RSR Bursary Programme 2026 – A Chance to Study for Free
If you’re a South African student who wants to study engineering, tech, or business, the Railway Safety Regulator (RSR) has a program that could help you pay for school. The RSR is a national agency that keeps trains safe across the country. They want to give young people a chance to learn the skills they need to help keep South Africa’s railways safe and efficient. That’s why they’re offering bursaries for 2026 – a way to cover tuition for the courses that match their work and for the skills South Africa needs right now.
What the bursary covers
You can apply if you want to study one of the following subjects at a TVET college, a university of technology, a public university, or a private university:
- Electrical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Information Technology
- Human Resources Management
- Media and Communications
- Law
- Financial Management
- Internal Audit
- Supply Chain Management
- Risk Management
The bursary can be full or partial, depending on the school and the course. It will also pay for your tuition fees for the academic year you’re applying for.
Who can apply
- You must be a South African citizen.
- You must be between 15 and 35 years old.
- You cannot already be receiving another bursary or sponsorship from a different school or organisation.
- If you are chosen for an interview, you need to be ready to attend and sign a bursary agreement.
- You must show proof that you are admitted to a recognised higher‑learning institution for the year you want to study.
- If you are a first‑year student, you need to submit your Grade 11 or Grade 12 mid‑term results and you must have a minimum average of 65 %.
Documents you’ll need
Make sure you have the following papers ready, and that they are certified copies:
- Your admission or registration letter for the upcoming academic year.
- The most recent official academic record if you are already at a tertiary institution.
- Grade 11 or Grade 12 mid‑term results if you are still in high school.
- Your South African ID.
- A motivational letter that explains why you deserve this bursary.
- A quotation that lists the tuition fees for the year you are applying for.
All documents should be clear and recently certified so the RSR can check them easily.
How to apply
- Visit the RSR bursary application portal.
Go to https://rsr.mcidirecthire.com/Bursary/External/Job?Ref=TEkBhDYErs0qhHgueWeCgt_yRI-cnPLR1MRk1RR6Cpou3ktpvROhSqni_BGkK6j0mNgO8HGpAtYg6deIg_8MJVQ9Qodp3Bpxs-w_gRaYmXvYj8ZmWES0IbV2mUzp4HpI3tOAczj79NEUhvPtCcxxAQ and follow the instructions to fill out the form. - You can also find paper forms and more information at https://www.rsr.org.za/careers.
- All applications must be submitted online no later than 23 December 2025.
- If you finish your application, double‑check that every document is attached and that you have signed everything required.
Important reminders
- Applications that are late or missing files will not be looked at.
- The RSR keeps the right to decide which applicants receive bursaries after the call ends.
- All personal data is protected under South Africa’s POPIA law.
Got questions?
If you need more details or have any doubts, send an email to bursaries@rsr.org.za. The RSR team will help you figure out the next steps.
Why this matters
The RSR is looking for bright students who can help keep trains safe and reliable for everyone. By getting a bursary, you can study the subjects that matter to this field and build a career that keeps people moving across South Africa. Don’t miss the chance to apply by the deadline. Good luck!