ICMEESA

About ICMEESA

The Institution of Certificated Mechanical and Electrical Engineers, South Africa, or ICMEESA, is a professional body based at 73 Fifth Avenue, Northmead, Benoni. It has a distinction that few engineering bodies share. It enjoys statutory recognition under the Engineering Profession of South Africa Act as the only learning and vocational institution that serves certificated mechanical and electrical engineers.

Its members hold, or are working towards, a Certificate of Competency. This certificate is the legal qualification needed to take responsibility for machinery and installations in the country's mines and factories. Certificated engineers therefore carry a serious duty, because they oversee equipment where safety is critical. The institution supports its members through training and professional development, which explains why it takes the education of future engineers seriously.

How ICMEESA supports students

Because of this role, the institution has a direct interest in growing the number of trained candidates. Its bursary programme exists to help students on the road to a Certificate of Competency. Awards are restricted to Mechanical Engineering and to Electrical Engineering in Heavy Current, the two fields that lead to that certificate.

Published criteria say applicants must be South African citizens with a matric certificate. They must study at a university, university of technology or technical college accredited for the purpose. University of technology students need to have passed their first year. TVET college students need to have passed all their qualifying N3 subjects.

The bursary pays tuition fees and textbooks, either in part or in full, as the ICMEESA council decides. Awards are renewable year by year. Preference goes to previous bursary holders and to children of ICMEESA members, with extra weight for members of five years' standing or longer. This shows that ICMEESA is a membership body as much as a funder.

What to know before applying

The number of awards is small, and they are not guaranteed. Students without a family link to the institution can still apply, but they should be realistic about the preference rules. In particular, a good academic record and a clear plan to qualify for the Certificate of Competency will strengthen your case. Remember that a bursary only covers part of the journey, because the Certificate of Competency also requires examinations and practical experience. Plan your studies and workplace training together.

ICMEESA is a professional and statutory body, not a commercial employer. Public information does not describe any work-back or employment bond attached to its bursaries. However, terms can change, so confirm them with the institution.

Closing dates are not fixed in the material we reviewed. Contact ICMEESA or check its official website for the current round and the application form.