Students planning to study civil engineering in 2027 may be eligible to apply for financial support through the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL). The agency’s external bursary programme supports qualifying students pursuing approved fields of study, including BSc or BEng Civil Engineering.

The funding may help eligible students cover university expenses, depending on whether they receive a full or partial bursary. Applicants must meet the academic and other eligibility requirements and submit the necessary supporting documents.

Important: SANRAL’s official bursary information lists 31 October 2026 as the closing date on its external bursary page, while SANRAL social media posts have also advertised 30 September 2026. Because these dates conflict, check the official application portal immediately to confirm whether applications are still being accepted.

SANRAL Civil Engineering Bursary 2027: Quick Details

Detail	Information
Bursary provider	South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL)
Programme	External Bursary Programme
Academic year	2027
Featured field	BSc or BEng Civil Engineering
Other undergraduate fields	Computer Science or Information Systems; Public Procurement or Supply Chain Management
Study level	First-year undergraduate study in 2027 for the listed undergraduate fields
Minimum academic average	70% for undergraduate applicants
Citizenship	South African citizens
Age requirement	Under 35
Study mode	Full-time study
Institution	Approved South African tertiary institution; privately owned universities are not considered
Closing date	Conflicting official information: 30 September or 31 October 2026; verify on the application portal
Application fee	None
Official website	SANRAL

The eligibility information above is based on SANRAL’s published external bursary details. Applicants should read the latest official application instructions before submitting.

What Is the SANRAL Bursary Programme?

SANRAL is the government-owned agency responsible for managing South Africa’s national road network. Its work includes road infrastructure development, maintenance and related activities that require engineering and other specialist skills.

The external bursary programme provides financial assistance to qualifying students in selected fields connected to the agency’s operations.

Civil engineering students may be interested in this opportunity because their studies can lead to careers involving road design, transport infrastructure, construction, structural engineering and project management. A bursary does not, however, guarantee a job at SANRAL after graduation.

Who Can Apply for the SANRAL Civil Engineering Bursary?

According to the published requirements for the 2027 undergraduate programme, applicants must meet the applicable conditions.

• Be a South African citizen.
• Be younger than 35 years.
• Be entering the first year of an approved undergraduate programme in 2027.
• Have achieved a minimum overall academic average of 70% in the latest academic results.
• Intend to study full-time at an approved South African tertiary institution.
• Meet the academic and admission requirements for the selected qualification.
• Submit a complete application with the required supporting documents.

SANRAL states that applicants’ financial circumstances will be considered when bursary awards are assessed. Applicants with another bursary may be disqualified under the published programme conditions.

Students with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Note for current university students: The published 2027 undergraduate criteria specify applicants entering their first year. If you are already studying civil engineering and need funding for your second year or beyond, confirm directly with SANRAL whether a separate funding route is available for your situation.

Which Civil Engineering Qualifications Are Covered?

The listed undergraduate civil engineering qualification is:

• Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (BSc Civil Engineering).
• Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering (BEng Civil Engineering).

The exact qualification must match the course accepted by your chosen institution and the course specified in your bursary application.

SANRAL’s 2027 external bursary information also lists Computer Science or Information Systems and Public Procurement or Supply Chain Management as undergraduate fields. These are separate study options and are subject to the programme’s requirements.

What Does the SANRAL Bursary Cover?

SANRAL’s published information describes both full and partial bursary packages. The package awarded to an applicant depends on the agency’s selection and funding decisions.

Full bursary

The listed full bursary may cover:

• Registration and tuition fees.
• Accommodation.
• Study materials and equipment.
• Food.
• A living allowance.
• Access to a wellness plan.

Partial bursary

The listed partial bursary may cover:

• Registration and tuition fees.
• Accommodation.
• Access to a wellness plan.

The published information does not provide a guaranteed rand value for every award. Do not assume that all applicants will receive full funding or a particular monthly allowance.

Documents to Prepare Before Applying

Applicants should check the current application form for the final document checklist. SANRAL’s published external bursary information identifies the following supporting documents:

• A one-page letter of motivation explaining your background and why you want the bursary.
• Certified copy of your South African ID or birth certificate.
• Certified ID copies of your parents or legal guardian.
• Your latest school results, including the specified term results for high-school applicants.
• A full academic record for applicants already at tertiary level, where applicable.
• Proof of application to a tertiary institution.
• Proof of residence, such as an eligible municipal water and electricity bill in a parent’s or guardian’s name.
• Proof of household income and any additional documents required by the application form.

SANRAL’s published instructions state that proof of income should not be older than three months and certified copies should also have been certified within the previous three months.

Additional documents may be needed depending on your family circumstances. For example, applicants supported by a guardian may need a death certificate or a letter from Social Services where applicable.

Make sure all documents are clear, accurate and complete. Do not submit false academic results, income information or personal details.

How to Apply for the SANRAL Bursary

Step 1: Visit the official SANRAL website

Go to www.nra.co.za and open the bursary programme section. Use the external bursary application route rather than the separate high-school scholarship programme.

Step 2: Confirm the application status

Before preparing your submission, check whether the 2027 external bursary application portal is still accepting applications. The published closing-date information is inconsistent, so do not rely on an older social media post or third-party article.

Step 3: Check your eligibility

Confirm that your citizenship, age, academic results, intended qualification and study arrangements meet the latest official criteria.

Step 4: Complete the application form

Enter your details accurately. Make sure the course listed on your application matches the qualification for which you have applied or been accepted.

Step 5: Upload the required documents

Attach your certified documents, academic results, proof of tertiary application and supporting financial information as requested.

Step 6: Review before submitting

Check every section before submitting. SANRAL’s official scholarship information warns that its application system may allow only one submission, so follow the bursary portal’s specific instructions and ensure all documents are included.

Step 7: Keep a record of your submission

Save your application confirmation or reference number if one is provided. Monitor your email and other contact details for official communication.

Apply through the official website: SANRAL Bursaries.

What Happens After You Apply?

SANRAL receives applications from students across South Africa, and bursary awards are limited. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee funding.

According to the published programme information, selection considers academic merit, financial circumstances and SANRAL’s applicable policies and budget.

The agency states that only successful applicants will be contacted. The exact notification date should be confirmed through the current bursary instructions, particularly because different dates appear in the published information.

Does the SANRAL Bursary Guarantee Employment?

No. Receiving a SANRAL bursary does not guarantee employment with the agency after graduation.

SANRAL’s published information says bursary recipients may have the opportunity to apply for on-the-job training. Such opportunities depend on availability and the relevant selection process.

Students should focus on completing their qualifications, developing practical skills and applying for suitable graduate or training opportunities when they become available.

Beware of Bursary Scams

SANRAL states that it does not charge an application fee for its bursaries or scholarships.

Protect yourself by following these precautions:

• Do not pay anyone who promises to secure a bursary.
• Use the official SANRAL website to access application information.
• Be cautious of social media posts asking for registration fees.
• Never provide passwords, banking PINs or one-time passwords to a supposed recruiter.
• Check that all documents are submitted through the correct official application channel.

If you are uncertain whether a message is genuine, contact SANRAL using contact information published on its official website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the SANRAL Civil Engineering Bursary open for 2027?

SANRAL has published information for its 2027 external bursary programme. However, the closing date is inconsistent across its published information: the external bursary page lists 31 October 2026, while SANRAL social media posts state 30 September 2026. Check the official application portal to confirm whether you can still apply.

What average do I need?

The published undergraduate criteria require a minimum overall academic average of 70%. Check the latest application instructions for how the average is calculated and which results must be submitted.

Can I apply if I am already in my second or third year?

The listed 2027 undergraduate criteria specify students entering their first year. Contact SANRAL to ask whether another bursary route applies to continuing students.

Does the bursary cover accommodation and food?

The published full bursary package lists accommodation and food, along with registration, tuition, study materials, equipment and a living allowance. The partial package is different, and full funding is not guaranteed.

Can I study part-time or through distance learning?

The published external bursary requirements specify full-time study. Confirm the approved study arrangements on the current application portal.

Does SANRAL charge an application fee?

No. SANRAL states that it does not charge fees for bursary or scholarship applications.

Where can I apply?

Start at the official SANRAL website and follow the external bursary application link.

Find More Bursaries and Student Opportunities

Students can also look for related funding opportunities on JobsLink.club:

• Civil engineering bursaries in South Africa
• Engineering bursaries
• Government bursaries
• University bursaries for 2027
• Engineering internships

Final Advice

The SANRAL external bursary programme may provide financial assistance to eligible students pursuing civil engineering and other approved qualifications in 2027. Before gathering documents, confirm the current closing date and application status directly on SANRAL’s official portal.

Submit a complete and accurate application, keep copies of your documents and remember that a bursary award is not guaranteed.