SANRAL Bursary 2027

## About the Provider The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited, known as SANRAL, was founded in 1998 as a state-owned enterprise. It is responsible for maintaining, managing, and developing the expanding national road network within South Africa. SANRAL plays a crucial role in the country's infrastructure, ensuring that the roads that connect cities, towns, and communities are safe, well maintained, and able to support economic activity. SANRAL is owned by the South African government and is represented by the Minister of Transport. The agency's vision is to be a global leader in the provision of a superior national road network. Its work is guided by core values of integrity, participativeness, excellence, care, and pro-activeness. These values reflect a commitment not only to building good roads but also to serving the country and its people responsibly. Maintaining and developing a national road network is a complex undertaking that requires a wide range of skills. SANRAL needs civil engineers to design and build roads, technology professionals to manage information and systems, human resources specialists to support its people, and procurement and supply chain experts to manage the goods and services needed for major projects. To ensure a steady supply of these skills, SANRAL invests in education through its bursary programme. The SANRAL Bursary is designed to support talented students who wish to study in fields that are critical to the agency's operations. By funding students in these areas, SANRAL helps to build the skills the country needs while giving young people from financially constrained backgrounds the chance to pursue rewarding careers. The programme reflects the agency's understanding that investing in people is essential to its long-term success and to the development of the country. What makes the programme particularly valuable is its flexibility and its focus on student wellbeing. By offering both full and partial bursaries, SANRAL is able to support a wider range of students according to their needs. The inclusion of a wellness plan in both funding options shows that the agency cares about the whole student, not just their academic performance. For talented learners who dream of careers in engineering, technology, human resources, or supply chain management, the SANRAL Bursary represents a valuable opportunity. It offers financial support, a connection to a major state-owned enterprise, and a path into fields that are important to the country's infrastructure and economy. Through this programme, SANRAL invests in the next generation of professionals who will help build and maintain the roads that keep South Africa moving.

## About the Program The SANRAL Bursary Programme funds undergraduate studies for the 2027 academic year in fields that are critical to the agency's operations. The bursary covers Civil Engineering (BSc or BEng), Computer Science or Information Systems, Human Resources Management, and Public Procurement or Supply Chain Management. These fields reflect the range of skills that a national roads agency needs to plan, build, and manage the country's road network. The programme offers both full and partial bursaries, depending on the student's level of need. A full bursary covers registration fees, tuition fees, study material and equipment, accommodation, meals, a living allowance, and access to a wellness plan. A partial bursary covers registration fees, tuition fees, accommodation, and access to a wellness plan. This flexible approach allows SANRAL to support more students by tailoring the level of funding to each student's circumstances. The inclusion of a wellness plan in both options reflects an understanding that student wellbeing matters alongside academic success. By covering not only fees but also living costs and support, the full bursary in particular removes much of the financial pressure that students and their families face. Selection is based on two main criteria: academic performance and financial need, as determined by SANRAL's bursary policy. The agency may also apply other relevant conditions when making the final decision. Shortlisted candidates are contacted and invited to attend interviews, and successful candidates receive award letters. Candidates who do not receive feedback by 31 January 2027 should consider their application unsuccessful. The academic requirements are strong. Matric applicants must have achieved a minimum overall average of 70%. The programme is aimed at students entering their first year of undergraduate study in 2027, and applicants must be under the age of 35. Importantly, the bursary covers full-time study at recognised and accredited public tertiary institutions only, and does not cover part-time study, distance learning, or studies at private institutions. Applicants must have proven financial need and must not currently be receiving any other bursary funding. Students with disabilities are welcome to apply. By funding studies in engineering, technology, human resources, and supply chain management, the SANRAL Bursary helps to develop the skilled professionals the agency and the country need to maintain and grow the national road network, while giving talented students from financially constrained backgrounds the chance to build rewarding careers.

## Bursary Benefits The SANRAL Bursary offers both full and partial bursaries, allowing the agency to support students according to their level of need. This flexible approach means more students can benefit from the programme. A **full bursary** covers: - **Registration fees** - **Tuition fees** - **Study material and equipment** - **Accommodation** - **Meals** - A **living allowance** - Access to a **wellness plan** A **partial bursary** covers: - **Registration fees** - **Tuition fees** - **Accommodation** - Access to a **wellness plan** The full bursary is especially comprehensive, covering not only fees but also living costs and support, which removes much of the financial pressure on students and their families. The inclusion of a wellness plan in both options reflects an understanding that student wellbeing is important alongside academic success. By offering different levels of funding, SANRAL is able to reach a wider range of students. For those who receive a full bursary, the programme provides everything needed to focus on studies, while a partial bursary still offers valuable support towards the major costs of university study.

## Eligibility Criteria Applicants must meet all of the following requirements. Failing to satisfy every criterion will result in an application not being considered. - You must be a **South African citizen** - You must be under the age of **35 years old** - You must be currently in Matric or have completed Matric - You must be entering your **first year of undergraduate study in 2027** - You must be studying or accepted to study full-time towards an undergraduate qualification in one of the listed fields (the bursary does not cover part-time or distance learning) - You must be studying or accepted to study at a **recognised and accredited public tertiary institution** in South Africa (the bursary does not cover private institutions) - You must meet the **academic requirements** for your selected qualification - **Matric students** must have achieved a minimum overall average of **70%** - You must have **proven financial need** - You must **not** be currently receiving any other bursary funding - Students with disabilities are welcome to apply

## Required Documents Submit clear, certified copies of the following supporting documents with your application. Missing documents may lead to disqualification, so prepare them carefully before you begin. - A certified copy of your **ID document or birth certificate** - For current Matric students, your **term 1 and term 2 results** (certified copy) - **Proof of tertiary registration** (certified copy) - A one-page **motivational letter** about yourself and why you should be awarded the bursary - Parents' or guardians' **ID documents** (certified copies) - Parents' or guardians' **proof of income** (recent payslips if employed, an affidavit if unemployed or self-employed), certified and not older than three months - Parents' or guardians' **proof of residence** (a water and electricity bill from the local council) Make sure all copies are clear, legible, and properly certified, and that income documents are recent. Having a complete set ready will make the online application process faster and smoother.

## How to Apply Applications for the SANRAL Bursary must be submitted online through the official application portal. Follow these steps to apply successfully: 1. Gather all your required documents and save clear, certified copies so you can upload them easily. 2. Visit the online application portal for the SANRAL Bursary. 3. Complete the online application form accurately, providing all requested personal and academic details. 4. When asked how you heard about the bursary, enter the referral information as requested on the form. 5. Write a one-page motivational letter about yourself and why you should be awarded the bursary. 6. Upload all your supporting documents, making sure each file is clear and complete. 7. Review your entire application to confirm there are no errors or missing information. 8. Submit your application before the closing date. Applications submitted after the deadline will not be accepted, so it is wise to apply well in advance. Note that shortlisted candidates are invited to attend interviews, and that candidates who do not receive feedback by 31 January 2027 should consider their application unsuccessful. Keep a copy of your confirmation for your records.

## Tips for Success A strong bursary application is well prepared, complete, and honest. The following tips can help you give yourself the best chance with the SANRAL Bursary. - **Write a strong motivational letter.** This is your chance to explain who you are and why you deserve the bursary. Keep it to one page, and be clear, genuine, and focused. - **Confirm your marks and age.** Matric applicants need a minimum average of 70%, and you must be under 35. Check that you meet these before applying. - **Make sure your studies qualify.** The bursary covers full-time study at public institutions only, in specific fields. It does not cover private institutions, part-time, or distance learning. - **Prepare proof of income carefully.** Financial need is central to selection, so make sure income documents are recent, certified, and not older than three months. - **Gather supporting documents.** You will need your parents' or guardians' ID documents, proof of income, and proof of residence, so collect these early. - **Prepare for an interview.** Shortlisted candidates are interviewed, so think about how you would speak about yourself, your goals, and your chosen field. - **Apply early.** Online systems can become busy near the deadline. Submitting early helps you avoid last-minute technical problems. - **Get documents certified in advance.** Certified copies take time to arrange, so plan a visit to a police station, post office, or Commissioner of Oaths ahead of time. - **Proofread your application.** Errors and missing fields create a poor impression. Review everything before submitting, or ask someone to check it for you. - **Be truthful.** Provide only accurate information. Dishonesty can lead to disqualification and damage your reputation. Taking the time to prepare a complete and accurate application, with a genuine motivational letter, will help you stand out among many other candidates.

## Career Prospects The fields funded by the SANRAL Bursary lead to careers that are essential to building and maintaining the country's infrastructure and to the smooth running of organisations. Because the funded fields are closely tied to SANRAL's operations, recipients are well placed to find meaningful work in their chosen areas. Graduates in **Civil Engineering** can pursue careers as civil engineers, structural engineers, and project engineers. These professionals design, build, and maintain roads, bridges, and other infrastructure that society depends on every day. Civil engineering is a respected and in-demand profession, and skilled engineers are needed across the public and private sectors, both in South Africa and internationally. Those who study **Computer Science or Information Systems** can become software developers, systems analysts, IT specialists, and data professionals. As organisations like SANRAL increasingly rely on technology to manage operations and information, these skills are in high demand. Technology professionals enjoy strong career prospects across almost every industry. Graduates in **Human Resources Management** can pursue careers as HR officers, managers, and specialists, helping organisations recruit, develop, and support their people. HR professionals play an important role in every organisation, ensuring that staff are well managed and that workplaces function effectively. Those who study **Public Procurement or Supply Chain Management** can become procurement officers, supply chain managers, and logistics specialists. These professionals ensure that organisations obtain the goods and services they need efficiently and responsibly. In a large organisation like SANRAL, effective procurement and supply chain management are essential to delivering major infrastructure projects. Because the bursary is closely linked to SANRAL's operations, recipients gain qualifications in fields where there is real demand within the agency and the broader infrastructure sector. This connection can be valuable when seeking employment, and the experience of being supported by a major state-owned enterprise can strengthen a graduate's profile. The infrastructure, technology, and management sectors offer stable and rewarding careers, and the skills developed through these qualifications are widely transferable. For talented students from financially constrained backgrounds, the SANRAL Bursary offers not only the funding needed to study but also a path into careers that contribute to the development of the country's road network and economy.

## Frequently Asked Questions ## Who can apply for the SANRAL Bursary? South African citizens under 35 years old who are in Matric or have completed Matric, entering first year of full-time undergraduate study in 2027 in one of the listed fields at a public institution, with strong results and financial need, may apply. ## What fields of study does the bursary cover? The bursary covers Civil Engineering (BSc or BEng), Computer Science or Information Systems, Human Resources Management, and Public Procurement or Supply Chain Management. ## What expenses does the bursary cover? A full bursary covers registration, tuition, study material and equipment, accommodation, meals, a living allowance, and a wellness plan. A partial bursary covers registration, tuition, accommodation, and a wellness plan. ## What marks do I need? Matric applicants must have achieved a minimum overall average of 70%. ## When is the closing date? Applications close on **30 September 2026**. Late applications will not be accepted. ## Does the bursary cover private institutions or distance learning? No. The bursary covers full-time study at recognised public tertiary institutions only, not private institutions, part-time study, or distance learning. ## Is there an interview? Yes. Shortlisted candidates are invited to attend interviews before final selection. ## How do I apply? Applications are submitted online through the official portal. You will need to complete the form, write a motivational letter, and upload your supporting documents. ## Can students with disabilities apply? Yes. Students with disabilities are welcome to apply.

Applications Closing

Applications close on 30 September 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted, so apply early to make sure your application is considered.

About the Organization

South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) Queries can be submitted via the agency's contact information page