IMESA Bursary Sout Africa 2027

The Institute of Municipal Engineering of Southern Africa (IMESA) is inviting applications for its IMESA Bursary for the 2027 academic year. The bursary is intended for students who are already studying full-time at a recognised tertiary institution in South Africa and who have successfully completed their mid-year examinations.

The IMESA Bursary primarily supports students studying Civil Engineering, although other engineering disciplines may be considered at the discretion of the IMESA Executive Council.

IMESA offers two bursary application categories: one for dependants of IMESA members and another for students who are not dependants of IMESA members. The appropriate application form must be completed according to the applicant’s circumstances.

According to IMESA, applications for the 2027 study year are available from June and must reach the IMESA Head Office by 15 September 2026. Successful applicants are notified before the end of the year following the evaluation process.

What Is the IMESA Bursary?

The IMESA Bursary is a financial assistance programme offered by the Institute of Municipal Engineering of Southern Africa to support students pursuing full-time engineering studies at recognised tertiary institutions in South Africa.

The bursary is designed to assist students who may otherwise struggle to afford their studies. It also recognises the achievements of students who are dependants of IMESA members.

The IMESA bursary scheme has been operating since 2000 and focuses primarily on Civil Engineering and related infrastructure engineering disciplines. Other engineering fields may be considered at the discretion of the IMESA Executive Council.

What Fields of Study Does the IMESA Bursary Cover?

The primary field supported by the IMESA Bursary is:

• Civil Engineering

IMESA states that other engineering disciplines may also be considered at the discretion of the Executive Council. Therefore, students studying an engineering qualification other than Civil Engineering should not automatically assume that they are excluded, but should understand that consideration is not guaranteed.

The bursary is particularly relevant to students interested in engineering and infrastructure careers connected to municipalities and the public infrastructure sector.

What Are the IMESA Bursary Eligibility Requirements?

The IMESA Bursary is not primarily intended for students entering university for the first time. Applicants must already be registered for full-time studies and must have successfully completed their mid-year examinations.

For the 2027 academic year, applicants should meet the following requirements:

• You must be studying full-time.
• You must be registered at a recognised tertiary educational institution in South Africa.
• You must have successfully completed your mid-year examinations.
• You must be progressing to your second year or a higher year of study in 2027.
• You must be studying towards Civil Engineering or another engineering discipline that may be considered by IMESA.

Requirements for Dependants of IMESA Members

IMESA has a separate application category for dependants of IMESA members. Students applying under this category must use the appropriate Member/Dependants application form.

Requirements for Non-IMESA Member Dependants

Students who are not applying as dependants of IMESA members should use the Non-Member application form. The two application categories have separate forms and applicants should select the form that applies to them.

Meeting the minimum requirements does not automatically guarantee that you will receive the bursary. Applications are evaluated before awards are made, and bursaries are granted at the discretion of IMESA.

What Does the IMESA Bursary Cover?

The IMESA Bursary provides financial assistance towards the cost of tertiary study.

• Tuition fees
• Books

The bursary payment is made directly to the relevant tertiary institution rather than being paid directly to the student.

IMESA also appoints a mentor for bursary recipients and encourages students to participate in IMESA activities. This provides recipients with an opportunity to become familiar with the professional engineering environment and the work associated with the organisation.

Does the IMESA Bursary Cover Accommodation or a Living Allowance?

The official IMESA bursary information specifically states that the bursary covers tuition fees and books. It does not state that accommodation, meals or a general living allowance are included. Applicants should therefore not assume that these expenses will be covered.

What Documents Are Required for the IMESA Bursary?

Applicants should carefully prepare the supporting documentation requested in the relevant IMESA application form. The required documents may include evidence of academic progress, registration and financial circumstances.

• Completed IMESA Bursary Application Form
• Latest academic results, including your mid-year examination results
• Proof of registration or enrolment at your tertiary institution
• Copy of your South African identity document or other identification requested by the application form
• Financial information or supporting documentation where required
• Information confirming your relationship to an IMESA member if applying as a dependant of an IMESA member

Applicants should use the current IMESA application form and follow the document requirements specified on that form. Avoid submitting incomplete applications because missing information or supporting documents may affect the evaluation of your application.

How to Apply for the IMESA Bursary

The IMESA Bursary application is completed using an IMESA application form. There are separate forms for dependants of IMESA members and applicants who are not dependants of IMESA members.

Step 1: Choose the Correct Application Form

First determine whether you are applying as a dependant of an IMESA member or under the non-member category. Download and complete the relevant application form.

Step 2: Complete the Application Form

Provide accurate information about your personal details, tertiary studies, academic progress and financial circumstances. Make sure that all required sections have been completed before submitting the application.

Step 3: Attach the Required Documents

Attach the supporting documents requested by IMESA. Check your application carefully to ensure that the academic, registration, identification and other required documents are included.

Step 4: Submit Your Application to IMESA

Submit the completed application and supporting documentation to IMESA using the application instructions provided by the organisation.

For the 2027 academic year, applications must reach the IMESA Head Office by 15 September 2026.

When Is the IMESA Bursary Closing Date?

The closing date for the IMESA Bursary 2027 is:

IMESA states that applications for the 2027 study year must be received at its Head Office by 15 September 2026.

Students should submit their applications before the deadline rather than waiting until the final day. Late applications may not be considered.

How Can I Contact IMESA?

If you have questions about the bursary programme or require additional information, you can contact IMESA directly:

• Organisation: Institute of Municipal Engineering of Southern Africa (IMESA)
• Email: bursaries@imesa.org.za
• Website: IMESA Bursaries

For bursary-specific enquiries, use the official IMESA bursary contact details rather than relying on information from third-party bursary websites.

What Does IMESA Do?

The Institute of Municipal Engineering of Southern Africa (IMESA) is a professional organisation associated with municipal engineering and infrastructure development in Southern Africa.

IMESA provides a professional platform for people involved in municipal engineering and related infrastructure fields. Its activities include professional development, knowledge sharing, technical engagement and support for engineering excellence.

The organisation’s bursary programme contributes to the development of future engineering professionals by providing financial assistance to students studying Civil Engineering and other engineering disciplines that may be considered by the IMESA Executive Council.

Important Things to Know Before Applying for the IMESA Bursary

• The bursary is aimed at students who are already registered for full-time tertiary study.
• You must have successfully completed your mid-year examinations.
• The bursary applies to the following year of study, meaning students entering second year or higher in 2027 may be considered.
• Civil Engineering is the main field supported.
• Other engineering disciplines may be considered at the discretion of the IMESA Executive Council.
• The bursary covers tuition fees and books.
• A mentor is appointed to bursary recipients.
• Receiving the IMESA Bursary does not automatically guarantee employment with IMESA after graduation.
• Applicants should disclose other bursary funding they have received, as this may be considered during the award process.
• The final award of a bursary is subject to IMESA’s evaluation and approval process.

IMESA Bursary 2027: Quick Summary

Bursary provider	Institute of Municipal Engineering of Southern Africa (IMESA)
Academic year	2027
Main field of study	Civil Engineering
Other fields	Other engineering disciplines may be considered at IMESA’s discretion
Study level	Students progressing to second year or higher
Study mode	Full-time
Institution	Recognised tertiary institution in South Africa
Funding	Tuition fees and books
Mentorship	Mentor appointed to bursary recipients
Closing date	15 September 2026
Application	IMESA application form
Contact email	bursaries@imesa.org.za

Frequently Asked Questions About the IMESA Bursary

When does the IMESA Bursary 2027 close?

The closing date for the IMESA Bursary for the 2027 academic year is 15 September 2026. Applications must reach the IMESA Head Office by the closing date.

What is the IMESA Bursary 2027?

The IMESA Bursary 2027 is a financial assistance programme offered by the Institute of Municipal Engineering of Southern Africa to support students already studying full-time at recognised tertiary institutions in South Africa. The bursary primarily supports Civil Engineering studies.

What fields of study does the IMESA Bursary cover?

The main field is Civil Engineering. Other engineering disciplines may be considered at the discretion of the IMESA Executive Council.

Can first-year students apply for the IMESA Bursary?

The IMESA Bursary is intended for students who are already registered for full-time tertiary study and have successfully completed their mid-year examinations. The bursary applies to the following year of study, meaning it is aimed at students progressing to second year or higher rather than students entering university for the first time.

Does the IMESA Bursary cover tuition fees?

Yes. The IMESA Bursary covers tuition fees and books. The payment is made to the relevant tertiary institution.

Does the IMESA Bursary cover accommodation?

IMESA’s official bursary information specifies tuition fees and books as the covered expenses. It does not state that accommodation is covered, so applicants should not assume that accommodation or living expenses form part of the bursary.

How do I apply for the IMESA Bursary online?

The IMESA Bursary application is completed using the relevant IMESA application form. Applicants should select the correct form for their category, complete it and submit it with the required supporting documents according to IMESA’s instructions.

What documents are needed for the IMESA Bursary?

Applicants should prepare the completed application form together with the supporting documents requested by IMESA. These can include academic results, proof of registration, identification, financial information and, where applicable, information confirming that the applicant is a dependant of an IMESA member.

Can I apply for the IMESA Bursary if I am not a dependant of an IMESA member?

Yes. IMESA has a bursary application category for applicants who are not dependants of IMESA members. A separate application form is provided for this category.

Does receiving the IMESA Bursary guarantee a job at IMESA?

No. Receiving the IMESA Bursary does not guarantee employment with IMESA after graduation. However, bursary recipients are encouraged to participate in IMESA activities and the programme is intended to support the development of future engineering professionals.

How can I contact IMESA about the bursary?

You can contact IMESA regarding the bursary by emailing bursaries@imesa.org.za. The official IMESA bursary page also provides the current application information and forms.

Important: Bursary requirements, application procedures and closing dates can change. Always verify the latest information directly with IMESA before submitting your application.