Are you a student passionate about roads, transport, and infrastructure in South Africa? The South African Road Federation (SARF) Bursaries 2026 offer a key chance to fund your studies in these fields. This programme targets Diploma, Degree, and Postgraduate levels at South African universities and Universities of Technology. Applications close on 31 August 2026, so start preparing now.
About the SARF Bursary Programme
The SARF Bursary Programme builds skills for South Africa’s road transport and infrastructure sector. It supports careers in road engineering, transport management, transport economics, and road safety. The programme gives special focus to postgraduate studies like MSc and MTech, which helps students become experts in transport systems.
This funding acts as a strategic step for those who want to shape the country’s roads and logistics. Students can use it to cover part of their costs while gaining knowledge in high-demand areas.
Fields Covered by the Bursary
The bursary fits several study areas. Here is a breakdown of the main ones.
Road Engineering (Civil)
This includes traffic engineering, transportation planning, pavement and bridge engineering, construction materials and management, and environmental and stormwater engineering. These topics prepare students to design and maintain safe roads.
Road Transport Management
Focus areas cover logistics coordination, fleet operations, transport systems optimisation, and freight planning. Graduates learn to handle the movement of goods across the country.
Transport Economics
Students study infrastructure investment analysis, transport policy development, cost-benefit modelling, and freight corridor planning. This helps in making smart choices about transport budgets.
Road Safety Engineering
Key subjects are accident prevention systems, traffic flow design, smart road technologies, and highway safety assessments. These skills reduce crashes and improve road designs.
Who Should Apply?
Apply if you study civil engineering with a transport focus, logistics or transport management, transport economics, or road safety engineering. Postgraduate students planning advanced research in infrastructure also qualify. The programme welcomes those committed to the road sector.
Minimum Requirements
Requirements depend on your study level.
For Diploma students, you must have passed Semester 1.
Degree students need to have passed their first year.
Postgraduate students get preference if pursuing MSc, MTech, or higher research.
Institution Requirements
You must attend a recognised South African university or University of Technology. Your school needs to endorse your application with proof of enrolment, your academic record, and details on how your programme fits. This step confirms your studies align with SARF goals.
Funding Coverage
SARF Bursaries 2026 provide partial funding as a supplementary bursary. The amount changes based on each student and is set by the SARF Council. Payments go straight to your institution to help with study costs.
Pair it with other aid like NSFAS, university bursaries, SETA funding, or employer support for full coverage.
Selection Preference
The council favours applicants with strong grades, plans for transport careers, ties to SARF member groups, and dedication to infrastructure growth. South African residents come first, but students from SADC countries can apply too.
Key Commitment Needed
All applicants must agree to work in South Africa’s road transport sector after graduation. This ensures the bursary supports long-term industry needs.
Required Documents
Gather these items for your application:
- Certified copy of your ID
- Academic transcripts
- Proof of registration
- CV
- Motivation letter
- Letter of endorsement from your institution
Make sure copies are clear and certified.
How to Apply
Request the application form and send your full package to:
Address: South African Road Federation, 48 Gladiator Street, Rhodesfield, Kempton Park, 1619
Postal Address: PO Box 8379, Birchleigh, 1621
Contact: Tel: 011 394 9025 or 011 394 1459; Email: [email protected]
Important Notes
The deadline is 31 August 2026. Late submissions will not count. Check that all documents are ready before you send them. This bursary opens doors in a vital sector, so apply if you meet the criteria.