Civil engineering refers to a branch of engineering that deals with the design, planning, construction, and maintenance of infrastructure projects and structures.
Civil engineers apply various principles of mathematics and science to ensure the infrastructure they design is safe for occupation, sustainable and functional.
The field of engineering is diverse and qualified civil engineers can specialise in several different areas of the profession. These specialisations include but are not limited to project management, construction, transportation, urban engineering, water management, structural engineering and material technology.
To become a qualified civil engineer in South Africa, individuals are required to gain an accredited civil engineering qualification from a registered tertiary education institution.
Some of the civil engineering courses offered at these tertiary education institutions can be expensive and some households may not be able to absorb the cost of these courses. However, this should not deter aspiring civil engineers from setting out to achieve their goals.
There are several financial aid options available to students wanting to study civil engineering in South Africa. Bursaries Portal put together a list of civil engineering bursaries for South African students.
Civil Engineering Bursaries In South Africa
NSFAS
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) provides comprehensive bursaries to students from poor and working-class backgrounds in South Africa.
Students enrolled in approved civil engineering courses at public universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges can apply for NSFAS funding.
Vodacom Merit Bursary
The Vodacom Merit Bursary is provided to full-time first-year, second-year or third-year students studying in the Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics fields but may lack the necessary resources to study further.
Students who are awarded the Vodacom Merit Bursary enjoy fully paid tuition and registration fees, an accommodation allowance, textbook allocation, meal allowance, laptop, cellphone and workplace exposure.
Masakh'iSizwe Bursary Programme
The Masakh'iSizwe Bursary Programme from the Western Cape Government aims to develop professionals to work in the transport, engineering and built environment sectors. Bursaries are offered for full-time students studying towards a degree or diploma in the engineering and built environment sector.
The bursary includes tuition fees, accommodation fees, support programmes, meals or transport allowance as well as all prescribed books and materials.
SARF Study Bursary
The South African Road Federation (SARF) Study Bursary is available for suitably qualified individuals wishing to undertake further education or training in disciplines applicable to the road transport sector. This includes civil engineering.
While they specify that full-time students are given preference, part-time and distance-learning students can also apply for the bursary.
It's important to note that studying at advanced levels is preferred. However, undergraduate students may be considered under special circumstances.
CSIR Bursary
The CSIR Bursary supports full-time, unemployed students in obtaining qualifications in areas that are deemed a priority for the company. Civil engineering students can apply for the CSIR Masters Bursary.
StudyTrust 2024 Bursary
The StudyTrust administered bursaries and scholarships on behalf of several trusts, foundations, and private and corporate donors. They provide funding is provided annually to students in several disciplines.
Joe and Wagener bursary
Joe and Wagener offer a limited number of BSc Civil engineering bursaries to students in South Africa. It's important to note that if you are awarded the Joe and Wagener bursary, you may be required to do six weeks of paid vacation work at their offices in Rivonia or Centurion during the July and/or December recess.
These are not the only civil engineering bursaries available to students in South Africa. Bursaries are offered by government departments, universities and professional engineering companies. Students can also approach their university’s financial aid office to find out about potential funding opportunities.
When applying for any civil engineering bursary, you must familiarise yourself with the eligibility criteria, bursary application deadline and any additional requirements. These additional requirements may require you to submit specific documentation or complete essays or attend interviews as part of the application process.
Information on the latest bursaries available in South Africa can be found on the Bursaries Portal. You can also find more information on NSFAS, Fundi, student loans.
