South African students seeking financial support for their university studies in 2027 can apply for the SANRAL Bursary Programme 2027. The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) provides external bursaries to eligible students pursuing selected qualifications that support the organisation’s operations and the broader infrastructure sector.
The programme is available to qualifying undergraduate and postgraduate students studying full-time at recognised public tertiary institutions in South Africa. Funding is awarded according to factors such as academic performance and financial need. Applications for the 2027 academic year close on 30 September 2026.
SANRAL Bursary 2027 Overview
- Bursary Provider: South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL)
- Programme: SANRAL External Bursary Programme
- Academic Year: 2027
- Study Levels: Undergraduate and Postgraduate
- Study Location: South Africa
- Application Method: Online
- Closing Date: 30 September 2026
- Application Fee: None
SANRAL does not charge applicants a fee to apply for its bursary or scholarship programmes.
What Does the SANRAL Bursary Cover?
Depending on the applicant’s financial circumstances and the outcome of the assessment, SANRAL may award either a full or partial bursary.
A full bursary may cover:
- Registration fees
- Tuition fees
- Study materials
- Study equipment
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Living allowance
- Access to a wellness plan
A partial bursary may cover:
- Registration fees
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Access to a wellness plan
The level of financial assistance provided will depend on the applicable bursary assessment and funding conditions.
Fields of Study Funded by SANRAL
SANRAL supports selected undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications considered relevant to its operations and South Africa’s infrastructure and development needs.
Undergraduate Qualifications
Eligible undergraduate fields include:
- BSc/BEng Civil Engineering
- Computer Science or Information Systems
- Public Procurement or Supply Chain Management
Postgraduate Qualifications
Approved postgraduate fields include:
- Commercial Property and Investment
- Finance or Financial Management
- Property Law
- Commercial Law
- Contract Law
- Property Asset Management
- Property Development and Management
- Real Estate and Commercial Property studies
- Property Valuation
- Town and Regional Planning
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Applicants should verify that their exact qualification and programme fall within SANRAL’s approved areas before applying.
Who Can Apply for the SANRAL Bursary 2027?
Applicants must satisfy the programme’s eligibility criteria.
General Requirements
Candidates should:
- Be South African citizens.
- Be younger than 35 years of age.
- Be studying or intending to study at a recognised and accredited public tertiary institution in South Africa.
- Study on a full-time basis.
- Demonstrate financial need.
- Meet the academic requirements applicable to their chosen qualification.
- Not currently hold another bursary.
Students with disabilities are also encouraged to apply.
Undergraduate Requirements
Undergraduate applicants should:
- Be currently completing Matric or have already completed Matric.
- Be entering their first year of undergraduate study in 2027.
- Have achieved a minimum overall academic average of 70%.
- Be accepted or intend to enrol full-time in one of SANRAL’s approved fields.
- Study at an eligible public tertiary institution.
Part-time and distance-learning programmes are not covered under the stated criteria.
Postgraduate Requirements
Postgraduate applicants should:
- Be enrolling for an approved postgraduate programme in 2027.
- Be studying at NQF Level 8.
- Have achieved a minimum overall academic average of 60%.
- Meet the requirements for an approved postgraduate field of study.
How Are SANRAL Bursary Applicants Selected?
Meeting the minimum requirements does not automatically guarantee a bursary award. SANRAL assesses applications based on factors that include academic performance and financial need, together with other conditions contained in its bursary policies.
Shortlisted candidates may be invited to participate in an interview before final selections are made. Successful applicants will receive official communication regarding their bursary awards.
Applicants who have not received feedback by 31 January 2027 should regard their applications as unsuccessful, according to the current bursary information.
Documents Required
Applicants should prepare the necessary supporting documents before beginning the online application. These may include:
- Certified copy of a South African ID document or birth certificate.
- Certified Term 1 and Term 2 results for current Matric students.
- Proof of tertiary registration, where applicable.
- A one-page motivational letter explaining why the applicant should receive the bursary.
- Certified copies of parents’ or guardians’ ID documents.
- Proof of parents’ or guardians’ income.
- Recent payslips, where applicable.
- An affidavit where a parent or guardian is unemployed or self-employed.
- Proof of parents’ or guardians’ residential address.
Applicants should ensure that all documents are current, clear, legible, and properly certified where certification is required.
How to Apply for the SANRAL Bursary 2027
Applications must be submitted online through SANRAL’s official bursary application platform.
Applicants should:
- Visit the official SANRAL bursary application platform.
- Confirm that their chosen qualification is included among the funded fields.
- Check that they meet the applicable academic and eligibility requirements.
- Prepare all required supporting documents.
- Complete the online application form accurately.
- Upload clear copies of the required documents.
- Review all information before submitting the application.
Applicants should use SANRAL’s official application platform rather than relying on third parties to submit applications on their behalf.
SANRAL also confirms that it does not charge an application fee for its bursary and scholarship programmes. Applicants should therefore be cautious of anyone requesting payment in exchange for an application or a bursary award.
SANRAL Bursary 2027 Closing Date
The application deadline is:
30 September 2026
Students are encouraged to submit their applications well before the closing date. Late applications may not be considered.
Why Consider the SANRAL Bursary?
University education involves several expenses beyond tuition, including registration, accommodation, study materials, equipment, meals, and other living costs. Depending on the level of funding awarded, the SANRAL bursary can help successful students meet several of these important educational expenses.
The programme is also relevant to students pursuing careers in engineering, information technology, procurement, supply chain management, finance, property, planning, GIS, and other fields connected to infrastructure development.
Final Reminder
The SANRAL Bursary Programme 2027 provides eligible South African students with an opportunity to obtain financial assistance for selected undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications.
If you meet the eligibility requirements, prepare your supporting documents early and complete your online application before 30 September 2026. Ensure that all information is accurate and that the required documents are uploaded clearly before submitting your application.
