The SANRAL bursary is for South African students who want to study at tertiary level in fields linked to roads, infrastructure, technology, operations, and public service support. It is different from the SANRAL scholarship, which is meant for high school learners from Grade 8 to Grade 12.
If you are in Matric, entering university, or already studying at a public tertiary institution, the SANRAL bursary may be the correct programme to check. It can cover major study costs, but only if you meet the academic, financial, citizenship, course, and institution requirements.
In this write-up we cover details about SANRAL bursary, such as, who qualifies, what it covers, which fields are supported, what documents you need, how to apply, and what to expect after submitting your application.
Quick Glance: SANRAL Bursary
- The SANRAL bursary is for Matric learners and tertiary students planning full-time study.
- Applicants must be South African citizens and under 35 years old.
- Matric applicants need at least 70%, while current tertiary students need at least 60%.
- The bursary may be full or partial, depending on SANRAL’s means test.
- Applications are submitted through the official SANRAL bursary page.
Table of Contents
Is the SANRAL Bursary Open for 2027?
For the 2027 academic year, SANRAL bursary applications are linked to the 2026 application cycle. The published closing date for the 2027 bursary intake is 30 September 2026.
If you are planning for 2028, use this guide to prepare early, but check the official SANRAL bursary page when the next cycle opens. SANRAL’s bursary and scholarship applications usually open around mid-year, but the exact dates should always be confirmed from the official website.
Official application page: SANRAL Bursaries
If applications are not open when you check, bookmark the page and return from June or July onwards. Many students miss bursaries not because they do not qualify, but because they start checking too late.
About the SANRAL Bursary Programme
The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited, commonly known as SANRAL, offers bursary support to help students complete tertiary studies in fields linked to its work.
SANRAL is responsible for the development, management, and maintenance of South Africa’s national road network. Because of this, the bursary has traditionally supported engineering-related studies. Over time, SANRAL has also supported other fields that are important to its operations, such as technology, human resources, finance, procurement, and supply chain-related studies.
The purpose of the bursary is not only to pay fees. It is also meant to help students who have academic potential but need financial support to continue studying.
Benefits of the SANRAL Bursary
The SANRAL bursary can reduce the financial pressure that comes with tertiary study. Depending on your means test result, you may receive either full or partial support.
A full bursary may cover:
- Registration fees
- Tuition fees
- Study material and equipment
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Living allowance
- Access to the SANRAL Wellness Programme
A partial bursary may cover:
- Registration fees
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Access to the SANRAL Wellness Programme
The final amount of support depends on your application and the result of SANRAL’s means test.
SANRAL Bursary vs SANRAL Scholarship
Many students confuse these two programmes because both are offered by SANRAL. The difference is simple.
| Programme | Who it is for | Level of study |
| SANRAL Scholarship | Grade 8 to Grade 12 learners | High school |
| SANRAL Bursary | Matric learners and tertiary students | University or tertiary study |
The SANRAL scholarship supports school learners. The SANRAL bursary supports students who are moving into, or already studying at, tertiary level.
Who Qualifies for the SANRAL Bursary?
The SANRAL bursary is mainly for Matric learners who are planning to enter tertiary study and students who are already studying full-time at a public tertiary institution in South Africa.
| Study Level | Can Apply? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Grade R – Grade 11 | No | School learners should check the SANRAL Scholarship instead |
| Grade 12 / Matric | Yes | Eligible if planning to start an approved undergraduate course |
| First-year university student | Yes | Eligible if studying full-time in a supported field |
| Current undergraduate student | Yes | Eligible if academic results meet SANRAL’s minimum requirement |
| Postgraduate student | Limited | SANRAL support is mainly for undergraduate study, but limited postgraduate support may apply depending on the intake |
| Private college / private university student | No | SANRAL does not fund privately owned institutions |
| Part-time or distance-learning student | No | The bursary is for full-time study only |
| Student with another bursary | Usually No | Confirm with SANRAL if you already have NSFAS or another bursary |
Important: If you are still in high school from Grade 8 to Grade 12, the bursary is not the correct programme. You should check the SANRAL Scholarship instead. If you are applying for university or already studying at tertiary level, then the SANRAL bursary is the right programme to look at.
Institution
The SANRAL bursary is for students studying at recognised public tertiary institutions in South Africa. This may include public universities and universities of technology, depending on the course and intake.
Private institutions are not covered. If you are planning to study at a private college or private university, you should confirm directly with SANRAL before applying, but SANRAL’s bursary information states that privately owned universities are not considered.
The bursary is also for full-time study only. Part-time and distance-learning students do not qualify.
Fields of Study
The SANRAL bursary is not open to every course. It supports selected fields that are linked to SANRAL’s work and operations.
For the 2027 intake, listed fields include Civil Engineering, Computer Science or Information Systems, Human Resources Management, and Public Procurement or Supply Chain Management.
SANRAL’s bursary information has also referred to fields such as Civil Engineering, Human Resources, Finance, Electronic Engineering, and Supply Chain and Procurement. Because supported fields can change by cycle, always check the official SANRAL bursary page before applying.
Is There a SANRAL High School Scholarship?
Yes. SANRAL also runs a separate scholarship programme for high school learners from Grade 8 to Grade 12.
If you are still in high school, the bursary is not the correct programme. You should check the SANRAL Scholarship instead. If you have completed Matric, are entering university, or are already studying at tertiary level, the SANRAL bursary is the programme to look at.
You can read our full guide here: SANRAL Scholarship for high school learners.
SANRAL Bursary Requirements 2027
Before applying, check the minimum requirements carefully. Missing one important requirement can lead to rejection.
Citizenship
- You must be a South African citizen.
- You will need a certified copy of your ID document or birth certificate as part of your application.
Age
- Applicants must be under 35 years old.
- This means the SANRAL bursary is mainly aimed at young South African students who are entering or continuing tertiary studies.
Academic
SANRAL considers academic performance when reviewing bursary applications.
The academic requirements are:
- Matric applicants need at least a 70% overall average
- Current tertiary students need at least a 60% overall average
If you are still in Matric, prepare your latest school results. If you are already studying at a tertiary institution, prepare your full academic record.
Institution
- You must study at an approved public tertiary institution in South Africa.
- The bursary does not cover private universities, part-time studies, or distance learning.
Financial Need
- SANRAL considers financial need when awarding bursaries. A means test is applied to applications to decide whether a student may receive a full bursary, a partial bursary, or whether a family contribution may still be required.
- Prepare clear proof of household income before applying. If your parent or guardian is unemployed or earns income informally, you may need an affidavit.
Other Funding
- SANRAL bursary applicants should not be receiving another bursary at the time of application.
- If you already have NSFAS or another funding source, do not assume you can receive both at the same time. Contact SANRAL directly before applying so you understand the rule for your situation.
- Students comparing funding options can also read our guide on NSFAS funding stages to understand how NSFAS applications move before final funding decisions are made.
Can You Apply for the SANRAL Bursary If You Have NSFAS?
You should be careful if you already have NSFAS funding or another bursary.
SANRAL says applicants should not be receiving another bursary at the time of application. Because NSFAS is also study funding, you should confirm directly with SANRAL before applying if your NSFAS status is already approved or active.
Do not cancel any funding without proper advice. First check your NSFAS status, read the SANRAL rule, and contact SANRAL if your case is unclear.
Students comparing options can also read our guide on NSFAS funding stages to understand how NSFAS applications move before funding is confirmed.
Documents That You Will Need for SANRAL Bursary Application
Before starting the online form, prepare your documents in one folder. This makes the application process easier and reduces the risk of missing something.
Your application documents should usually include:
- Certified copy of your ID document or birth certificate.
- Certified copies of your parents’ or legal guardian’s ID documents.
- Certified school results if you are in Matric.
- Full academic record if you are already at tertiary level.
- Proof of tertiary registration if applicable.
- One-page motivational letter explaining why you should receive the bursary.
- Proof of residence, such as a water or electricity bill in the name of your parent or legal guardian.
- Proof of income for your parent, guardian, or spouse where applicable.
- Affidavit if a parent or guardian works informally or from home.
- Death certificate if a parent is deceased.
- Letter from social services if you are supported by a guardian.
- Proof of sibling registration if a sibling is studying at a tertiary institution.
- Marriage certificate, divorce agreement, or separation documents where applicable.
SANRAL’s brochure also notes that proof of income should not be older than three months from submission. Certified copies should also be certified within three months of submission.
Do not wait until the final week to prepare these documents. Certification, affidavits, and proof of income can take time. Also, make sure that you do not upload blurry scans.Every document should be readable.
How to Apply for the SANRAL Bursary
The SANRAL bursary application is done online. Do not apply through social media, WhatsApp groups, or unofficial links.
Where Is the Application Form?
The SANRAL bursary application form is available through the official SANRAL bursary page.
Official application page: www.nra.co.za/Bursaries
Use the official page to read the current requirements, fields covered, application instructions, and closing date.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Follow these steps:
- Go to www.nra.co.za/Bursaries
- Read the bursary information and brochure carefully
- Check whether your field of study is supported
- Prepare all required documents
- Make sure certified copies and income documents are recent
- Complete the online application form
- Upload all required supporting documents
- Review every section before submitting
- Submit before the closing date
- Save proof or a screenshot of your submission
Do not leave blank fields. Do not upload old or unclear documents. Do not wait until the last day if your documents are not ready.
Application Deadlines
For the 2027 intake, the SANRAL bursary closing date is 30 September 2026.
For the 2028 intake, the official date must be checked once SANRAL releases the new application cycle.
A useful planning guide is:
| Milestone | Expected timing |
| Applications open | Usually around mid-year |
| 2027 intake closing date | 30 September 2026 |
| 2028 intake closing date | Confirm on official SANRAL page |
| Outcome communication | Usually within three months after closing date |
If you do not hear from SANRAL within three months after the closing date, your application should be treated as unsuccessful.
What Does the SANRAL Bursary Acceptance Letter Look Like?
Successful applicants receive official communication from SANRAL.
The acceptance or award letter may include:
- Confirmation that your application was successful
- The academic year covered
- Whether your bursary is full or partial
- Which costs are covered
- Any family contribution required
- Conditions attached to the bursary
- Instructions on what to do next
If you receive an award letter, read it carefully and respond on time. Missing a deadline after selection can affect your bursary.
Common Mistakes That Get Applications Rejected
Many students are rejected because of avoidable mistakes. Before submitting, check your application against this list.
Common mistakes include:
- Applying for a field not supported by SANRAL
- Applying to study at a private institution
- Choosing part-time or distance learning
- Uploading uncertified documents
- Using certified copies older than the allowed period
- Uploading unclear scans
- Forgetting proof of household income
- Leaving fields blank
- Applying after the deadline
- Using old bursary information from a previous year
- Assuming the bursary guarantees employment
- Not checking whether another bursary affects eligibility
Read the instructions before you start. Then check everything again before submitting.
Bursary Renewal
A SANRAL bursary is usually linked to continued academic performance and compliance with bursary conditions.
To keep your funding, you may need to:
- Maintain the required academic performance
- Remain registered for the approved qualification
- Continue studying full-time
- Submit updated academic results when requested
- Follow the rules listed in your bursary award letter
If your marks drop or you fail to meet the bursary conditions, your funding may be affected.
Contact SANRAL About the Bursary
For questions about the SANRAL bursary, use the official SANRAL contact page.
Official contact page: www.nra.co.za/contact-information
Do not share your ID number, proof of income, application documents, or personal details in public Facebook groups or WhatsApp groups. Bursary applications involve private information, so keep communication official.
Conclusion
The SANRAL bursary is a strong opportunity for South African students who want to study in fields linked to infrastructure, technology, procurement, supply chain, human resources, or SANRAL’s wider operations.
The most important step is to confirm whether your course is supported for the year you are applying. After that, focus on preparing a complete application with certified documents, proof of financial need, and strong academic records.
If you are applying for the 2027 intake, work around the 30 September 2026 deadline. If you are preparing for 2028, start checking the official SANRAL bursary page from mid-year and get your documents ready early.
For more funding options, you can also read our guide to top bursaries in South Africa and use our Scholarship Eligibility Checker.
FAQs
What does the SANRAL bursary cover?
A full bursary may cover registration, tuition, accommodation, meals, study material and equipment, living allowance, and access to the SANRAL Wellness Programme. A partial bursary may cover registration, tuition, accommodation, and access to the wellness programme.
What average do I need for the SANRAL bursary?
Matric applicants need at least a 70% overall average. Current tertiary students need at least a 60% overall average.
Does the SANRAL bursary fund private colleges?
No. SANRAL states that the bursary does not cover private institutions. Applicants must study or be accepted at a recognised public tertiary institution in South Africa.
When is the SANRAL bursary closing date?
For the 2027 intake, the closing date is 30 September 2026. For future intakes, confirm the current deadline on the official SANRAL bursary page.
Does the SANRAL bursary guarantee employment?
No. Receiving a SANRAL bursary does not guarantee employment with SANRAL after graduation. The bursary supports your studies, but it should not be treated as a job offer. You should still build your CV, keep your academic record strong, and apply for internships, graduate programmes, and jobs when the time comes.
Varsha Asrani is a lecturer and education writer with experience as Visiting Faculty at AUPP and ATMC College, and as a Lecturer with TalentEdge and UpGrad. She is the Founder of the Asrani Institute of Education and Counselling. Varsha specializes in scholarships, e-learning, and career guidance for African students and professionals, and regularly visits Africa to gather first-hand insights that shape her research and articles.
