South Africa’s infrastructure corridor just opened a powerful door for local talent. If you are a 3rd or 4th year student (or Honours student) living near the N3 Toll Route, this is one of the most targeted, community-focused bursary opportunities you will see in 2026. The N3TC Touching Lives Community Bursary Programme 2026 are officially open—and the closing date is Monday, 26 January 2026 at 12h00 (midday).
- Check if you Qualify for this Bursary before you Apply
- Track your Daily Career Score Here
- Create and Download your CV for this Bursary Application here
- Create a Motivational Letter for this Bursary Application here
- Check if you also Qualify for NSFAS Funding here
- Check if you Qualify for TVET College Enrolment here
- View more 2026 Bursaries here
This bursary is not generic. It is place-based, discipline-specific, and impact-driven, designed to support students who come from communities directly linked to the N3 Toll Route corridor. If that’s you, this article will walk you through everything you need to know—clearly, practically, and honestly—so you can apply with confidence.
Quick Overview
Bursary Name: N3TC Touching Lives Community Bursaries 2026
Organisation: N3 Toll Concession (RF) Proprietary Limited (N3TC)
Study Year Covered: 3rd year, 4th year, or Honours level
Fields of Study:
- Civil Engineering
- Accounting
- Marketing
- Information Technology
- Maths and Science Teaching
Eligible Areas (N3 Corridor Municipalities):
Alfred Duma, Dipaleseng, iNkosi Langalibalele, Mafube, Maluti-a-Phofung, Mpofana, Okhahlamba, Phumelela, uMngeni
Citizenship: South African citizens only
Closing Date: Monday, 26 January 2026 at 12h00
Application Method: Online application form only
Late / Incomplete Applications: Not accepted
Who Can Apply?
You can apply only if all the following apply to you:
- Your Study Level
You must be:
- A 3rd or 4th year student in 2026
OR - Studying towards an Honours degree in 2026
First-year and second-year students are not eligible.
- Your Field of Study
Your qualification must be in one of the following:
- Civil Engineering
- Accounting
- Marketing
- Information Technology
- Maths and Science Teaching
Both degree and Honours-level studies in these fields are considered.
- Your Location
You must be living in the vicinity of the N3 Toll Route within one of these municipalities:
- Alfred Duma
- Dipaleseng
- iNkosi Langalibalele
- Mafube
- Maluti-a-Phofung
- Mpofana
- Okhahlamba
- Phumelela
- uMngeni
Proof of residence matters.
- Citizenship & Need
You must:
- Be a South African citizen
- Demonstrate academic capability
- Demonstrate financial need
This bursary is merit-and-need based, not merit-only.
What Does the Bursary Cover?
While the official notice does not list exact funding amounts, bursaries under the N3TC Touching Lives programme typically contribute towards key academic costs, which may include:
- Tuition support
- Academic-related expenses
Final funding decisions depend on:
- Available budget
- Individual assessment
- Verification of documents
Always submit accurate and honest information—misrepresentation can lead to disqualification.
How to Apply
Follow these steps carefully. Missing a step can cost you the opportunity.
Step 1: Prepare Your Documents
Before opening the form, gather:
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Proof of residence (showing you live in a qualifying municipality)
- Latest academic transcript
- Proof of registration or acceptance for 2026
- Any document showing financial need (where applicable)
Step 2: Complete the Online Application
Applications are submitted online only via the official application form here
Access the form using the link provided in the notice or via the QR code.
Step 3: Submit Before the Deadline
Deadline: Monday, 26 January 2026 at 12h00
Not 12h01. Not “end of day”. Midday sharp.
Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.
Important Contact Information (For Enquiries Only)
Contact Person: Ms Lelo Mchunu
Cell: 068 091 4950
Email: n3tc@wakhive.co.za
Important:
- This email is for general enquiries only
- No applications or documents will be accepted via email
How Edupstairs Helps You Prepare
At Edupstairs, we don’t just post opportunities—we help you win them.
Recommended Tools:
- Edupstairs Internship / Learnership Eligibility Checker
- Edupstairs Financial Literacy Mini-School
- Grow your Confidence – 30-day Challenge
- SA Bursary Probability Checker
- Edupstairs Simple CV Builder Tool
- Edupstairs AI Cover Letter Generator Tool
- Edupstairs Learnership Application Checklist Tool
- Edupstairs Internship Application Checklist Tool
- Edupstairs Interview Q & A Coach Tool
- SA Youth Apprenticeship Readiness Quiz
- Edupstairs Learnership Stipend Calculator Tool
- NSFAS Funding Eligibility Checker Tool
- Edupstairs Qualification-to-Career Pathways Tool
- South African Salary Explorer Tool
- TVET College Enrolment Eligibility Checker Tool
- Edupstairs Career Personality Tool
- Daily Career Score Tracker
- Learnership and Internship Readiness Quiz
Edupstairs Advice (Read This Carefully)
This is a targeted bursary, which means competition is smaller—but expectations are higher.
Our advice:
- Apply early, not on deadline day
- Double-check your municipality eligibility
- Upload clear, certified documents
- Be honest about your financial situation
- Write responses that show commitment to community impact, not just personal success
If you qualify, do not hesitate. Opportunities like this are rare because they are deeply local and purpose-driven.
Career Growth Path After This Bursary
This bursary is not just financial support—it’s a career accelerator.
Depending on your field:
- Civil Engineering: Infrastructure projects, public works, consulting firms
- Accounting: Auditing, finance, corporate accounting, public sector finance
- Marketing: Brand management, communications, digital marketing
- Information Technology: Systems development, infrastructure, data, cybersecurity
- Maths & Science Teaching: Education leadership, curriculum development, STEM advocacy
Graduates from corridor-based bursaries often become:
- Community professionals
- Mentors
- Infrastructure and development leaders
You are not just studying for yourself—you are positioning yourself to uplift others.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I apply if I’m in my 2nd year?
No. Only 3rd year, 4th year, or Honours students qualify.
- Can TVET students apply?
No. The bursary is for degree and Honours-level studies in the listed fields.
- I study IT but live outside the N3 corridor. Can I apply?
No. Location eligibility is non-negotiable.
- Is this bursary renewable?
Renewal depends on funding availability and academic performance. Always confirm annually.
- Will NSFAS recipients be excluded?
Not automatically. However, your full funding profile will be assessed.
- When will successful applicants be contacted?
Shortlisted and successful candidates will be contacted directly after assessment.
CLOSING DATE: 26 JANUARY 2026
You can also:
- View latest Internships
- View latest Learnerships
- View Latest Bursaries
- View latest Government jobs
- View latest Company Vacancies
- View latest Municipality vacancies
- Visit the Edupstairs blog for daily updates
Disclaimer
Edupstairs is not affiliated with N3TC. We share this opportunity for informational purposes only. Always verify details on the official application platform. Decisions rest solely with the bursary provider.
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. FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT OUR SCAM/FRAUD ALERT PAGE HERE