SANRAL External Bursaries 2027: A Guide to Undergraduate Funding

The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) is offering bursary opportunities for students beginning their first year of undergraduate studies in 2027. This program aims to support students in fields that are important to SANRAL’s work and professional needs. Applications are open to current Matric learners and those who have already completed Matric. The deadline for applications is September 30, 2026.

This guide will walk you through what the SANRAL External Bursary Programme offers, who should apply, and what you need to submit.

About the SANRAL External Bursary Programme

The SANRAL External Bursary Programme is designed to provide financial support for students pursuing their initial undergraduate degree. The goal of this program is to help students in areas that are key to SANRAL’s operations and its need for skilled professionals. SANRAL hopes to develop future talent in the road construction and management industry through this initiative.

Funding decisions are based on both academic achievement and a demonstrated need for financial help. SANRAL provides various levels of support, from full bursaries that cover most costs to partial bursaries. This ensures that students with financial challenges can still pursue their education. The program is open to individuals who are committed to studying full-time at public colleges or universities in South Africa.

About SANRAL

The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) is in charge of managing and improving South Africa’s national road network. The agency plays a significant part in the country’s economic growth by ensuring that transportation infrastructure is efficient and safe. SANRAL operates as a public sector entity, focusing on planning, building, maintaining, and operating national roads.

Available Bursary Fields of Study

SANRAL will provide funding for first-year students who qualify and are studying in the following areas:

• Civil Engineering: This includes programs leading to a BSc or BEng degree.
• Computer Science: For students interested in the study of computation and information.
• Information Systems: Focusing on the management and application of information technology within organizations.
• Human Resources Management: Covering the principles and practices of managing an organization’s workforce.
• Public Procurement: For those interested in the process of acquiring goods and services for government entities.
• Supply Chain Management: Focusing on the planning and management of all activities involved in sourcing, procurement, conversion, and logistics management.

What the Bursary Covers

The SANRAL bursary offers financial assistance to help students pay for their educational costs. The amount of funding provided depends on the applicant’s assessed financial need.

A full bursary may cover:

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

A partial bursary may cover:

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

Programme Duration and Location

This bursary is specifically for students who will be starting their first year of undergraduate study in 2027. The program requires students to study full-time at a recognized public tertiary institution in South Africa. Bursaries are not available for studies at private institutions.

Minimum Requirements for Applicants

To be considered for the SANRAL External Bursary Programme in 2027, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be citizens of South Africa.
• Be younger than 35 years old.
• Be currently in Matric or have successfully completed Matric.
• Be starting their first year of undergraduate study in 2027.
• Commit to full-time study.
• Be studying in one of the approved fields of study.
• Attend or plan to attend a recognized public college or university.
• Show that they have a financial need for the bursary.
• Not be receiving funding from any other bursary program.

Students with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Required Documents for Application

Applicants need to prepare the following documents for their application:

• A certified copy of their South African ID document or birth certificate.
• Certified copies of their Term 1 and Term 2 results if they are currently in Matric.
• Proof of tertiary registration or acceptance, if available.
• A motivational letter, no longer than one page.
• Certified copies of their parents’ or guardians’ ID documents.
• Proof of parents’ or guardians’ income. This could be recent payslips or a certified affidavit if they are unemployed or self-employed.
• Proof of parents’ or guardians’ residence, such as a municipal bill.

Affidavits used as proof of income should not be older than three months.

How to Apply

Applications must be completed online through the SANRAL website. You will need to fill out the online application form carefully and upload all the necessary supporting documents before the closing date.

Important Notes for Applicants

• This bursary is exclusively for first-year undergraduate students beginning their studies in 2027.
• Applicants must be under the age of 35.
• A minimum average of 70% in Matric is required.
• Funding is only available for specific fields of study.
• Studies must be full-time and undertaken at public tertiary institutions.
• Applicants must demonstrate financial need and not be receiving support from other bursaries.
• Students with disabilities are welcome to apply.
• All applications must be submitted by the closing date of September 30, 2026.

Application Closing Date

The deadline for submitting applications for the SANRAL External Bursary Programme 2027 is September 30, 2026. Please ensure that all required documents are submitted by this date.