South African learners currently completing Grade 12 in 2026 can apply for the Martin & East Matric Gap Year Programme 2027, an opportunity that combines paid workplace experience with a potential pathway into Civil Engineering studies.
Instead of going directly from Matric to university, successful candidates will spend 2027 gaining practical experience in the construction industry while earning a salary.
Participants will also be placed on a Construction Roadworks and Supervision Learnership, giving them structured exposure to real construction and civil engineering activities.
After successfully completing the gap year, candidates can be considered for bursary funding to study Civil Engineering in 2028 at selected South African institutions. Bursary selection is based on factors including performance during the gap year and acceptance into an approved programme.
Applications close on 30 October 2026.
Martin & East Matric Gap Year Programme 2027 – Quick Overview
| Programme Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Company | Martin & East (Pty) Ltd |
| Programme | Matric Gap Year Programme 2027 |
| Target Applicants | Current Grade 12 learners in 2026 |
| Citizenship | South African |
| Gap Year | 2027 |
| Further Study | Civil Engineering in 2028 |
| Minimum Mathematics | 60% |
| Physical Science | 60% |
| Learnership | Construction Roadworks and Supervision |
| Salary | Yes, amount not disclosed |
| Bursary | Potential Civil Engineering bursary after successful gap year |
| Closing Date | 30 October 2026 |
| Application Method | |
| Application Email | careers@megroup.co.za |
| Email Subject | Scholar Recruitment 2027 |
The programme information confirms that participants earn a salary during the gap year, but the published information does not specify the salary amount.
What Is the Martin & East Matric Gap Year Programme?
The Martin & East programme provides current Grade 12 learners with an opportunity to gain practical construction industry experience before starting tertiary studies.
The programme is particularly aimed at learners who intend to pursue Civil Engineering.
During the 2027 gap year, successful participants will work in a construction environment and gain exposure to projects and activities related to civil engineering and infrastructure development.
The programme is different from a conventional gap year because participants can:
- Earn a salary.
- Gain practical construction experience.
- Complete a structured learnership.
- Develop workplace skills.
- Learn about civil engineering projects.
- Build professional experience before university.
- Potentially qualify for Civil Engineering bursary funding in 2028.
Who Can Apply?
The opportunity is specifically aimed at learners who are currently completing Grade 12 in 2026.
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Be currently in Grade 12 in 2026.
- Be willing to complete the Matric Gap Year Programme in 2027.
- Intend to study Civil Engineering in 2028.
- Be willing to study at one of the approved institutions associated with the bursary opportunity.
- Achieve at least 60% in Mathematics and Physical Science.
Mathematics Requirement
The published information states that applicants must achieve at least 60% in Pure Mathematics, Mathematical Literacy or Technical Mathematics.
Physical Science must also be at least 60%.
Applicants should therefore check their latest Grade 12 results carefully before applying.
What Will Participants Do During the Gap Year?
The 2027 programme provides practical exposure to different areas of civil engineering and construction.
Participants may gain experience in areas such as:
Road Construction and Rehabilitation
Learners can gain exposure to the construction and rehabilitation of roads, including site preparation, materials, construction activities and maintenance.
Bulk Earthworks and Landfills
Participants may learn about:
- Excavation
- Site preparation
- Earthmoving
- Soil compaction
- Landfill development
Bridges and Concrete Structures
Exposure can include construction activities involving:
- Bridges
- Reinforced concrete
- Structural work
- Site inspections
Pipelines and Underground Services
Participants may gain insight into infrastructure such as:
- Water pipelines
- Sewer systems
- Underground services
- Installation work
Road Surfacing and Maintenance
Learners can gain practical exposure to:
- Asphalt surfacing
- Road maintenance
- Repairs
- Quality control
Trenchless Solutions
The programme also provides exposure to trenchless construction technologies used for underground infrastructure projects.
Housing and Infrastructure Services
Participants may be exposed to low-cost housing projects and the infrastructure services supporting communities.
Erosion Protection and Gabions
Learners can gain insight into construction solutions designed to reduce erosion and protect infrastructure.
Crushing and Screening
Participants may also see how construction materials are processed through crushing and screening operations.
Synthetic Playing Fields
The programme can provide exposure to the construction of specialised sporting facilities.
These areas are based on the programme’s published construction and engineering disciplines.
Construction Roadworks and Supervision Learnership
One of the key features of the opportunity is the Construction Roadworks and Supervision Learnership.
Successful candidates will not simply spend the year observing construction projects.
They will participate in structured workplace learning connected to construction roadworks and supervision.
This can help participants understand how construction projects are planned, managed and delivered while developing practical workplace skills.
The learnership can also strengthen a learner’s CV before entering university.
Is the Martin & East Gap Year Paid?
Yes.
The programme information states that successful candidates will earn a salary during the 2027 gap year.
However, the published information does not disclose the salary amount.
Applicants should therefore not rely on unofficial salary figures circulating online.
The exact remuneration should be confirmed during the recruitment process.
Civil Engineering Bursary Opportunity for 2028
Another major advantage of the programme is the potential opportunity to receive a Civil Engineering bursary after completing the gap year.
However, the bursary is not automatic.
Selection is based on factors including:
- Overall performance during the gap year.
- Acceptance into an approved tertiary programme.
- The internal bursary selection process.
This means applicants must perform well during their 2027 workplace experience and still meet the requirements for the bursary stage.
Where Can Successful Participants Study?
The published programme information identifies the following institutions for the 2028 Civil Engineering study pathway:
- University of Cape Town
- Stellenbosch University
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- University of Pretoria
- Nelson Mandela University
The bursary may support approved Civil Engineering qualifications such as:
- Bachelor of Engineering (Civil)
- Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Civil)
- Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Civil)
- Diploma in Civil Engineering
Acceptance into an approved programme is one of the factors considered during bursary selection.
What Can You Gain From the Programme?
The programme can provide several advantages to a learner interested in Civil Engineering.
Paid Work Experience
Participants earn a salary while completing their gap year.
Construction Industry Exposure
Learners gain practical exposure to real construction and infrastructure projects.
Structured Learnership
The Construction Roadworks and Supervision Learnership provides structured workplace learning.
Professional Skills
Participants can develop communication, teamwork, problem-solving and workplace responsibility.
Civil Engineering Experience
Learners can gain a better understanding of what civil engineering looks like outside the classroom.
Potential Bursary Funding
Successful participants may be considered for Civil Engineering bursary funding for 2028.
Documents Required
Applicants should prepare their documents before applying.
The published application information requires:
- Certified copy of South African ID
- June 2026 Grade 12 results/latest results
- Curriculum Vitae
Additional supporting documents such as academic, leadership or community involvement certificates may also be useful where available.
Make sure all documents are clear and readable before attaching them to your email.
How to Apply for the Martin & East Matric Gap Year Programme 2027
Applications are submitted by email.
Step 1: Prepare Your CV
Your CV should clearly include:
- Full name
- Contact details
- School
- Grade 12 status
- Latest academic results
- Mathematics result
- Physical Science result
- Leadership activities
- Academic achievements
- Community involvement
- Relevant certificates
Step 2: Prepare Your Grade 12 Results
Attach your June 2026 Grade 12 results/latest available results.
Pay particular attention to your Mathematics and Physical Science marks.
Step 3: Include Your Certified ID
Attach a clear certified copy of your South African ID.
Step 4: Send Your Application
Email your application to:
Use the following subject line:
Scholar Recruitment 2027
The published application instructions state that applicants should submit their CV and Grade 12 results using this subject line.
Step 5: Apply Before the Deadline
Applications close on:
30 October 2026
Applicants should not wait until the final day to submit their applications.
Application Checklist
Before sending your application, make sure you have:
- South African citizenship
- Current Grade 12 status in 2026
- At least 60% in Mathematics
- At least 60% in Physical Science
- Interest in Civil Engineering
- Willingness to complete the 2027 gap year
- Certified ID copy
- June 2026/latest Grade 12 results
- Updated CV
- Correct email address
- Email subject: Scholar Recruitment 2027
- Application submitted before 30 October 2026
Important Things to Understand Before Applying
The Bursary Is Not Guaranteed
Being accepted into the gap year does not automatically mean that you will receive a bursary.
Bursary selection depends on performance during the gap year, acceptance into an approved programme and the internal selection process.
You Must Be Prepared to Delay University
The programme requires participants to complete the 2027 gap year before the potential Civil Engineering bursary begins in 2028.
This is therefore a deliberate pathway into university rather than an immediate 2027 university placement.
You Need Strong Academic Results
The minimum requirement is 60% in Mathematics and Physical Science.
Applicants should also continue working towards strong final Matric results because university admission requirements can be higher than the minimum programme requirements.
The Programme Is Competitive
The combination of a salary, workplace experience, structured learnership and potential bursary makes the opportunity attractive to learners interested in Civil Engineering.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee selection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the Martin & East Gap Year Programme?
Current Grade 12 learners in 2026 who are South African citizens and intend to study Civil Engineering in 2028 can apply, provided they meet the academic and other requirements.
Is the gap year paid?
Yes. Successful participants will earn a salary during the 2027 gap year. The salary amount is not disclosed in the published information.
What marks do I need?
Applicants need at least 60% in Mathematics and 60% in Physical Science. The published information allows Pure Mathematics, Mathematical Literacy or Technical Mathematics for the Mathematics requirement.
Do I study at university during 2027?
No. The programme is a paid gap year in 2027. The potential Civil Engineering bursary pathway is for studies beginning in 2028.
Will I automatically receive a bursary?
No. Bursary funding is subject to performance, acceptance into an approved institution and the applicable selection process.
Which universities are included?
The published programme information identifies UCT, Stellenbosch University, CPUT, the University of Pretoria and Nelson Mandela University.
Which Civil Engineering qualifications can be funded?
The published information includes BEng Civil, BSc Engineering Civil, BEng Tech Civil and Diploma in Civil Engineering.
What documents must I submit?
The application information lists a certified ID copy, June 2026/latest Grade 12 results and a CV.
How do I apply?
Email your application to careers@megroup.co.za using the subject line Scholar Recruitment 2027.
When does the application close?
Applications close on 30 October 2026.
Martin & East Matric Gap Year Programme 2027 Summary
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Company | Martin & East (Pty) Ltd |
| Programme | Matric Gap Year Programme 2027 |
| Target | Current Grade 12 learners |
| Citizenship | South African |
| Gap Year | 2027 |
| Intended Study | Civil Engineering |
| Mathematics | Minimum 60% |
| Physical Science | Minimum 60% |
| Learnership | Construction Roadworks and Supervision |
| Salary | Yes, amount not disclosed |
| Potential Bursary | Civil Engineering studies in 2028 |
| Approved Institutions | UCT, Stellenbosch, CPUT, UP, Nelson Mandela University |
| Closing Date | 30 October 2026 |
| Application Email | careers@megroup.co.za |
| Email Subject | Scholar Recruitment 2027 |
Conclusion
The Martin & East Matric Gap Year Programme 2027 offers current Grade 12 learners an alternative pathway into Civil Engineering.
Instead of immediately entering university after Matric, successful candidates can spend 2027 earning a salary, gaining construction industry experience and completing a Construction Roadworks and Supervision Learnership.
The programme can also create a pathway towards Civil Engineering bursary funding for 2028, although bursary selection is not automatic and depends on performance, university acceptance and the applicable selection process.
Applicants must be South African citizens currently in Grade 12 in 2026, intend to study Civil Engineering in 2028 and achieve at least 60% in Mathematics and Physical Science.
If you meet the requirements, prepare your CV, certified ID and June 2026/latest Grade 12 results, then email your application to careers@megroup.co.za with the subject Scholar Recruitment 2027 before 30 October 2026.
