South African National Parks (SANParks) has opened its External Bursary Programme for the 2027 academic year. Young South Africans aged 18 to 35 who live in communities neighbouring a national park can receive comprehensive funding for university, university of technology, TVET or artisan studies. Household income must be below R350,000 per year. Applications close on 21 August 2026, and only emailed applications with full supporting documents will be considered.
About the SANParks External Bursary Programme
SANParks manages South Africa’s national parks, including the Kruger National Park, Table Mountain, Addo Elephant and 16 other parks. Beyond conservation, SANParks has a mandate to share benefits with the communities that live alongside protected areas, and this bursary is one of its most direct investments in those communities.
The External Bursary Programme funds young people from park-adjacent communities to study full-time at accredited public institutions in South Africa. The funding is comprehensive, covering approved study-related expenses in line with the bursary agreement. Selection considers academic performance and gives particular attention to women, people living with disabilities and other designated groups. For school leavers and current students from rural communities near parks, this is one of the few bursaries designed specifically for them.
Fields of Study Covered
- Environmental fields: Nature Conservation, Environmental Management, Environmental Science, Green Energy, Game Ranch Management and biodiversity studies
- Tourism and hospitality: Tourism Management, Hospitality Management, Tour Guiding, Events Management
- Social sciences: Community Development, Development Studies, Socio-Economic Development
- Built environment: Civil, Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Architecture, Project Management
- Artisan trades: electrical, plumbing, welding, millwright, refrigeration, solar and water technology
- Scarce skills: GIS, Data Analytics, Cybersecurity, Renewable Energy, Climate Change Adaptation, Entrepreneurship
Who Can Apply
- South African citizens aged 18 to 35
- Resident in a community neighbouring or adjacent to a national park
- Planning to study full-time in 2027 at an accredited public university, university of technology or TVET college
- Household or personal income not exceeding R350,000 per year
- Currently registered students must have passed all subjects in their completed study period
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Required Documents
- Motivation letter explaining your field of study, career goals and the park community where you live
- Comprehensive updated CV
- Certified copy of your South African ID
- Certified copy of your latest academic record or results
- Acceptance or admission letter from an accredited public institution
- Proof of residential address showing you live near a national park
- Affidavit confirming household income below the threshold if you receive a social grant
How to Apply
- Prepare all required documents as clear, certified copies
- Write your motivation letter and sign it
- Name each attachment clearly (for example: Surname_ID.pdf, Surname_Results.pdf)
- Email your complete application with the subject line “SANParks External Bursary Programme 2027 Application – Your Full Name”
- Send it before 21 August 2026
Apply at SANParks by emailing happy.nhlangwini@sanparks.org. For enquiries call 012 426 5173. More about the organisation at www.sanparks.org.
Closing Date
The closing date for the SANParks External Bursary Programme 2027 is 21 August 2026. No late applications will be accepted.
Why This Opportunity Matters
Communities living next to national parks are often among the most rural and under-resourced in South Africa, with limited access to funding for tertiary study. This bursary was created precisely for those young people.
It removes the financial barrier to studying conservation, tourism, engineering or a trade, and it connects graduates to an employer that actively recruits from its bursary pipeline. If you grew up next to the Kruger, Addo, Kgalagadi or any other national park, this is a rare fund that treats your home address as an advantage rather than an obstacle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply if I am already studying?
Yes. Registered students may be considered, provided they passed every subject for which they were registered in their completed study period.
What does the bursary cover?
SANParks describes it as a comprehensive bursary covering approved study-related expenses. The exact funding components are confirmed in the bursary agreement issued to successful applicants.
How do I prove I live near a national park?
Submit proof of residential address. SANParks may verify your address against the community boundaries in the relevant park management plan.
Can I study part-time with this bursary?
No. The bursary is for full-time studies at accredited public South African institutions only.
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