page.

Full details

IMESA Bursary South Africa 2027

WHAT FIELDS OF STUDY DOES THE IMESA BURSARY COVER?

The Institute of Municipal Engineering of Southern Africa (IMESA) is inviting students to apply for their bursary programme, for the 2027 academic year.

Bursaries will be awarded for studies within the Civil Engineering field, however, other engineering disciplines may be considered at the discretion of the Executive Council of IMESA.

IMESA will be awarding 2 types of bursaries:

• Bursaries for non-IMESA members (Bursary Scheme A)
• Bursaries for dependents of IMESA members (Bursary Scheme B)

WHAT IS THE VALUE OF THE IMESA BURSARY?

The bursary will provide cover for tuition fees and books only, up to a maximum value of R50 000.

Bursary funding will be paid directly to the tertiary institution where the recipient is studying, within 60 days of IMESA receiving the student account statement (or as agreed upon between the IMESA representative and student). Before the first bursary instalment is issued, students must provide IMESA Head Office with the following: proof of enrolment for the specific course and a medical certificate.

Bursary recipients will be appointed a mentor and students are encouraged to participate in IMESA activities.

WHAT IS THE SELECTION PROCESS FOR THE IMESA BURSARY?

Successful candidates will be notified by the end of 2026. Candidates will undergo a full evaluation process before bursaries are awarded.

WHAT ARE THE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR IMESA BURSARIES?

Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying (please note that failure to satisfy all the requirements will lead to your application not being considered):

Bursary Scheme A: for non-IMESA members

Bursary Scheme B: for dependents of IMESA members

HOW CAN I APPLY FOR THE IMESA BURSARY?

Download and complete the relevant IMESA bursary application form:

• Bursary Scheme A: IMESA Bursary Application Form 2027 (for non-members) (.pdf)
• Bursary Scheme B: IMESA Bursary Application Form 2027 (for dependents of members) (.pdf)

Enter “www.zabursaries.co.za” in the field asking how you heard about the IMESA bursary.

Applications must be submitted via email to: [email protected](Insert the words “IMESA Bursary Application (Scheme A)” or “IMESA Bursary Application (Scheme B)” in the email subject line).

WHAT DOCUMENTS MUST I SUBMIT FOR THE IMESA BURSARY?

Submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation along with your completed application form (the submission of these documents is compulsory - if any items are missing, your application may be disqualified):

• ID document (certified copy)
• 2026 mid year exam results (certified copy)
• Undersigned statement from the tertiary institute, declaring your academic progress in your first year
• Affidavit declaring your parents/ guardians monthly income, and your financial situation

NOTES ABOUT THE IMESA BURSARY

• Bursary recipients are NOT guaranteed employment with IMESA after graduation, however, students will be requested to follow a career in Local Government if possible.

WHEN IS THE CLOSING DATE FOR THE IMESA BURSARY?

15 September 2026.

(Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted - please apply before the closing date to ensure your application is considered.)

HOW CAN I CONTACT THE BURSARY PROVIDER?

For any queries related to this bursary programme, please contact IMESA directly:Tel: 031 266 3263Email: [email protected]

WHAT DOES IMESA DO?

Established in 1961, the Institute of Municipal Engineering of Southern Africa (IMESA) is a professional organisation that supports municipal engineering and infrastructure development across Southern Africa. The Institute provides a platform for engineers, municipalities, academics and industry partners to exchange knowledge, promote best practices and contribute to the sustainable delivery of public infrastructure. IMESA has grown to represent more than a thousand individual members, together with numerous affiliate organisations operating within the engineering and built environment sectors.

IMESA’s mission is to advance excellence in municipal engineering by encouraging professional development, technical innovation and collaboration. Through training, conferences, publications and industry partnerships, the Institute helps strengthen engineering capacity while supporting municipalities in delivering reliable infrastructure and essential public services.

Introduced in 2000, the IMESA Bursary Scheme assists academically deserving students pursuing qualifications in civil and infrastructure engineering at accredited South African tertiary institutions. The programme aims to reduce financial barriers for promising students while also recognising the achievements of IMESA members and their dependants, helping to develop the next generation of municipal engineering professionals.

- END -

Frequently asked questions

Sources

This page summarises information published by: