SANRAL External Bursaries 2027

SANRAL is offering bursary funding to qualifying South African students who plan to start their first undergraduate qualification in 2027.

The bursary supports selected fields that are relevant to SANRAL’s operational and professional skills needs.

Funding is awarded based on academic performance and financial need, with both full and partial bursary packages available.

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

The SANRAL bursary is aimed at students who will begin their first year of undergraduate study in 2027.

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

Be South African citizens.
Be younger than 35 years old.
Be currently in Matric or have already completed Matric.
Be entering first-year undergraduate studies in 2027.
Be registered for full-time study.
Pursue an approved field of study.
Attend, or intend to attend, a recognised public tertiary institution in South Africa.
Demonstrate financial need.
Not hold another bursary.

Students with disabilities are also encouraged to submit applications.

Approved Fields of Study

SANRAL provides funding for first-year students enrolled in selected disciplines that support its broader areas of operation.

Eligible fields include:

Civil Engineering, BSc or BEng
Computer Science
Information Systems
Human Resources Management
Public Procurement
Supply Chain Management

Applicants should ensure that their chosen qualification falls within one of the approved study areas.

Academic Requirements

Current Matric learners must achieve a minimum overall academic average of:

70%

Applicants should ensure that their latest academic results demonstrate that they meet the required threshold.

Tertiary Institution Requirements

Students must study at a recognised public tertiary institution in South Africa.

Funding is not available for students enrolled at private higher education institutions.

Full-Time Study Requirement

The SANRAL bursary is intended for students completing their qualifications on a:

Full-time basis

Based on the supplied requirements, part-time and distance-learning programmes are not covered.

First-Year Requirement

Applicants must be starting their undergraduate studies in:

First year in 2027

Students who are already beyond their first year of undergraduate study do not fall within the eligibility criteria provided.

Bursary Funding

SANRAL may provide either full or partial financial assistance. The type and level of funding awarded will depend on the applicant’s assessed financial need.

Full Bursary

A full bursary may provide support towards:

Registration costs
Tuition fees
Study materials
Required study equipment
Accommodation
Meals
Living expenses
Wellness plan access

Partial Bursary

Partial funding may include:

Registration fees
Tuition fees
Accommodation
Access to a wellness plan

The final funding package will depend on the applicant’s financial circumstances.

Restrictions on Other Bursaries

Applicants may not receive another bursary while applying for SANRAL funding.

Any existing financial support or other bursary arrangements should be disclosed accurately during the application process.

Supporting Documents

Applicants should prepare and submit the required documentation, including:

Certified copy of South African ID or birth certificate.
Certified Term 1 and Term 2 academic results for current Matric learners.
Proof of university or tertiary acceptance or registration, where available.
One-page motivational letter.
Certified copies of parents’ or guardians’ ID documents.
Proof of income belonging to parents or guardians.
Proof of residence for parents or guardians.

Proof of Household Income

Applicants must provide financial documentation that reflects their household circumstances.

Depending on the employment status of their parents or guardians, this may include:

Recent payslips for employed parents or guardians.
A certified affidavit confirming unemployment.
A certified affidavit confirming self-employment.

Where affidavits are submitted, the supplied requirements indicate that they should not be older than three months.

Proof of Residence

Applicants should provide valid proof of their parents’ or guardians’ residential address.

Examples of acceptable documents may include:

Municipal water bill.
Municipal electricity bill.

Motivational Letter Requirements

A one-page motivational letter must accompany the application.

Applicants should use the letter to provide a brief overview of:

Their background and personal circumstances.
Their intended field of study and career ambitions.
Their reasons for applying for SANRAL funding.
Why they believe they are deserving of the bursary.

The motivational letter should clearly demonstrate the applicant’s goals, circumstances and reasons for requiring financial assistance.

How to Apply for SANRAL External Bursary Programme 2027

Applications must be completed online through SANRAL.

Click here to apply for SANRAL External Bursary Programme 2027

Applicants should complete the online application form and upload all required supporting documents before submitting.

Bursary Application Closing Date

Applications close on:

30 September 2026

Applicants should ensure that their applications and supporting documents are submitted before the deadline.

Selection Process

Shortlisted applicants may be invited to interviews.

Applicants who do not receive feedback by:

31 January 2027

should regard their applications as unsuccessful.

Important Application Notes

Applicants should note that:

The bursary is aimed at first-year undergraduate students for 2027.
Applicants must be under 35.
A minimum 70% Matric average is required.
Only selected fields are funded.
Studies must be full-time.
Public tertiary institutions are covered.
Private institutions are not covered.
Applicants must demonstrate financial need.
Applicants may not receive another bursary at the same time.
Students with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Funding may be full or partial depending on financial need.
Applications close on 30 September 2026.