South African Road Federation invites students to apply for the SARF Bursary Programme 2026.
Closing Date: 31 August 2026
Funding Type: Partial (Supplementary Bursary)
Study Level: Diploma, Degree, and Postgraduate
Institutions: South African universities and Universities of Technology
About the SARF Bursary Programme
The SARF Bursary Programme is a strategic funding opportunity aimed at developing skills in South Africa’s road transport and infrastructure sector.
This bursary supports students pursuing careers in:
- Road engineering
- Transport management
- Transport economics
- Road safety
Unlike many bursaries, SARF strongly encourages postgraduate studies (MSc, MTech and beyond), making it ideal for students aiming to become specialists in infrastructure and transport systems.
Fields Covered
Road Engineering (Civil)
- Traffic engineering
- Transportation planning
- Pavement and bridge engineering
- Construction materials and management
- Environmental and stormwater engineering
Road Transport Management
- Logistics coordination
- Fleet operations
- Transport systems optimisation
- Freight planning
Transport Economics
- Infrastructure investment analysis
- Transport policy development
- Cost-benefit modelling
- Freight corridor planning
Road Safety Engineering
- Accident prevention systems
- Traffic flow design
- Smart road technologies
- Highway safety assessments
Who Should Apply?
You should apply if you are:
- Studying civil engineering (transport focus)
- Studying logistics or transport management
- Studying transport economics
- Studying road safety engineering
- Planning postgraduate studies in infrastructure
Minimum Requirements
Diploma Students:
- Must have passed Semester 1
Degree Students:
- Must have passed first year
Postgraduate Students:
- Preference given to MSc, MTech, and advanced research students
Institution Requirements
Applicants must:
- Study at a recognised South African institution
- Be endorsed by their academic institution
- Proof of enrolment
- Academic performance
- Programme suitability
Funding Coverage
The SARF bursary is a supplementary bursary, meaning:
- Amount varies per student
- Determined by SARF Council
- Paid directly to your institution
- Covers part of study costs
Students are encouraged to combine funding with:
- NSFAS
- University bursaries
- SETA funding
- Employer sponsorship
Selection Preference
Preference is given to applicants who:
- Demonstrate strong academic performance
- Plan careers in the transport sector
- Work for SARF member organisations
- Show commitment to infrastructure development
South African residents are prioritised, but SADC applicants may also apply.
Important Requirement
Applicants must show commitment to working in the South African road transport sector after completing their studies.
Required Documents
Prepare the following:
- Certified ID copy
- Academic transcripts
- Proof of registration
- CV
- Motivation letter
- Institutional endorsement letter
How to Apply
Request and submit your application form via:
Address:
South African Road Federation
48 Gladiator Street
Rhodesfield
Kempton Park, 1619
Postal Address:
PO Box 8379
Birchleigh, 1621
Contact:
Tel: 011 394 9025 / 011 394 1459
Email: sybul@sarf.org.za
Important Notes
- Closing date: 31 August 2026
- Late applications are not accepted
- Ensure all documents are complete before submission