ILASA Bursary South Africa: Landscape Architecture Funding for Students

ILASA Bursary South Africa – Landscape Architecture Bursary

If you’re looking to pursue a career in Landscape Architecture, you may qualify to receive funding from the Institute for Landscape Architecture in South Africa. The organisation has created a bursary policy which will assist South African students who qualify to study Landscape Architectural qualifications. ILASA Bursary South Africa

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This bursary aims to increase accessibility to the profession for those who may not have had the best of opportunities and need the funding. It will consider both undergraduate and postgraduate students who attend recognised tertiary institutions in South Africa.

The policy has been updated in October 2026. It outlines who qualifies for the bursary, what academic requirements must be met, how much funding will be received and what obligations are involved. It does not confirm whether applications are open for the 2027 academic year.

Those who are looking to apply for this bursary should know the terms and conditions surrounding it. This includes meeting academic requirements.

ILASA Bursary South Africa

The bursary will be administered and funded by the Institute for Landscape Architecture in South Africa.

The purpose of this bursary is to help bring about transformation and diversity in the Landscape Architectural profession. This is done by providing funding to encourage more historically disadvantaged individuals to join the profession.

This bursary will be available to those who qualify, and are either an undergraduate or postgraduate student.

The basics of this bursary include:

• Provider: Institute for Landscape Architecture in South Africa
• Funding Type: Tertiary Education Bursary
• Study Field: Accredited Landscape Architectural Qualifications
• Level of Study: Undergraduate or postgraduate
• Eligibility: South African Citizens who meet the criteria.
• Institutions: South African tertiary institutions offering accredited programmes by SACLAP.
• Funding: Available depending on funds and approval.
• Policy Updated: October 2026
• Application Open: Not confirmed.
• Closing Date: Not confirmed.

The policy mentions that this bursary is subject to approval and signature from the Delegated Authority. Those who are looking to apply should make sure that this bursary is available.

About the Institute for Landscape Architecture in South Africa

The Institute for Landscape Architecture in South Africa is dedicated to developing and transforming the Landscape Architectural profession.

Their bursary helps to assist those who wish to pursue a career in this specialised field. This bursary helps to create a more diverse profession.

They also aim to support those who receive the bursary. This will include monitoring their academic progress, mentoring and experiential learning opportunities with companies.

This bursary will be administered by an ILASA National Executive Committee (NEC). A Bursary Committee will also assess applications, recommend funding and monitor successful students.

Who Can Apply ILASA Bursary South Africa?

The policy outlines that both undergraduate and postgraduate students can apply.

However, there are certain requirements that must be met.

Applicants must be:

• South African citizens.
• Complete a full bursary application form.
• Provide proof of financial status.
• Have an appropriate Senior Certificate/Matric/Grade 12.
• Meet the minimum academic requirements.
• Be studying in the academic year following the closing date.
• Have proof of registration or be able to provide proof of registration at an eligible tertiary institution.
• Be studying an Landscape Architectural programme accredited by the South African Council for the Landscape Architectural Profession (SACLAP).
• Meet the entry and progression requirements of their chosen institution/faculty.
• Meet any additional academic requirements set by ILASA.

Those who meet these requirements will then be considered for funding. Applications will be assessed based on the criteria below.

Minimum Academic Requirements

The academic requirements are an important factor in this bursary.

The policy states that different requirements must be met depending on if you are a school leaver or if you are continuing your studies.

School Leavers:

• Must have a Senior Certificate/Matric/Grade 12 with a minimum aggregate of 60% in:
• English.
• Mathematics.
• Physical Science.

Continuing Studies:

• Student must provide a full academic transcript showing a minimum average aggregate pass of 60% in all subjects from their 2nd year onwards.

The policy also states that you must provide proof of your academic performance from the previous year of study if you are studying relevant Landscape Architectural qualifications.

Make sure that your academic records are complete.

Selection Process

Once you’ve met the minimum requirements, the ILASA Bursary Committee will consider your application based on:

• Financial Need.
• Historically Disadvantaged.
• Academic Performance.
• Funding availability.
• Commitment to Landscape Architecture.

The committee may also interview applicants and ask for additional assessments.

Once you’ve been successful, you’ll need to complete and sign the bursary agreement.

What is Covered?

The total amount of this bursary will be decided by ILASA. How much you receive will not be stated in the policy.

Depending on what funding has been approved, you may receive funding for:

• University registration fees.
• Tuition.
• Books.
• Stationery.
• Course materials.
• Accommodation.

You may receive this money directly into your university account, student accommodation or relevant supplier.

Not all students will receive funding for all of these.

The policy also states that you will not receive funding for:

• Travel.
• Sports Club Fees.
• Student Organisation Fees.
• Insurance/Investment/Funeral Policies.
• Late Registration Fees.
• Re-examination Fees.
• Repeat Subject/module Fees.
• Irrelevant Additional Study Programmes.

Those applying should find out exactly what funding they will receive.

Important Terms and Conditions

There are some important terms and conditions that you’ll need to be aware of if you receive this funding.

You are expected to pass 100% of your courses/subjects.

Every 6 months, your academic progress will be monitored. You must provide your exam results within 20 days of receiving them and provide relevant academic information if asked.

You’ll also be expected to:

• Attend lectures/tutorials/academic support programmes.
• Complete assignments/practical work.
• Attend Mentoring sessions.
• Respond to communication from your ILASA mentor.
• Ensure your contact details are up to date.
• Become a member of ILASA and participate in relevant activities.
• Participate in experiential learning with your adopting company.

You must also gain approval if you wish to change your field of study.

Important: If you do not meet the relevant academic/contractual requirements, your bursary may be suspended.

If you withdraw/discontinue/change your programme, you may be asked to repay your funding. Make sure you read through your agreement carefully.

Post-Graduation Requirements

An important part of this bursary is that you are expected to contribute to the Landscape Architectural profession once you’ve completed your studies.

Those who receive funding are expected to work with a Landscape Architectural company based in South Africa, or in a Landscape Architectural role with another Built Environment company for the same number of years that they received funding.

For example if you received funding for 2 years, you would be expected to work for 2 years.

You are also expected to remain registered as Candidate professionals with SACLAP for the relevant period.

You must provide proof of employment to ILASA each year.

Those applying should be aware of these requirements.

How to Apply ILASA Bursary South Africa

The policy states that the bursary may be advertised on their official website, or they may contact nominated students who qualify. The application process, and relevant courses that will be prioritised, can be found in the relevant advertisement/application documents.

The application link and process are not confirmed in the vacancy information.

Those interested should check ILASA’s official communication channels to see if they have announced an application period.

The policy does not confirm an application opening date for the 2027 academic year.

Applications after the closing date will not be considered.

Documents Required

The following documents will be required:

• Completed and signed bursary application form.
• Certified academic certificates.
• Certified ID.
• Academic transcripts and exam results (if applicable).
• Testimonials.
• Relevant financial invoices/statements.
• Proof of financial status (Latest payslips from parents/guardians, proof of temporary income/grant).
• Academic progress report (if applicable).

You may also be required to provide additional documents as requested by the ILASA Bursary Committee.

The exact documents required for your application period can be found in the application documents.

Closing Date

Not confirmed.

The ILASA Bursary Policy has been updated in October 2026. There is no specific closing date mentioned and it does not confirm that the 2027 bursary is open.

Do not assume that because this policy has been published/updated that applications are being accepted.

Check the relevant ILASA announcement for your academic year.

Top Tips

Those interested in this bursary should start preparing your academic and financial information.

Before applying you should:

• Update your personal/academic CV (if applicable).
• Ensure your telephone number and email are correct.
• Ensure you have clear, certified documents.
• Ensure your academic information matches your results.
• Keep copies of your applications and confirmation messages.
• Ensure all sections of your application have been completed.

Incomplete applications could affect your chances.

If an application period is announced, do not leave it until the last minute to apply. Recruitment and application systems can get very busy near the closing date, so you may have issues with technical problems.

Prepare your academic information and proof of residence (not specifically mentioned as a mandatory document in the ILASA policy).

Continue to look for relevant WIL and internship opportunities if you still need work experience to complete your qualifications.

Practical experience can help you meet your academic requirements and build skills for your future.

Do not rely on one bursary application. Continue to research other relevant funding and apply for suitable programmes.

FAQ’s

1. Who qualifies ILASA Bursary South Africa ?

South African Citizens studying or planning to study for an undergraduate or postgraduate Landscape Architectural qualification at a South African tertiary institution offering accredited programmes by SACLAP, who meet the academic, financial and other requirements.

2. Can Grade 12 learners apply?

Yes. School leavers with an appropriate Matric/Grade 12 certificate can apply. They must have a minimum aggregate of 60% in English, Mathematics and Physical Science.

3. Can university students apply?

Yes. Undergraduate students in all years and postgraduate applicants can apply if they meet the relevant requirements and are studying an accredited programme.

4. What is covered?

Depending on what funding has been approved you may receive funding for registration, tuition, books, stationery, course materials and accommodation. The exact amount and what you can receive will be decided by ILASA.

5. Is this bursary open for 2027?

The policy has been updated in October 2026, however it does not confirm that applications are open for 2027. Those applying should check ILASA’s official announcements.

6. What academic results are required?

School leavers must have a minimum of 60% aggregate in English, Mathematics and Physical Science. Those applying from their 2nd year onwards must have an academic transcript showing a minimum average aggregate pass of 60% in all subjects.

7. Are there any post-graduation requirements?

Yes. You are expected to work in the Landscape Architectural profession for the same number of years that you received funding. You must also remain registered as Candidate professionals with SACLAP for the relevant period.

Final Thoughts : ILASA Bursary South Africa

This bursary provides an opportunity for funding to develop future professionals within the Landscape Architectural sector in South Africa.

As it focuses on those in need of funding, academic achievement and transformation, it is relevant to those who qualify and wish to pursue a career in this field.

However, you should pay close attention to the academic requirements, funding restrictions and contractual requirements. Particularly the requirement to contribute to the profession.

As the policy does not confirm that applications are open, those interested should check with ILASA directly to find out the most up to date application information.

Source: ILASA Bursary Policy (October 2026). This policy has been provided as a source document for this article.

By LERATO MOTEPA

12 November 2026

12 November 2026