SARF Bursary Programme 2026: Funding Careers in Road Transport & Infrastructure

If you are studying or planning to study road engineering, transport management, road safety, or transport economics, the South African Road Federation Bursary Programme is a strategic funding opportunity designed to help you enter South Africa’s infrastructure and transport sector.

This bursary supports students from diploma to postgraduate level, helping you gain specialized knowledge while contributing to the country’s road transport development.

Quick Overview

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

Fields Supported

1. Road Engineering (Civil)

Traffic engineering, pavement engineering, bridge engineering
Transportation planning, construction materials, stormwater engineering
Environmental engineering, construction management

2. Road Transport Management

Logistics coordination, fleet operations, transport system optimisation
Freight mobility planning, infrastructure utilisation efficiency

3. Road Transport Economics

Infrastructure investment analysis, national transport policy
Cost-benefit modelling, freight corridor planning

4. Road Safety Engineering

Accident prevention systems, traffic flow redesign
Smart road technology, pedestrian safety planning, highway risk assessment

Who Should Apply

Ideal candidates:

Diploma or degree students in civil engineering, transportation planning, logistics, or transport economics
Postgraduate students (MSc, MTech, or advanced infrastructure research)
Students committed to working in South Africa’s road transport sector
SADC students may apply, but South African residents are preferred

You can also:

Minimum Academic Requirements

Diploma Students: Passed Semester 1
Degree Students: Passed first-year exams
Postgraduates: Priority for MSc, MTech, or advanced researchers
Institution: Approved universities or Universities of Technology with academic endorsement

Funding Coverage

Partial bursary to supplement existing funding
Paid directly to your academic institution
Encouraged to combine with: NSFAS, university bursaries, SETA funding, employer sponsorship

Documents Typically Required

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

Strong motivation letters highlighting career goals, infrastructure interest, research focus, and commitment to South Africa’s development improve 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.

Career Growth Path

SARF bursary recipients often pursue careers as:

Civil Infrastructure Engineer: Highways, bridges, transport corridors
Transport Planner: City mobility plans, freight routing, integrated transport networks
Road Safety Specialist: Municipalities, SANRAL, safety consulting firms
Transport Economist: Infrastructure investment, national strategies, logistics cost modelling
Construction Project Manager: Road construction, maintenance, and upgrades

Roles exist across government departments, consulting firms, municipalities, engineering companies, and infrastructure agencies.

FAQ

1. Can first-year students apply?

Diploma students: after Semester 1
Degree students: after first-year exams

2. Does SARF fund postgraduate studies?

Yes, priority is given to postgraduate applicants

3. Can part-time or distance students apply?

Yes, but full-time students receive preference

4. Is this a full bursary?

No, it supplements existing funding

5. Can SADC students apply?

Yes, but South African residents are preferred

6. Closing date?

31 August 2026

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