There’s a real chance to get money for your studies right now – the South African Road Federation is accepting applications for its 2027 Study Bursary. If you want to work in the road‑transport industry, this could help you pay for tuition and related costs.
What the SARF Study Bursary 2027 offers
The South African Road Federation (SARF) will fund students who study subjects linked to road transport. The bursary is a partial award, and the exact amount is decided by the SARF Council based on your financial need.
Who can apply
- South African residents are preferred; applicants from SADC countries may also apply.
- You must be enrolled in a recognised South African university or college.
- Your course must relate to road transport (see list below).
- You need an endorsement from the appropriate academic authority at your institution.
- You must intend to work in South Africa’s road‑transport sector after graduation.
Eligible fields of study
- Road Safety Engineering
- Road Transport Economics
- Road Transport Management
- Civil Engineering
- Traffic Engineering
- Bridge Engineering
- Pavement Engineering
- Transportation Planning
- Construction Management
- Construction Materials
- Storm Water Management
- Environmental studies related to road engineering
- Other road‑engineering disciplines
What you gain
- Financial assistance to cover part of your tuition, textbooks and related expenses.
- Opportunity to become an associate member of SARF, giving you industry contacts.
- Experience presenting your research to a local SARF branch.
- Regular progress reporting (every six months) that keeps you on track.
- Improved employability in the South African road‑transport industry.
How to apply – step by step
- Download the official application form: SARF Bursary Application Form.
- Gather the required documents:
- Certified copy of your ID.
- Certified copy of your Grade 11 results.
- Certified copy of your Matric certificate.
- Most recent tertiary results on the institution’s official letterhead.
- Completed SARF application form.
- Have the application form endorsed by the relevant academic authority at your college or university.
- Choose a submission method:
- Hand‑deliver the package to: South African Road Federation, 48 Gladiator Street, Rhodesfield, Kempton Park, 1619.
- Or post it to: South African Road Federation, P.O. Box 8379, Birchleigh, 1621.
- Make sure the complete application reaches SARF by 31 August 2026.
Tips to improve your chances
- Apply early – waiting until the deadline can cause delays in delivery.
- Ensure all documents are certified and legible; illegible paperwork may be rejected.
- Highlight any financial need clearly in a short cover letter.
- Show your commitment to a career in road transport – mention internships, projects or volunteer work.
- If you study full‑time, note this in your application as it is preferred.
- Members of organisations that are SARF members may receive extra points; mention any affiliation.
Next steps
Take a moment now to download the form, speak with your academic mentor, and start collecting the paperwork. The deadline is 31 August 2026, so give yourself enough time to prepare a complete, endorsed application. Good luck – this bursary could be the financial boost you need to start a rewarding career in South Africa’s road‑transport industry.
