Civil Engineering Bursaries in South Africa Available for 2026
Find on this page a List of Civil Engineering Bursaries in South Africa Available for 2026. Are you a hardworking South African student with a passion for building, design, and infrastructure development? If you dream of pursuing a career in Civil Engineering but face financial constraints, applying for a Civil Engineering bursary for the 2026/2027 academic year could be your gateway to success. Civil engineers play a vital role in shaping South Africa’s infrastructure, designing and maintaining roads, bridges, dams, buildings, and water systems essential for economic growth and community development. With ongoing investments in infrastructure and urban development, the demand for skilled civil engineers continues to rise. Fortunately, many institutions, government departments, and private companies are offering Civil Engineering bursaries in South Africa for 2026, providing much-needed financial support to deserving students.
What Is Civil Engineering?
Civil Engineering is a professional engineering discipline focused on the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of infrastructure projects that support modern society. This includes transportation systems, water and sanitation networks, buildings, and environmental projects. Civil engineering not only improves quality of life but also drives sustainable development, safety, and innovation across both urban and rural communities.
Major Fields of Civil Engineering Studies
In South Africa, Civil Engineering studies cover several key specializations, including:
- Structural Engineering: Design and analysis of buildings, bridges, and large structures.
- Transportation Engineering: Planning and maintenance of roads, railways, and traffic systems.
- Geotechnical Engineering: Study of soil and rock mechanics for foundations and earthworks.
- Water and Environmental Engineering: Management of water resources, sanitation, and environmental protection.
- Construction Engineering and Management: Oversight of construction projects, costs, and timelines.
- Municipal and Urban Engineering: Development of infrastructure for towns and cities.
Career Opportunities in Civil Engineering in South Africa
Graduates in Civil Engineering can pursue a wide range of career opportunities across the public and private sectors, including:
- Civil Engineer
- Structural or Site Engineer
- Transportation Engineer
- Water Resources Engineer
- Construction Project Manager
- Consulting Engineer
- Municipal Engineer
- Infrastructure Planner
With South Africa’s continued focus on infrastructure development and maintenance, civil engineers enjoy strong employment prospects locally and opportunities to work internationally.
Why Apply for Civil Engineering Bursaries in 2026?
Studying Civil Engineering can be expensive, with costs such as tuition fees, accommodation, textbooks, software, and fieldwork expenses. To support talented students, many government departments, municipalities, state-owned entities, engineering firms, and professional bodies are offering Civil Engineering bursaries in South Africa for 2026/2027. These bursaries often cover full or partial tuition, accommodation, allowances, and practical training opportunities.
Applying for a Civil Engineering bursary not only reduces the financial burden of studying but also provides valuable industry exposure, mentorship, and potential work-back opportunities, giving students a strong start in their engineering careers.
List of Civil Engineering Bursaries in South Africa Available for 2026
Below, you will find a comprehensive list of Civil Engineering bursaries in South Africa for 2026, offered by reputable government institutions, private companies, and engineering organizations. Each bursary listing includes details on eligibility criteria, fields of study covered, application procedures, and closing dates to help you plan and secure funding for your future in Civil Engineering.
Absa Fellowship / Scholarship Programme
Anglo American Platinum Bursary
AWS Skills Development Bursary
Bergrivier Municipality Bursary
Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality Bursary
Cape Winelands District Municipality Mayoral Bursary
Chris Hani District Municipality Bursary
Department of Public Works Bursary
Department of Transport Bursary
Department of Water & Sanitation Bursary
Dr JS Moroka Local Municipality Bursary
Dr Xolani Mkhwanazi South32 Bursary
Drakenstein Municipality Bursary
Eastern Cape Department of Transport Bursary
Education Empowerment and Development Fund (EEDF) Bursary
Emalahleni Local Municipality Bursary
eThekwini Municipality Bursary
Eastern Cape Department of Public Works and Infrastructure Bursary
Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality Bursary
Emadlangeni Municipality Bursary
Engcobo Local Municipality Bursary
Ephraim Mogale Local Municipality Bursary
Gauteng Dept of Infrastructure Development Bursary
Gauteng Department of Human Settlements Bursary
Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) Bursary
Ingquza Hill Local Municipality Bursary
iSimangaliso Wetland Park Bursary
KwaDukuza Municipality Bursary
KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport Bursary
KwaZulu-Natal Government Bursaries
Langeberg Municipality Bursary
Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (LDARD) Bursary
Limpopo Department of Public Works Bursary
L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science South Africa Grant
Makhuduthamaga Local Municipality Bursary
Masakh’iSizwe (Department of Transport and Public Works) Bursary
Master Builders Association Western Cape (MBAWC) Bursary
Mossel Bay Municipality Bursary
Mpumalanga Provincial Government Bursary
Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent (MISA) Bursary
Musina Local Municipality Bursary
Ndwedwe Local Municipality Bursary
Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Bursary
Nkangala District Municipality Bursary
North West Provincial Government Bursaries
Okhahlamba Local Municipality Bursary
Overberg District Municipality Bursary
Prince Albert Municipality Bursary
Ratlou Local Municipality Bursary
Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone (RBIDZ) Bursary
Saldanha Bay Municipality Bursary
SIOC Community Development Trust (SIOC-cdt) Bursary
South African Forestry Company Limited (SAFCOL) Bursary
South African Road Federation (SARF) Bursary
Stellenbosch Municipality Bursary
Steve Tshwete Local Municipality Bursary
TCTA (Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority) Bursary
Thabo Mofutsanyane District Municipality Bursary
The Msunduzi Municipality Bursary
Ubuhlebezwe Municipality Bursary
V3 Consulting Engineers Bursary
Vhembe District Municipality Mayoral Bursary
West Coast District Municipality Bursary