Need funding for your first year of university? South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) is offering an External Bursary for students starting in 2027, and the deadline is fast approaching.
What the SANRAL External Bursary 2027 offers
SANRAL will fund eligible South African learners who begin a first‑year undergraduate programme in 2027. The bursary is aimed at fields that match SANRAL’s operational needs and is available as full or partial support, depending on your financial situation.
Who can apply
- South African citizen
- Under 35 years old
- Matriculant or current Matric learner with at least 70 % overall average
- Enrolling for the first year of a full‑time undergraduate degree in 2027
- Studying at a recognised public tertiary institution in South Africa
- Applying for one of the approved fields of study (see below)
- Demonstrating genuine financial need
- Not receiving another bursary at the same time
- Students with disabilities are encouraged to apply
Fields of study funded
- Civil Engineering – BSc or BEng
- Computer Science
- Information Systems
- Human Resources Management
- Public Procurement
- Supply Chain Management
What the bursary covers
Full bursary (where need is highest)
- Registration fees
- Tuition fees
- Study material and equipment
- Accommodation and meals
- Living allowance
- Access to a wellness plan
Partial bursary (where need is moderate)
- Registration fees
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Access to a wellness plan
The exact amount will be decided after assessing your household income.
How to apply – step by step
- Collect the required documents:
- Certified copy of your South African ID or birth certificate
- Certified Term 1 and Term 2 Matric results (if you are still in school)
- Proof of acceptance or registration at a public university (if available)
- One‑page motivational letter (see guidance below)
- Certified copies of your parents’/guardians’ IDs
- Proof of parents’/guardians’ income (recent payslips or a notarised affidavit not older than three months)
- Proof of residence (municipal water or electricity bill)
- Visit the official SANRAL application portal and click Apply for the SANRAL External Bursary Programme 2027.
- Complete the online form carefully. Fill in all personal and academic details exactly as they appear on your documents.
- Upload each supporting document in PDF format. Double‑check that files are clear and legible.
- Submit your application **before 30 September 2026**. You will receive an acknowledgement email with a reference number.
Tips to improve your chances
- Ensure your Matric average is at least 70 % and that this is clearly shown on your results slip.
- Write a concise, authentic motivational letter. Explain who you are, your career goal, why SANRAL’s field interests you, and how the bursary will help you succeed.
- Use recent payslips or a freshly sworn affidavit (max 3 months old) to prove financial need.
- Verify that all IDs and certificates are certified copies – uncertified documents will be rejected.
- Proofread every field of the online form; simple errors can lead to disqualification.
- Submit well before the deadline to avoid last‑minute technical issues.
Selection process and next steps
Applications are screened for eligibility and academic merit. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview (either face‑to‑face or virtual). If you do not hear back by 31 January 2027, you should consider your application unsuccessful.
Start gathering your documents today and submit your application before the 30 September 2026 deadline. This bursary could remove the financial barrier to a degree that aligns with SANRAL’s future workforce. Good luck!
