Master Builders Association Western Cape Bursary 2026 – Apply Now
The Master Builders Association Western Cape (MBAWC) has opened applications for its 2026 bursary programme, offering much-needed financial support to students who want to build a career in the construction and built-environment sector. This bursary is aimed at students studying a wide range of construction-related qualifications at universities and universities of technology in the Western Cape.
With South Africa’s construction and infrastructure sector continuing to grow, there is strong demand for skilled professionals such as engineers, quantity surveyors, construction managers and project managers. The MBAWC bursary is designed to help develop this pipeline of future industry leaders by making tertiary education more accessible to deserving students.
Fields and qualifications covered
The bursary supports various fields within the construction and built environment, including the following qualifications:
University degrees
- BSc Civil Engineering
- BSc Construction Studies
- BSc (Hons) in Construction Management
- BSc (Hons) in Quantity Surveying
- MSc in Project Management
- Masters studies (subject to a motivated application)
- Other related university programmes
University of Technology qualifications
- Diploma: Construction (Extended)
- Diploma: Construction
- Advanced Diploma: Construction
- Advanced Diploma: Quantity Surveying
- Advanced Diploma: Construction Health & Safety
- Master of Construction
- Other related qualifications
These programmes prepare students for professional roles in planning, managing, costing, designing and delivering construction projects across the country.
Who can apply?
To qualify for the MBAWC bursary, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a South African citizen who completed their basic schooling in the Western Cape.
- Be studying (or planning to study) in one of the approved construction-related disciplines.
- Not qualify for NSFAS or receive funding from another bursary or SETA (such as CETA).
- Provide an affidavit confirming that parent or guardian income is between R350 000 and R600 000 per year.
- Preference is given to applicants who are employees or family members of MBAWC member companies, especially those employed for at least 24 uninterrupted months.
- There is no age limit, making this bursary accessible to both young students and working professionals who want to upskill.
How the funding works
The MBAWC bursary is awarded for one academic year and can be renewed if the student continues to meet the requirements. Funding is paid directly to the institution in two tranches:
- The first payment is made once the bursary is approved.
- The second payment is released after a mid-year academic performance review by the MBAWC trustees.
The bursary covers annual tuition fees only, up to an amount determined by the Trust.
How to apply
1. Download the official application form here:
MBAWC Bursary 2026 Application Form
https://admin.mbawc.org.za/images/uploads/courses/pdfs/mbawc-bursary-2026-21994.pdf
2. Complete the form in full and attach:
- Your most recent academic records
- Certified copies of all required documents (no originals)
- The completed income affidavit
3. Email your full application to: [email protected]
Important dates
- Closing date: 16 January 2026
- Successful applicants notified by: 13 February 2026
- If you are not contacted by 17 February 2026, your application should be considered unsuccessful.
This bursary is an excellent opportunity for Western Cape students who are passionate about construction, engineering and the built environment but do not qualify for NSFAS. If you meet the requirements, apply as soon as possible and take a major step toward a professional career in one of South Africa’s most important industries.
