Construction and Built Environment Bursaries South Africa 2027

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Construction is about planning, designing, creating and finally building infrastructures or facilities. People that work within the construction sector, generally see the project through from start to finish. Built environment is the man-made construction of homes, shopping centres, office blocks and even water and energy networks.

If your passion lies in creating construction and seeing the project through until completion, this may be the best career path for you.

View all bursaries OPEN for application here

How much can I earn within the Construction/ Built Environment field in South Africa?

The Construction and Built Environment sector is responsible for the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of buildings, infrastructure, and engineering projects. Professionals in this field play a vital role in the development of residential, commercial, industrial, and public infrastructure throughout South Africa.

Salaries within the sector vary depending on qualifications, professional registration, years of experience, industry, and project size. Registered professionals such as engineers, quantity surveyors, architects, and construction managers typically earn significantly higher salaries than entry-level graduates and technicians.

The table below provides estimated annual salary ranges for some of the most common careers within the Construction and Built Environment field in South Africa.

CareerEstimated Salary Range (per annum)
Construction ManagerR450,000 – R2,000,000+
Project Manager (Construction)R500,000 – R1,800,000
Civil EngineerR350,000 – R1,800,000+
Structural EngineerR400,000 – R2,000,000+
Mechanical EngineerR350,000 – R1,800,000+
Electrical EngineerR350,000 – R1,800,000+
Quantity SurveyorR350,000 – R1,500,000
Professional Quantity SurveyorR600,000 – R2,000,000+
ArchitectR300,000 – R1,500,000+
Professional ArchitectR600,000 – R2,500,000+
Building SurveyorR300,000 – R1,000,000
Construction EstimatorR250,000 – R900,000
Site ManagerR300,000 – R1,200,000
Site EngineerR300,000 – R1,200,000
Town and Regional PlannerR300,000 – R1,200,000
Urban PlannerR300,000 – R1,200,000
Property Development ManagerR500,000 – R2,500,000+
Facilities ManagerR350,000 – R1,200,000
Building InspectorR250,000 – R800,000
Land SurveyorR300,000 – R1,200,000
Geomatics ProfessionalR350,000 – R1,500,000
Environmental ConsultantR300,000 – R1,200,000
Health and Safety Manager (Construction)R450,000 – R1,500,000
Construction DirectorR1,200,000 – R5,000,000+

Where can I find Construction/ Built Environment bursaries in South Africa?

Construction and Built Environment bursaries provide financial assistance to students pursuing qualifications in fields such as Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Architecture, Urban Planning, Property Development, and related disciplines. These bursaries are offered by government departments, construction companies, engineering firms, property developers, and professional organisations seeking to support the next generation of built environment professionals.

In addition to covering study-related expenses, many bursary programmes offer vacation work, practical training, mentorship opportunities, and potential employment upon graduation. As South Africa continues to invest in infrastructure development, housing, transportation networks, and commercial projects, qualified professionals within the Construction and Built Environment sector remain in high demand.

Please note that some of the bursaries listed below may be closed. Always check the closing date of each bursary on the relevant bursary page.

ARCHITECTURE BURSARIES FOR 2027

Architects are responsible for the process and end-product of their designing, planning and construction of buildings and structures.

BUILDING SCIENCE & MANAGEMENT BURSARIES FOR 2027

Building Science is a career that draws upon disciplines of architecture, engineering, physics, chemistry, life sciences, and biology to understand the physical aspect of a building system. Building Scientists/ Managers understand how a building affects comfort, energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and durability. Building science is a vital career as it can correct many system deficiencies, such as sick building syndrome, energy loss, proliferation, and mold growth.

Building scientists work along with designers to consider the following interactions and systems when establishing a building: its enclosure/ envelope, the occupants that need to live in there, its infrastructure, its finishes (walls, floors, ceilings, etc), landscaping, as well as microclimates and weather.

A Bachelors of Building Science or Masters of Building Science Degree will aid you in gaining an understanding of building practices that are safe, sustainable, and efficient. As a Building Scientist student, you will learn about all aspects of building, from the construction process to lighting and acoustics. A Degree in Building Science will give you knowledge as well as a qualification in technology, science, and the economics of building construction as well as a key understanding of architecture.

If this sounds like a career path you would be interested in pursuing, you should apply for these Building Science Bursaries:

CONSTRUCTION & BUILDING BURSARIES FOR 2027

Construction and Building; although they have the same definitions, there is a slight difference between these two professions. Construction refers to a broad project in the field such as constructing a road, whereas Building refers to establishing a home or business; construction can refer to a skyscraper whereas building only ever refers to a closed structure consisting of a roof and walls.

The construction industry is very important for our economy as it is responsible for all the major establishments- from building a road to a monument, dam, wooden structure, or even real estate assets. The construction and building sector contribute greatly to the economy as it is an investment-led sector showing the most amount of interest. The construction and building industry are essential for every country as with the aid of their government contracts, infrastructure that is related to education, health, and transport is further developed.

To become a builder, you will need to gain your education from apprenticeships, on-the-job training, or a degree in construction. You could begin your career in the industry with an entry-level job such as an apprentice or laborer, where a qualification is not a necessity. However, further completing a course, coupled with your practical experience will put you in higher steed in the industry as well as meet the minimum educational requirements needed to apply for your Builder’s License.

As for tertiary qualifications, you could obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in construction management, increasing your chance of finding employment. You could possibly begin in a management role as an entry-level employee with a 4-year degree in construction management/ relevant field. You may also get entry-level training from apprenticeship programs offered by companies and trade unions, which last 3 to 5 years, comprising of classroom and on-the-job training.

If you are looking for bursaries or funding for the Construction and Building sector, here are some options for you:

GENERAL BUILT ENVIRONMENT BURSARIES FOR 2027

Built Environment refers to all the man-made resources that surround us, aiding in human activity. This ranges from parks to neighbourhoods, buildings, cities, and even sporting infrastructure. The built environment is the outcome of human labour, combining physical elements such as energy forms that is used for working, playing, and living. The built environment is essential to our economy as it enhances morale, community and nature as well as provides safe facilities for people to live and play in. The built environment primarily covers the real estate sector (all aspects pertaining to the property.) Many built environment graduates will focus mainly on urban planning (for example) whereby they calculate the best finance deal, manage the planning process, plan for a new development, and look at the sustainability of building designs.

With a qualification relevant to Built Environment, you can work in large property companies, management consultancies, multi-disciplinary or integrated engineering consultancies, housing, real estate and finance, or even be an owner/ occupant.

The qualifications you need to start a career in a Built Environment is a Bachelors of Science/ Honours in Quantity Surveying, a Bachelors of Science/ Honours in Construction Management, a Bachelors/ Honours in Real Estate, and a Masters of Science in Real Estate. Many national and international Professional Councils may offer you accredited programmes to help you obtain this qualification. With an Honours degree in Real Estate, you could establish a career as a Property Valuer, plummeting yourself into one of South Africa’s most lucrative sectors. With a Bachelor’s in Town and Regional planning, you can also register as a professional Town or Regional planner with the South African Council and Regional Planners where your degree will be recognised globally.

If you are looking for bursaries or funding for the Built Environment sector, here are some options for you:

LAND SURVEYING BURSARIES FOR 2027

Land Surveying is the science whereby Land Surveyors restore lines, corners, monuments, and boundaries of land/ property using historical evidence, recorded documents, as well as modern standards of practice. One of the main purposes of Land Surveying is to determine the boundary of someone’s property which is described by legal documents. The land surveyor then follows the description of the document and identifies the boundary by marking it on the land so that the owner of the property knows what area they own. Land Surveying consists of two main disciplines: Archaeology and Private Investigating. Some branches of Land Surveying are Civil Engineers, Architects, Town Planners, Developers, Property Owners, Constructor Companies, and Mining Companies.

Land Surveying is vital as it helps in the preparation of telegraphic, cadastral, engineering, and contour maps; as well as construction surveys.

To become a Land Surveyor you can study a Diploma in Surveying, Bachelors of Science in Land Surveying, or a Bachelors of Science in any field of Surveying. Thereafter, you will need to complete 300 days of practical work, pass specified exams, and pay council fees. Once you qualify as a professional surveyor and are recognized by the South African Geomatics Council (SAGC), you can register as a Professional Surveyor.

If you are looking for bursaries or funding for the Land Surveying sector, here are some options for you:

PROJECT MANAGEMENT BURSARIES FOR 2027

Project Management is a profession whereby an individual (the Project Manager) leads a team at work to achieve specific goals within the constraints they are given. Project Managers use specific skills, tools, knowledge, as well as techniques to ensure that people are delivered with something of high value. Some examples of projects that Project Managers embark on are the development of software for a new business process, facilitating the construction of a new building, expanding sales into a new market, and more. Project Management is important and vital to society as it ensures a smooth flow of work within the corporate and business worlds. Project Management ensures that whatever project is being delivered is right and will add value to the business; it also brings leadership to the workplace which is able to direct projects (as well as a clear focus on the objectives); realistic goals and project planning; ensuring excellent quality control; as well as managing any risks.

To become a Project Manager, you will need to have a relevant Diploma or Degree in Project Management or a Diploma/ Degree in your area of specialities (e.g. Engineering, ICT, etc.) Subjects that are recommended for someone wanting to pursue a career in Project Management are Mathematics, Economics, and Physics. Potential career avenues in Project Management are becoming a Marketing Manager, Project Manager, Chief Operations Officer, Engineering Manager, Operations Manager, and Social Media Manager.

If you are looking for bursaries or funding for the Project Management sector, here are some options for you:

QUANTITY SURVEYING BURSARIES FOR 2027

Quantity surveyors (also known as a “QS”, they are responsible for the management of costs relating to civil and building engineering projects – from first calculations to final costs. QS’s aim to minimise project cost and achieve greater value for money for clients, without compromising on quality.

SAFETY BURSARIES FOR 2027

Safety Officers and Managers both fall under the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) sector. OHS is established to ensure that every employee at the workplace is safe and will not damage their health. Safety Officers are appointed to ensure that all health and safety protocols are followed in the workplace and that the work environment is safe. A Safety Manager is a qualified employee who has been given the responsibility to ensure that safety management systems are prepared and executed on a continuous basis.

Safety Officers and Managers are essential in the workplace as they ensure employees’ compliance with the regulations, actively manage any risks, investigate any incidents that may have happened in the workplace, and provide safety training to employees.

To become a Safety Officer/ Manager you will need to obtain an accredited NQF-5 qualification or equivalent, and you would need to have relevant work experience. Thereafter, you can gain membership with the South African Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (SAIOSH.) To become a Health and Safety Manager in the Construction Industry, you would need to be registered with the South African Council for Project and Construction Management Professions (SACPCMP.)

If you are looking for bursaries or funding within the Safety sector, here are some options for you:

TOWN AND REGIONAL PLANNING BURSARIES FOR 2027

Town and Regional Planning is responsible for the promotion and management of change by planning, implementing, designing, and managing public interventions pertaining to the development and use of land. The main aim of Town and Regional Planning is to ensure that settlements that are sustainable are built, promote equity, improve the overall quality of people’s lives, and more. Town and Regional planning are essential to society as it corrects any imbalances (such as spatial imbalances) within urban and rural areas, as well as improper living environments.

To establish a career in Town and Regional Planning, you will need to obtain a relevant Diploma and Bachelor’s Qualification. Potential career avenues in Town and Regional Planning are a Local Government Officer, Housing Manager/ Officer, Historic Buildings Inspector/ Conservation Officer, Transport Planner, Town Planner, or Urban Designer.

If you are looking for bursaries or funding within the Town and Regional Planning field, here are some options for you:

ARTISAN/ SKILLED TRADESMEN BURSARIES FOR 2027

BIOLER MAKER BURSARIES FOR 2027

Boilermakers create steel fabrications from sections and plates. These trained craftsmen can work on mining equipment construction to blast furnaces and even bridges.

BRICKLAYING BURSARIES FOR 2027

Bricklayers are craftsmen who lay bricks in order to construct a blockwork wall/ brickwork formation or another type of masonary.

CARPENTRY BURSARIES FOR 2027

Carpenters are skilled workmen who cut, shape and install building materials during construction, they also build furniture and cabinets. Traditionally carpenters only worked with wood, but nowadays many other materials are used.

ELECTRICAL/ ELECTRICIAN BURSARIES FOR 2027

Electricians specialise in electrical wiring of equipment, machinery and buildings. They either install new electrical components or perform repairs and maintenance on existing electrical infrastructures.

FITTER & TURNER BURSARIES FOR 2027

A fitter & turner repairs and performs maintenance on various types of machinery. They are highly skilled craftsmen who manufacture, create and fit components in machines.

MILLWRIGHT BURSARIES FOR 2027

A millwright is responsible for the fabricating, moving, upgrading, assembling, installing, maintaining and dismantling of machinery and equipment in power plants, factories or industrial settings. Millwrights (also known as an “industrial maintenance mechanic”) are able to read complex technical plans, blueprints and other drawings, as well as understand the workings of various machinery.

PAINTING BURSARIES FOR 2027

Professional painters see a job through from beginning to end – by first preparing the area for painting. Preparation can include removing old paint, filling holes and cleaning walls
The average rate for a painter is around R26 per hour, while spray painters generally earn an average of R117 000 per annum.

PLUMBING BURSARIES FOR 2027

Plumbers install, repair and perform maintenance on plumbing and fixtures which distribute water and waste disposal in industrial, commercial and residential buildings.

WELDING BURSARIES FOR 2027

Welders use intense heat to fuse various metal components together, thereby forming a final product.