SANRAL External Bursaries: Your Guide to Funding for 2027

The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) is offering a valuable opportunity for aspiring South African students to fund their higher education. The SANRAL External Bursary Programme for the 2027 academic year aims to support students pursuing studies in fields critical to SANRAL’s operations. This bursary is designed to assist qualifying Matric learners and matriculants who demonstrate academic merit and financial need.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the SANRAL External Bursary Programme, including who can apply, what fields of study are covered, and how to submit your application. Understanding the requirements and the application process is key to securing this financial support for your tertiary education.

Understanding the SANRAL External Bursary Programme

SANRAL’s External Bursary Programme is a key initiative to develop skills within South Africa, particularly in areas related to road infrastructure and management. The program targets students entering their first year of undergraduate study in 2027. It is open to South African citizens under the age of 35 who meet specific academic and financial criteria. The bursary is awarded based on a combination of academic performance and demonstrated financial need, with funding potentially covering full or partial costs of study.

The application deadline for the 2027 academic year is September 30, 2026. Applications are processed online, and all required documents must be submitted before this date.

Fields of Study Supported by SANRAL

SANRAL focuses its bursary funding on specific fields that align with its operational needs and professional development goals. For the 2027 academic year, the bursary will support first-year undergraduate students in the following disciplines:

• Civil Engineering: This includes Bachelor of Science (BSc) or Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) degrees, which are fundamental to road construction and maintenance.
• Computer Science: Essential for managing and developing the technological systems SANRAL relies on.
• Information Systems: Crucial for the effective management and utilization of data within the organization.
• Human Resources Management: Important for the development and support of SANRAL’s workforce.
• Public Procurement: Necessary for the efficient and transparent acquisition of goods and services.
• Supply Chain Management: Key to optimizing the flow of resources and materials for projects.

Students pursuing these fields at recognized public tertiary institutions in South Africa are encouraged to apply.

What the SANRAL Bursary Covers

The SANRAL bursary offers two levels of financial support: full bursaries and partial bursaries. The extent of the funding provided depends on the applicant’s assessed financial need.

Full Bursary Coverage

A full bursary package is designed to cover most of the student’s educational and living expenses. This typically includes:

• Registration fees
• Tuition fees
• Study materials
• Study equipment
• Accommodation costs
• Meals
• A living allowance
• Access to a wellness plan

Partial Bursary Coverage

A partial bursary provides financial assistance for essential educational expenses. This may cover:

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

The specific amount of funding for a partial bursary is determined by the applicant’s individual financial circumstances.

Eligibility Criteria for Applicants

To be considered for the SANRAL External Bursary Programme, applicants must meet a set of specific requirements:

• Citizenship: Must be a South African citizen.
• Age: Must be under 35 years old.
• Academic Status: Must be currently in Matric or have already completed Matric.
• Study Year: Must be entering their first year of undergraduate study in 2027.
• Study Mode: Must pursue studies on a full-time basis.
• Field of Study: Must be enrolled in one of the approved fields of study.
• Institution: Must attend or plan to attend a recognized public tertiary institution in South Africa.
• Financial Need: Must demonstrate a genuine financial need for support.
• Other Bursaries: Must not be receiving funding from any other bursary program.

SANRAL encourages students with disabilities to apply, as they are committed to promoting inclusivity.

Academic and Institutional Requirements

Meeting the academic and institutional requirements is crucial for a successful application.

Academic Performance

Current Matric learners must achieve a minimum overall academic average of 70%. Applicants should ensure their academic records clearly reflect this achievement. For those who have already completed Matric, their final results must demonstrate this level of performance.

Institution Type

Bursary funding is exclusively for students attending recognized public tertiary institutions in South Africa. Studies at private institutions are not covered by this program.

Study Mode

The bursary is strictly for full-time study programs. Part-time or distance-learning courses are not eligible for funding under this bursary.

Application Process and Required Documents

The application for the SANRAL External Bursary Programme is an online process. Applicants must carefully prepare and submit all necessary supporting documents.

Supporting Documents Checklist

Applicants are required to submit the following documents:

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

Proof of Income and Residence

Depending on the household’s financial situation, proof of income may include recent payslips for employed parents or guardians. For unemployed or self-employed parents or guardians, a certified affidavit is required. These affidavits should not be older than three months. Proof of residence for parents or guardians can be a municipal water or electricity bill.

Motivational Letter

The one-page motivational letter is a critical part of the application. It should clearly articulate who the applicant is, their study and career aspirations, their reasons for applying for the SANRAL bursary, and why they believe they deserve financial support. This letter is an opportunity to showcase personality and commitment beyond academic scores.

How to Apply and Key Dates

Applications for the SANRAL External Bursary Programme must be completed online. Prospective applicants should visit the SANRAL website and navigate to the bursaries section to access the application form. All required supporting documents must be uploaded before the submission deadline.

Bursary Application Closing Date: September 30, 2026.

It is essential to submit the application and all supporting documents well before this date to avoid any last-minute issues.

Selection Process and Notification

Shortlisted candidates may be invited for interviews as part of the selection process. Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application. If an applicant does not receive any feedback by January 31, 2027, they should consider their application unsuccessful.

Conclusion

The SANRAL External Bursary Programme presents a significant opportunity for academically promising and financially needy South African students to pursue higher education in critical fields. By understanding the eligibility criteria, the fields of study covered, and the required application documents, prospective applicants can strengthen their chances of success. Ensure all information is accurate and submitted by the September 30, 2026 deadline to be considered for this valuable funding.

Frequently Asked Questions