South African Road Federation (SARF) Bursaries 2027: Apply for Road Transport Studies

The South African Road Federation (SARF) is offering bursaries for the 2027 academic year to students pursuing studies in the road transport sector. This opportunity is open to both South African and SADC residents who are studying at recognised tertiary institutions in South Africa.

Application Closing Date: 31 August 2026
Location: South Africa
Programme Duration: Not specified
Stipend: Partial bursary, value determined by financial need and SARF Council decision
Minimum Qualification: Varies by study level (e.g., passed S1 for National Diploma, passed first year for Degree)
Opportunity Type: Bursary

About the SARF Bursary Programme

The SARF Study Bursary Programme aims to support students who are dedicated to advancing their education within the road transport industry. It is designed to help cover study-related expenses for both undergraduate and postgraduate students. The bursary focuses on fields critical to the development and maintenance of South Africa’s road infrastructure and transport systems.

This programme is particularly interested in fostering talent that will contribute to the future of road safety, engineering, and management in the country. By supporting these studies, SARF seeks to build a stronger, more skilled workforce for the road transport sector.

About the South African Road Federation (SARF)

The South African Road Federation (SARF) is an organisation that represents the interests of the road transport industry in South Africa. It plays a role in promoting the development and sustainability of road infrastructure and transport systems. SARF works to bring together various stakeholders in the sector to address challenges and opportunities.

The federation is involved in advocating for policies and practices that support efficient and safe road transport. It also serves as a platform for knowledge sharing and professional development within the industry.

Available Bursary Opportunities

SARF bursaries are available for a range of studies directly related to the road transport sector. These include, but are not limited to:

• Road Safety Engineering
• Road Transport Economics
• Road Transport Management
• Civil Engineering
• Traffic Engineering
• Bridge Engineering
• Pavement Engineering
• Transportation Planning
• Construction Management
• Construction Materials
• Storm Water Management
• Environmental studies related to road engineering
• Other relevant road engineering disciplines

What the SARF Bursary Offers

The SARF bursary provides financial assistance to students who meet the criteria. As a partial bursary, the exact value awarded will depend on the individual student’s demonstrated financial need and the final decision made by the SARF Council. This funding is intended to help alleviate the costs associated with tertiary education.

Successful recipients will also be expected to engage with the SARF community. This includes making presentations to local SARF branches about their field of study and submitting regular progress reports. Recipients will also need to enrol as associate members of SARF.

Programme Duration and Location

The SARF Bursary Programme is for the 2027 academic year. The specific duration for each bursary award is not fixed and will depend on the student’s course of study. The bursaries are available for students studying at recognised tertiary institutions within South Africa.

Minimum Requirements

To be considered for the SARF Bursary Programme, applicants must meet several criteria:

• Be a South African resident or an applicant from a SADC country.
• Be studying towards a qualification related to the road transport sector.
• Be enrolled at a recognised and accredited tertiary institution in South Africa.
• Have their application endorsed by the relevant academic authority at their institution.
• Intend to work within the South African road transport industry after graduation.
• For National Diploma students: Must have successfully passed their first semester (S1) examinations.
• For Degree students: Must have successfully passed their first-year examinations.

Preference will be given to students studying at advanced postgraduate levels (MTech, MSc, or higher) and to full-time students. Part-time and distance learning students may also apply.

Competencies Required

While not explicitly listed, applicants should demonstrate a strong commitment to their chosen field of study and a clear intention to contribute to the road transport industry. Good academic performance is essential, as is the ability to communicate effectively, especially when presenting to SARF branches. A willingness to learn and engage with the federation’s activities is also important.

Who Should Apply?

This bursary is ideal for students who are passionate about the road transport sector and are pursuing qualifications that will equip them to work in areas like road engineering, transport planning, or construction management. It is particularly suited for those who have already demonstrated academic progress and are seeking financial support to continue their studies. South African students, and those from SADC countries, who are committed to a career in this vital industry should consider applying.

Required Documents

Applicants must prepare the following documents for their application:

• A certified copy of their South African ID document.
• A certified copy of their Grade 11 year-end results.
• A certified copy of their Matric certificate.
• Their most recent tertiary academic results, presented on the institution’s official letterhead.
• A completed SARF Bursary Application Form.

The application form must be endorsed by the relevant academic authority at the applicant’s institution.

How to Apply

Applications for the SARF Bursary Programme must be submitted either by hand delivery or by post. There is no provision for email applications.

Hand Delivery Address:
South African Road Federation
48 Gladiator Street
Rhodesfield
Kempton Park
1619

Postal Address:
South African Road Federation
P.O. Box 8379
Birchleigh
1621

Applicants are advised to download and complete the official SARF Bursary Application Form. Ensure all sections are filled out correctly and that the necessary academic endorsement is obtained before submitting your application.

Important Application Notes

• The bursary is specifically for studies related to the road transport sector.
• Both undergraduate and postgraduate students can apply, with preference given to advanced levels.
• The bursary is partial, and its value is determined by financial need and SARF Council approval.
• Preference is given to South African residents, but SADC country applicants are also welcome.
• Students must be enrolled at a recognised South African tertiary institution.
• Academic endorsement from the institution is required.
• Successful recipients must submit progress reports and become associate members of SARF.
• Applications must be submitted by hand or post.

Closing Date

The application closing date for the SARF Bursary Programme 2027 is 31 August 2026. Ensure your application reaches SARF before this date.

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