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.
- 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 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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:
- SASSA Grant Eligibility Checker
- Edupstairs Job Preparedness Checker
- Youth Employment Eligibility Checker
- SAPS / Metro / Traffic / DCS Eligibility Checker
- Edupstairs Internship / Learnership Eligibility Checker
- NSFAS Funding Eligibility Checker Tool
- SA Bursary Probability Checker
- TVET College Enrolment Eligibility Checker Tool
- Edupstairs Financial Literacy Mini-School
- Grow your Confidence – 30-day Challenge
- 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
- Edupstairs Qualification-to-Career Pathways Tool
- South African Salary Explorer Tool
- Edupstairs Career Personality Tool
- Daily Career Score Tracker
- Learnership and Internship Readiness Quiz
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:
- 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
Application Outcome Tracker (anonymous)
No names collected. This helps future applicants understand real-world timelines.
Have you applied for this opportunity?
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