SANRAL External Bursaries 2027

Who can apply

• Be South African citizens.
• Be under the age of 35.
• Be currently in Matric or have already completed Matric.
• Be entering their first year of undergraduate study in 2027.
• Study full-time.
• Study in one of the approved fields.
• Attend or plan to attend a recognised public tertiary institution.
• Demonstrate financial need.
• Not be receiving another bursary.
• Students with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
• 70%
• Applicants should ensure that their academic results clearly demonstrate that they meet this requirement.
• Recognised public tertiary institution in South Africa
• The bursary does not cover studies at private institutions.

Documents you will need

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

How to apply

Applications are submitted directly to SANRAL External - we do not collect applications. Read the eligibility criteria, prepare your supporting documents, then complete your application on the official page.

Full details

The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) invites qualifying South African Matric learners and matriculants to apply for the External Bursary Programme for the 2027 academic year.

Bursary Application Closing Date: 30 September 2026

Bursary Location: Recognised public tertiary institutions in South Africa

SANRAL External Bursary Programme 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.

Bursary Programme Overview

Organisation: South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL)Programme: External Bursary Programme 2027Study Level: First-year undergraduate studiesMaximum Age: Under 35 yearsMinimum Matric Average: 70%Study Mode: Full-timeInstitution Type: Recognised public tertiary institutionClosing Date: 30 September 2026Application Method: Online

Fields of Study Funded

SANRAL will fund qualifying first-year students studying in the following fields:

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

What the SANRAL Bursary Covers

SANRAL offers both full and partial bursaries depending on the applicant’s assessed financial need.

Full Bursary

A full bursary may cover:

• Registration fees.
• Tuition fees.
• Study material.
• Study equipment.
• Accommodation.
• Meals.
• Living allowance.
• Access to a wellness plan.

Partial Bursary

A partial bursary may cover:

• Registration fees.
• Tuition fees.
• Accommodation.
• Access to a wellness plan.

The level of funding awarded will depend on the applicant’s financial circumstances.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants must:

Students with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Academic Requirements

Current Matric learners must have achieved a minimum overall academic average of:

70%

Applicants should ensure that their academic results clearly demonstrate that they meet this requirement.

Institution Requirements

Applicants must study at a:

Recognised public tertiary institution in South Africa

The bursary does not cover studies at private institutions.

Study Mode

Applicants must study:

Full-time

Part-time and distance-learning programmes are not covered under the bursary requirements supplied.

First-Year Study Requirement

The bursary is aimed at students who will be entering:

First year of undergraduate study in 2027

Applicants already beyond first year are not included in the eligibility criteria provided.

Other Bursary Funding

Applicants must not be receiving funding from another bursary.

Candidates should therefore disclose any other funding arrangements accurately during the application process.

Required Supporting Documents

Applicants must submit:

Proof of Income

Depending on household circumstances, applicants should provide:

• Recent payslips where parents or guardians are employed.
• Certified affidavit where parents or guardians are unemployed.
• Certified affidavit where parents or guardians are self-employed.

The supplied information states that affidavits should not be older than three months.

Proof of Residence

Applicants should provide their parents’ or guardians’ proof of residence, such as a:

• Municipal water bill.
• Municipal electricity bill.

Motivational Letter

Applicants must submit a:

One-page motivational letter

The letter should explain:

• Who you are.
• Your study and career goals.
• Why you are applying for the SANRAL bursary.
• Why you believe you should receive financial support.

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.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

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