SAICE SPEBS

About SAICE SPEBS

SPEBS stands for the SAICE Patrons' Engineering Bursary Scheme. The South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE) administers it from SAICE House in Midrand. The scheme began in 1992 as a project of the South African Institute of Civil Engineering Technicians and Technologists. When that body later merged into SAICE, the scheme kept its name and carried on.

SPEBS works as a non-profit fund. It relies on donations from companies and individuals in the civil engineering sector, who are known as patrons. Some patrons give to a shared pool. Others fund named bursaries in their own company's name. Patrons also gain access to a group of strong students, and they may arrange employment with recipients.

How SPEBS supports students

South Africa has a lasting shortage of civil engineers, technologists and technicians. Industry patrons back SPEBS because they want more qualified people to enter the profession. The scheme helps students who are academically strong but short of money.

Awards are made each semester. The SAICE website has quoted a maximum of R6,500 per student per semester, while recent bursary listings say up to R7,000. The amount depends on merit, need and the money available. The funds go toward registration, tuition and prescribed books. Payment goes directly to your institution, and you do not receive it as cash.

SPEBS is aimed at students in a National Diploma or a degree in civil engineering. Diploma students qualify after passing their first-level (S1) exams. Degree students qualify after passing their first year. Listings therefore describe the awards as meant for students in their second year and later.

What to know before applying

Applications are made by email to the SPEBS desk at spebs@saice.org.za. You will need a certified copy of your ID and a certified copy of your full academic record, including recent results. If you win an award, you must also provide proof of registration. Missing documents can disqualify an application.

Recent notices gave a closing date at the end of July, but dates can change. Check the SAICE site for the current form and deadline. SAICE's public material does not describe a formal work-back obligation. However, patron companies may offer employment to bursars, so ask the SPEBS desk about any terms before you accept.

Civil engineering covers roads, bridges, water systems, dams and buildings, so graduates are needed across the country. A small bursary such as this one will not cover every cost. Many students therefore combine SPEBS with other funding, for example a municipal bursary, a company award or NSFAS. If you receive help from several sources, tell each funder so there are no surprises when fees are paid.