South African Road Federation (SARF) Bursary Programme 2026

Who can apply

• SARF bursaries are awarded based on academic progression.
• Eligibility includes:
• National Diploma Students
• Must have:
• Passed Semester 1 examinations
• Degree Students
• Passed first-year examinations
• Postgraduate Students
• Preference is given to:
• MSc students
• MTech students
• Advanced infrastructure researchers
• However, undergraduate applications may still be considered in special circumstances.
• Institution Requirements
• Applicants must study at:
• Approved South African universities
• Universities of Technology
• Equivalent recognised institutions
• Your application must also be:
• Endorsed by your academic institution.
• This means your department or faculty must confirm:
• your enrolment
• your academic performance
• your programme suitability

How to apply

Applications are submitted directly to South African Road Federation - we do not collect applications. Read the eligibility criteria, prepare your supporting documents, then complete your application on the official page.

Full details

If you are studying (or planning to study) in fields linked to road engineering, transport management, road safety or transport economics, the South African Road Federation (SARF) Bursary Programme is one of the most strategic funding opportunities available in South Africa’s infrastructure sector.

This bursary is designed to support students who are building careers directly connected to South Africa’s road transport industry, a sector that plays a central role in national economic growth, logistics efficiency, public safety and infrastructure development.

Importantly, SARF does not only support undergraduate students. It actively encourages postgraduate study (MSc, MTech and higher) - making this bursary especially valuable for students serious about becoming specialists in the transport and infrastructure environment.

Applications close 31 August 2026.

Quick Overview

Programme: South African Road Federation (SARF) Bursary Programme 2026 Organisation: South African Road Federation Closing Date: 31 August 2026 Study Level: Diploma (after S1), Degree (after 1st year), Postgraduate preferred Study Mode: Full-time preferred (part-time considered) Institutions: Approved SA universities and Universities of Technology Funding Type: Partial supplementary bursary Fields Covered: Road engineering, transport management, transport economics, road safety engineering Citizenship: South African residents preferred (SADC applicants may apply) Payment Method: Paid directly to academic institution

Fields Supported by the SARF Bursary Programme

The SARF bursary specifically targets disciplines that directly contribute to the road transport industry.

1. Road Engineering (Civil)

This category includes:

• Traffic engineering
• Transportation planning
• Pavement engineering
• Bridge engineering
• Construction materials engineering
• Stormwater engineering
• Environmental engineering
• Construction management

These fields form the backbone of national infrastructure delivery.

1. Road Transport Management

This area supports students focusing on:

• logistics coordination
• fleet operations
• transport systems optimisation
• freight mobility planning
• infrastructure utilisation efficiency

Graduates in this field support both government transport planning and private-sector logistics networks.

1. Road Transport Economics

Transport economists help shape:

• infrastructure investment decisions
• national transport policy
• cost-benefit analysis models
• freight corridor planning strategies

This is a specialised but high-impact career path.

1. Road Safety Engineering

South Africa continues to prioritise road safety improvement.

This discipline supports careers in:

• accident prevention systems
• traffic flow redesign
• smart road technology
• pedestrian safety planning
• highway risk assessment

Road safety engineering professionals are in increasing demand nationally.

Who Should Apply for the SARF Bursary Programme 2026?

This bursary is ideal for students who are serious about working in the transport infrastructure sector after graduation.

You should apply if you are:

• Studying civil engineering (transport focus)
• Studying transportation planning
• Studying logistics or transport management
• Studying transport economics
• Studying road safety engineering
• Planning postgraduate infrastructure research

Preference is given to students already progressing through their qualifications.

Minimum Academic Requirements

SARF bursaries are awarded based on academic progression.

Eligibility includes:

National Diploma Students

Must have:

• Passed Semester 1 examinations

Degree Students

Must have:

• Passed first-year examinations

Postgraduate Students

Preference is given to:

• MSc students
• MTech students
• Advanced infrastructure researchers

However, undergraduate applications may still be considered in special circumstances.

Institution Requirements

Applicants must study at:

• Approved South African universities
• Universities of Technology
• Equivalent recognised institutions

Your application must also be:

Endorsed by your academic institution.

This means your department or faculty must confirm:

• your enrolment
• your academic performance
• your programme suitability

Funding Coverage: What the SARF Bursary Pays For

The SARF bursary is designed to supplement your existing funding, not replace it entirely.

Important details:

• Amount varies per student
• Determined by SARF Council
• Paid directly to your institution
• Covers part of study expenses

Students are encouraged to combine this bursary with:

• NSFAS
• University bursaries
• SETA funding
• Employer sponsorship

This layered funding approach increases access to postgraduate study opportunities.

Additional Selection Preference Factors

Applicants receive additional consideration if they:

• Work for a SARF member organisation
• Plan careers in road transport sector
• Demonstrate academic excellence
• Show infrastructure-sector commitment

Preference is also given to:

South African residents

However:

Students from SADC countries are also welcome to apply.

Important Application Requirement: Industry Commitment

Applicants must demonstrate that they intend to:

Work within the South African road transport sector after completing studies.

This is critical.

SARF invests in students who contribute to:

• national infrastructure planning
• engineering capacity development
• transport safety improvement
• logistics system efficiency

Documents Typically Required When Applying

Although requirements may vary slightly each year, prepare:

• Certified ID copy
• Academic transcripts
• Proof of registration
• Motivation letter
• Institutional endorsement letter
• CV

Submitting a strong motivation letter significantly improves selection chances.

Where to Apply for the SARF Bursary Programme 2026

Applications must be submitted using the official SARF application form obtainable here

Request application forms from:

South African Road Federation 48 Gladiator Street Rhodesfield Kempton Park 1619

Postal Address:

PO Box 8379 Birchleigh 1621

Telephone:

011 394 9025 011 394 1459

Email enquiries: sybul@sarf.org.za

Closing date: 31 August 2026

Late applications are typically not accepted.

How Edupstairs Helps You Prepare

At Edupstairs, we don’t just post opportunities - we help you win them.

Recommended Tools:

Edupstairs Advice for Applicants

If you want to improve your selection chances:

• Apply early.
• Show alignment between your studies and the road transport sector.

Strong motivation letters should explain:

• your career goals
• infrastructure interest
• research focus
• commitment to South Africa’s development

Career Growth Path After Receiving the SARF Bursary

This bursary supports careers in one of South Africa’s most critical development sectors.

Possible career pathways include:

Civil Infrastructure Engineer

Work on:

• highways
• bridges
• transport corridors
• national infrastructure programmes

Transport Planner

Develop:

• city mobility plans
• freight routing systems
• integrated transport networks

Road Safety Specialist

Work with:

• municipalities
• SANRAL
• transport departments
• safety consulting firms

Transport Economist

Support:

• infrastructure investment decisions
• national transport strategies
• logistics cost modelling

Construction Project Manager

Oversee:

• road construction
• infrastructure upgrades
• maintenance programmes

These roles exist across:

• government departments
• consulting firms
• engineering companies
• municipalities
• infrastructure agencies

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can first-year students apply?

Diploma students must complete Semester 1.

Degree students must complete first year.

• Does SARF fund postgraduate studies?

Yes.

Postgraduate applicants receive priority consideration.

• Can part-time students apply?

Yes.

However:

Full-time students receive preference.

• Can distance learning students apply?

Yes.

Applications are considered individually.

• Is the bursary full funding?

No.

It supplements existing funding.

• Can SADC students apply?

Yes.

South African residents receive preference.

• When do applications close?

31 August each year.

You can also:

Disclaimer

Always confirm details directly with the South African Road Federation before submitting your application. Funding availability, eligibility criteria and documentation requirements may change annually.

Edupstairs shares verified opportunity guidance but does not administer bursary selection processes.

EDUPSTAIRS IS A REGISTERED NON-PROFIT ORGANISATION NPO No: 232 - 182, PUBLIC BENEFIT ORGANISATION (PBO): 930066984. EDUPSTAIRS DOES NOT, IN ANY WAY OR FORM, SOLICIT MONEY OR CV’S FROM PEOPLE FOR JOBS. PLEASE BE AWARE OF PHONY JOB POSTINGS AND RECRUITMENT FRAUD. USE THE EDUPSTAIRS SCAM DETECTOR TOOL TO SPOT A SCAM BEFORE YOU APPLY

Frequently asked questions

Sources

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