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SANRAL Bursary Scheme
SANRAL Bursary Scheme is bursary offered to South African students studying towards qualifications in civil engineering, construction management, transport engineering. Applications for the current cycle close on 30 Sep 2026, so read the criteria carefully before you start.
Bursary for civil engineering, transport and infrastructure students.
The sections below set out who qualifies, what the award covers, which documents you need to prepare and where to submit your application. Every detail is taken from the funder's own published information, and the apply link sends you straight to their official page rather than to a third-party form.
Editor's strategy corner
Engineering funders often place graduates where projects are. If you are willing to relocate or work at remote sites, say so clearly in your application, it is a real advantage.
Funding
Full cost of study
Closing date
30 Sep 2026
Provinces
All provinces
Opening date
1 Jul 2025
Study levels
Undergraduate, Honours, Masters
Citizenship
South African
Institutions
Any accredited SA institution
Verified by our editorial team· last checked 3 Oct 2026
Applications for this cycle are closed. The details below are kept for reference so you can prepare for the next intake.
This funder does not publish a public online application form. The link above takes you to their official bursary page, where the current application instructions, forms and email address are posted.
Our assessment of this opportunity
this funder is funding a scarce-skills field, which usually means a large applicant pool and marks-driven shortlisting. In our experience, applicants who submit early with a certified latest results statement and a clear career link to the funder's operations get further than those relying on the motivation letter alone.
Most company bursaries in South Africa come with a work-back obligation, typically one year of employment for each year funded. Before you accept, confirm the length of the obligation, where you may be placed and what happens if you fail a module, because repaying a bursary in full is a real risk for students who change course.
Full funding is the main strength here: it closes the gap that often forces "missing middle" students to drop out. Still, check whether accommodation, books and a laptop are included, as "full" can mean tuition only.
Our advice is to submit at least a week before the closing date. Funder portals often slow down in the final days, and certified copies can take longer than expected.
There is no public online form linked here, so applications may be by email or only when a call is announced. Never pay anyone to "fast-track" this application; legitimate funders do not charge fees.
Written by the SA Bursary Hub Editorial Team based on the funder's published criteria and our experience reviewing South African funding programmes.
About this bursary
The SANRAL Bursary Scheme supports South African students pursuing studies in crucial engineering and infrastructure-related fields. This programme is designed for those committed to contributing to the nation's civil engineering, transport engineering, and construction management sectors. It aims to develop a skilled workforce for infrastructure development. The bursary targets students at undergraduate, honours, and masters levels, providing comprehensive support for their academic journey. It is particularly well-suited for academically strong individuals who are passionate about civil infrastructure and transport systems, and who aspire to make a tangible impact in these critical areas within South Africa.
Eligibility
Applicants must be South African citizens to qualify for the SANRAL Bursary Scheme. The programme supports studies across all provinces within South Africa. Candidates must be enrolled or intend to enrol in civil engineering, transport engineering, or construction management. The bursary is available to students at various academic stages, specifically undergraduate, honours, and masters levels. There is no minimum grade specified in the provided facts; students should confirm any academic performance requirements directly on the official SANRAL application page to ensure they meet all criteria before applying.
Requirements
While no specific minimum grade is detailed in the facts, applicants for the SANRAL Bursary Scheme should prepare to demonstrate strong academic potential in their chosen field. Students should ensure they are pursuing or intend to pursue studies in civil engineering, transport engineering, or construction management at an approved South African institution. Being a South African citizen is a fundamental requirement. It is advisable to have an updated academic record and a clear understanding of the application process. Check the official SANRAL application page for a comprehensive list of all academic and supporting requirements.
Required documents
Applicants for the SANRAL Bursary Scheme should typically prepare a range of certified documents. These commonly include a certified copy of their South African Identity Document. Academic records, such as certified copies of matric results or current academic transcripts, will likely be essential. Proof of registration or acceptance from a recognised South African tertiary institution is usually required. While not specified, a comprehensive curriculum vitae and a motivation letter outlining career aspirations might also be beneficial. Always consult the official SANRAL application page for a precise and complete list of all documents required for submission.
Benefits
The SANRAL Bursary Scheme offers full cost of study funding to successful applicants. This comprehensive financial support typically covers tuition fees, accommodation, prescribed textbooks, and a stipend for living expenses, ensuring students can focus entirely on their academics. The programme aims to alleviate the financial burden associated with higher education. No work-back obligation is specified in the provided facts, but students should confirm any post-graduation commitments or opportunities directly with SANRAL on their official application page. This bursary provides significant support for future engineers and construction managers.
How to apply
To apply for the SANRAL Bursary Scheme, prospective candidates should visit the official SANRAL website or the dedicated bursary application portal. This is where detailed instructions and the application form will be made available. It is crucial to carefully read through all guidelines and ensure that every section of the application form is completed accurately and thoroughly. Gather all necessary supporting documents and have them certified as required before uploading or submitting them. Pay close attention to the closing date, which is 30 September 2026. However, always confirm this and any other specific deadlines directly on the official SANRAL application page to avoid missing this valuable opportunity.
Fields of study
Browse more in Engineering, Built Environment.
Qualification levels
Contact
bursaries@nra.co.zaOfficial source and what we could not confirm
Everything above comes from the funder's own published material. SA Bursary Hub is an independent information site: we do not award this funding and applications are submitted only through the official channel below.
- Official application page: https://www.nra.co.za/bursaries
Requirements and dates can change during the year, so confirm the full criteria and closing date on the official page before you submit.
SA Bursary Hub editorial team
This listing was written by a person and checked against the funder's own published material before it went live. Last reviewed 3 Oct 2026. How we verify information.
Plan your application
Use this checklist with the verified details above. The official the funder application page remains the final source for criteria, documents and dates.
Check your fit first
- Your registered or intended course appears within the listed fields: civil engineering, construction management, transport engineering. Confirm the exact course name on the official page.
- Your study level matches one of the listed levels: Undergraduate, Honours, Masters.
- You meet the listed location requirement: all provinces.
Prepare the requested evidence
Use the required-documents section above as your checklist. Open every uploaded file to confirm it is readable and follows the portal's format and size rules.
Work backwards from the deadline
Allow time to correct missing documents or failed uploads. Save the submission confirmation and reference number after applying.
Confirm before you submit
- The web address belongs to the funder or its named application provider.
- The bursary title, closing date and intake year match this listing.
- You understand what is funded and any conditions attached to an award.
- You never pay a person who promises to secure or prioritise an application.