SANRAL
SANRAL Bursary 2027: Fully Funded Engineering & IT, Closes 30 September
Role Overview
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.
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.
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.
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%
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
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)
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.
The closing date for the SANRAL Bursary 2027 is 30 September 2026. No late applications will be accepted.
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.
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.
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.
No. Applicants must not be receiving any other bursary funding at the same time.
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.
Make sure your application stands out with these free tools:
Key Responsibilities
As a bursary recipient, your responsibilities will include maintaining the minimum academic performance standards and attending all lectures and tutorials as required. Submitting academic progress reports to the bursary provider at specified intervals and participating in any vacation work placements or mentorship programmes is required.
Entry Requirements
South African citizenship and acceptance or current enrolment at a recognised South African tertiary institution. A strong academic record meeting the minimum requirements and demonstrated financial need where applicable.
Listing Source
This opportunity was sourced from Nasi-Ispani. Always verify final requirements and deadlines on the official source before applying.
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. Apply at SANRAL
About SANRAL
This bursary is offered by SANRAL.
Why This Is Good for Starters
This bursary from SANRAL can cover your tuition fees, accommodation, textbooks, and sometimes even a living allowance. In South Africa, where the cost of higher education continues to rise, bursaries are a lifeline for talented students who cannot afford to study. Some bursary programmes also include vacation work placements or post-study work opportunities, giving you both education support and practical career exposure.
CV Tips for This Application
- Include your academic record — marks and subjects matter for bursary applications
- Write a compelling motivation letter explaining your financial need and career aspirations
- Mention any community involvement, leadership roles, or extracurricular activities
- Include proof of financial need if the application requires it
- Apply early — bursary programmes often close well before the academic year starts
Application Checklist
- Read the full job description carefully before applying
- Prepare an updated CV tailored to this specific role
- Gather all required documents mentioned in the listing
- Prepare your academic transcripts and proof of financial need
- Write a motivation letter explaining your career goals
- Submit before the closing date: 30 September 2026
- Double-check your contact details are correct on your CV
- Follow up after 2 weeks if you have not heard back
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply with matric only?
Check the requirements section above for education requirements.
Do I need experience?
This appears to be suitable for candidates with little or no experience.
Can I apply if I live in another province?
Most opportunities accept applications from candidates across South Africa. Check the requirements for any location-specific criteria.
What happens after I apply?
After submitting your application, the employer will review it. If shortlisted, you may be contacted for an interview. Response times vary by employer.
Is this bursary paid?
Payment details are not specified. Contact the employer for more information.
When is the closing date and what if I miss it?
The closing date is 30 September 2026. Apply before this date to be considered.