The South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) has opened its external bursary programme for the 2027 academic year. Matriculants and current Matric learners under 35 who plan to start a degree in Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Human Resources or Supply Chain Management in 2027 can receive full funding covering tuition, accommodation, meals and a living allowance. Applications close on 30 September 2026, and a 70% Matric average is required.
About the Programme
SANRAL is the state-owned enterprise responsible for building, maintaining and managing South Africa’s national road network, the arteries that carry the country’s people and goods. Founded in 1998 and answering to the Minister of Transport, SANRAL runs some of the largest engineering projects on the continent, from the N1 to the Wild Coast N2 corridor.
Its external bursary scheme develops the skills SANRAL itself needs most: road engineers, technology specialists, HR practitioners and procurement professionals. Bursaries are awarded on academic performance and financial need, and students with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For a young South African, it is a chance to have a national infrastructure agency invest directly in your future.
What Is Covered
- Full bursary: registration fees, tuition fees, study material and equipment, accommodation, meals, a living allowance and access to the wellness plan
- Partial bursary: registration fees, tuition fees, accommodation and access to the wellness plan
- Award level depends on your assessed financial need
Funded fields of study are: Civil Engineering (BSc or BEng), Computer Science or Information Systems, Human Resources Management, and Public Procurement or Supply Chain Management.
Who Can Apply
- South African citizens under the age of 35
- Currently in Matric or already completed Matric
- Entering your first year of undergraduate study in 2027
- Studying or accepted to study full-time in one of the four listed fields (part-time and distance learning are not covered)
- At a recognised public tertiary institution (private institutions are not covered)
- Matric students need a minimum overall average of 70%
- Proven financial need
- You must not be receiving any other bursary funding
- Students with disabilities are welcome to apply
RELATED: Western Cape Health Bursary 2027: Nursing & Medicine, Closes 30 September
Required Documents
- Certified copy of your ID document or birth certificate
- Current Matric students: certified Term 1 and Term 2 results
- Proof of tertiary registration or acceptance, where available
- A one-page motivational letter about yourself and why you deserve the bursary
- Certified copies of parents’ or guardians’ ID documents
- Parents’ or guardians’ proof of income: recent payslips if employed, affidavit if unemployed or self-employed (certified, not older than 3 months)
- Parents’ or guardians’ proof of residence (municipal water and electricity bill)
How to Apply
- Confirm you meet every eligibility requirement, especially the 70% Matric average and first-year-in-2027 rule.
- Certify all supporting documents. Certification must be recent.
- Write your one-page motivational letter.
- Go to the official SANRAL bursaries page.
- Complete the online application and upload all compulsory documents. Missing items can disqualify you.
- Submit before 30 September 2026.
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interviews. If you receive no feedback by 31 January 2027, consider the application unsuccessful.
Closing Date
The closing date for the SANRAL Bursary 2027 is 30 September 2026. No late applications will be accepted.
Why It Matters
South Africa has a chronic shortage of civil engineers at the same time as record youth unemployment, a mismatch that bursaries like this exist to fix. SANRAL’s programme is among the most generous in the public sector because the full award covers not just fees but accommodation, meals and a living allowance, the hidden costs that force many students to drop out.
Graduating in civil engineering, information systems or supply chain with a SANRAL-funded qualification positions you for careers in one of the few sectors where government infrastructure spending keeps demand steady. For a Matric learner with 70% and no money for university, this bursary is a complete pathway into a professional career.
Frequently Asked Questions
I am already in second year. Can I apply?
No. The 2027 intake is for students entering their first year of undergraduate study in 2027. Current Matric learners and matriculants taking a gap year are the target group.
Does the bursary come with a work-back contract?
The published criteria do not state a work-back period. Conditions are set out in SANRAL’s bursary policy and your award letter, so read the agreement carefully before accepting.
Can I hold this bursary together with NSFAS?
No. Applicants must not be receiving any other bursary funding at the same time.
When will I know the outcome?
Shortlisted candidates are contacted for interviews and successful students receive award letters. If you have heard nothing by 31 January 2027, SANRAL advises that you consider your application unsuccessful.
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