ยทHigh School Education (Grade 8-12)
## 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 connecting 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, 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 investing in its people.
While SANRAL is best known for its work on roads and infrastructure, the agency also understands that the future of the country depends on developing its young people. Education is one of the most powerful tools for changing lives and building a stronger nation. Recognising this, SANRAL invests not only in university students but also in high school learners, helping to support talented young people from an early stage in their education.
The SANRAL High School Scholarship reflects this commitment. The agency understands that the foundation for future success is laid during the school years, and that many talented learners face financial barriers that can hold them back. By supporting these learners through high school, SANRAL helps to ensure that promising young people can stay in good schools, achieve strong results, and build the foundation they need for higher education and rewarding careers.
What makes the programme especially meaningful is its holistic approach. The scholarship does not simply cover school fees; it provides a comprehensive package of support that includes uniforms, books, transport, and extra lessons in Mathematics and Science. It also offers career guidance, counselling, and academic support, reflecting an understanding that young learners need more than just money to succeed. This well-rounded support helps learners thrive both academically and personally.
For talented high school learners from financially constrained backgrounds, the SANRAL High School Scholarship represents a rare and valuable opportunity. It provides the financial support and personal guidance needed to stay in school, excel in key subjects, and prepare for the future. Through this programme, SANRAL invests in the young people who will help build the country, giving them the chance to reach their full potential and to pursue their dreams, whether in engineering, science, or any other field.
## About the Program
The SANRAL High School Scholarship funds high school studies for the 2027 academic year. It is open to students entering high school, from Grade 8 through to Grade 12, in 2027. The scholarship is designed to support promising young learners and to help them succeed academically while still at school.
The scholarship is comprehensive, covering a wide range of school-related expenses where applicable. These include registration, school fees and boarding school fees, school and sports uniforms, books and stationery, reputable school transport, and extra lessons for Mathematics and Science. Tuition fees are paid directly to the school after receiving the school fees statement, while other fees are reimbursed to the parent or guardian after submitting original proofs of payment and a claim form.
Beyond the financial cover, the scholarship offers valuable additional support. Recipients receive learner support to help them prepare for studying and academic success, as well as holistic support that includes career information and guidance in choosing a career path. Depending on a needs assessment, students may also receive psychological counselling, career coaching, extra classes, and exam preparation. This well-rounded support reflects an understanding that young learners need more than just money to thrive.
Selection is based on academic merit and financial need, in line with SANRAL's bursary policy, as well as other applicable conditions. Successful candidates are contacted after the final selection process is complete. Those who do not receive feedback by 31 January 2027 should consider their application unsuccessful.
The scholarship is open to South African citizens entering Grade 8 to Grade 12 in 2027, who are registered to study at an endorsed South African high school. Applicants must have a strong academic record and must have achieved a minimum overall average of 60%. The household income must be less than R550 000 per year, and students with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
The application process requires a number of supporting documents, including motivational letters from the applicant, the school principal, and the parents or guardians. This thorough approach helps SANRAL identify learners who are not only academically capable but also genuinely committed and well supported.
By investing in high school learners, the SANRAL High School Scholarship helps talented young people from financially constrained backgrounds stay in school, achieve strong results, and build the foundation they need to pursue higher education and rewarding careers.
## Bursary Benefits
The SANRAL High School Scholarship is a comprehensive award that covers a wide range of school-related expenses and provides valuable additional support. This makes it a generous and well-rounded opportunity for talented young learners.
Where applicable, the scholarship covers:
- **Registration** fees
- **School fees and boarding school fees**
- **School and sports uniforms**
- **Books and stationery**
- **Reputable school transport**
- **Extra lessons for Mathematics and Science**
Recipients also receive valuable additional support, including:
- **Learner support** to help prepare for studying and academic success
- **Holistic support**, including career information and guidance in choosing a career path
- Depending on a needs assessment, **psychological counselling, career coaching, extra classes, and exam preparation**
Tuition fees are paid directly to the school after the school fees statement is received, while other fees are reimbursed to the parent or guardian after submitting original proofs of payment and a claim form.
This combination of financial cover and personal support sets the scholarship apart. By supporting not only school costs but also academic, career, and psychological needs, the programme helps learners thrive both inside and outside the classroom.
## 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 entering **high school (Grade 8, Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11, or Grade 12) in 2027**
- You must be registered to study at an **endorsed South African high school**
- You must have achieved a minimum overall average of **60%**
- You must have a **strong academic record**
- You must have a household income of **less than R550 000 per year**
- Students with disabilities are encouraged to apply
These criteria are designed to ensure that the scholarship reaches academically capable learners who genuinely need financial support. Applicants should confirm that they meet all the requirements before applying, as incomplete or ineligible applications will not be considered.
## 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**
- Your **June 2026 academic results** (certified copy)
- A **motivational letter written by you**, stating why you deserve the scholarship and about yourself (two pages)
- A **motivational letter written by your school principal** in support of your application
- A **motivational letter written by your parents or guardians** in support of your application
- 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 High School Scholarship 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. Arrange for the required motivational letters to be written, including one by you, one by your school principal, and one by your parents or guardians.
3. Visit the online application portal for the SANRAL High School Scholarship.
4. Complete the online application form accurately, providing all requested personal and academic details.
5. When asked how you heard about the scholarship, enter the referral information as requested on the form.
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 successful candidates are contacted after the final selection process, and that those 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 scholarship application is well prepared, complete, and honest. The following tips can help you give yourself the best chance with the SANRAL High School Scholarship.
- **Write a strong motivational letter.** Your two-page letter is an important part of the application. Take time to write clearly about yourself and why you deserve the scholarship. Be genuine and specific.
- **Arrange the other letters early.** You also need motivational letters from your school principal and your parents or guardians. Ask them in good time so they can write thoughtful letters.
- **Confirm your marks.** You need a minimum overall average of 60% and a strong academic record. Check your results before applying.
- **Check the income requirement.** Your household income must be less than R550 000 per year. Make sure your family's income documents clearly show this.
- **Prepare proof of income and residence.** You will need recent, certified income documents and proof of residence, so gather these early.
- **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.
- **Mention a disability if relevant.** Students with disabilities are encouraged to apply, so include any relevant supporting information.
- **Proofread your application.** Errors and missing fields create a poor impression. Review everything before submitting, or ask a parent or teacher 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 genuine and well-written motivational letters, will help you stand out among many other candidates.
## Career Prospects
The SANRAL High School Scholarship is focused on supporting learners during their high school years, but its real value lies in the doors it opens for the future. By helping talented students stay in good schools, achieve strong results, and receive extra support in Mathematics and Science, the programme prepares them for a wide range of further study and career options.
The scholarship's emphasis on extra lessons for **Mathematics and Science** is particularly important. Strong results in these subjects open the door to university degrees in fields such as engineering, the sciences, technology, actuarial science, medicine, and many others. These subjects are gateways to some of the most in-demand and well-paid careers, and good high school results are essential for gaining entry to competitive university programmes.
The career information and guidance that recipients receive also help them make informed choices about their futures. By learning about different career paths while still at school, students can choose subjects and set goals that align with their interests and strengths. This early guidance can make a real difference in helping young people find direction and purpose.
The holistic support offered by the programme, including counselling, coaching, and exam preparation, helps learners develop the confidence, resilience, and study skills they need to succeed. These qualities are valuable not only at school but throughout life and in any career.
By keeping learners in endorsed schools and supporting them through to Matric, the scholarship increases their chances of qualifying for university entrance. This is a crucial step, as access to higher education can transform a young person's prospects and lift their whole family. For learners from financially constrained backgrounds, this support can be life-changing.
Because the scholarship is run by SANRAL, a major state-owned enterprise involved in engineering and infrastructure, recipients also gain a connection to an organisation that values education and skills development. While the scholarship itself is for high school, the foundation it builds, and the exposure to careers in fields such as engineering, can inspire learners to pursue these paths in the future.
Ultimately, the careers available to recipients depend on the choices they make after Matric, but the scholarship gives them the best possible start. By ensuring that talented learners can stay in good schools, excel in key subjects, and receive guidance and support, the programme helps them build the foundation needed to pursue their dreams in whatever field they choose.
## Frequently Asked Questions
## Who can apply for the SANRAL High School Scholarship?
South African citizens entering Grade 8 to Grade 12 in 2027 at an endorsed South African high school, with a minimum average of 60%, a strong academic record, and a household income below R550 000 per year, may apply.
## What grades does the scholarship cover?
The scholarship is open to students entering high school, from Grade 8 through to Grade 12, in 2027.
## What expenses does the scholarship cover?
Where applicable, it covers registration, school and boarding fees, school and sports uniforms, books and stationery, reputable school transport, and extra lessons for Mathematics and Science.
## What other support is offered?
Recipients receive learner support, career guidance, and, depending on a needs assessment, psychological counselling, career coaching, extra classes, and exam preparation.
## What marks do I need?
You need a strong academic record with a minimum overall average of 60%.
## What is the income requirement?
Your household income must be less than R550 000 per year.
## When is the closing date?
Applications close on **30 September 2026**. Late applications will not be accepted.
## What motivational letters are needed?
You need motivational letters written by yourself, your school principal, and your parents or guardians.
## When will I hear the outcome?
Successful candidates are contacted after the final selection process. If you do not receive feedback by 31 January 2027, consider your application unsuccessful.
Applications Closing
Applications close on 30 September 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted, so apply early to make sure your application is considered.