South African Road Federation (SARF) Opens Application Window for road engineering, transport management, road safety or transport economic Bursary Programme for the year 2026-2027 Undergraduates , postgraduate study (MSc, MTech and higher) Are invited to Apply.
About SARF
The South African Road Federation (SARF), founded in 1950, is the access point whereby South Africans can share their interest regarding the local road industry and administration of roads throughout the country. The SARF enables contact between the road industry sectors of the country, as well as assisting in the distribution of expert advice through the various disciplines.
The organisation is dedicated to promoting the road industry within South Africa, as well as encouraging economic growth by way of education and training.
Programme Highlights
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| 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 South African 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 Covered Under the SARF Bursary Programme 2026
Students in the following fields are encouraged to apply:
- 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.
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What Does the SARF Bursary Cover?
The SARF Bursary is described as a partial supplementary bursary.
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.
Payment Method
One important detail is that the bursary is paid directly to the academic institution.
This helps ensure that the funds are used for approved educational purposes such as tuition or institutional fees.
Who Should Apply for the SARF Bursary 2026?
Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying (please note that failure to satisfy all the requirements will lead to your application not being considered):
- Preference will be given to South African residents, however members of SADC countries can also apply (the Southern African Development Community (SADC) includes 16 countries, namely: Angola, Botswana, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe)
- You must be studying towards a qualification within one of the road transport fields listed above
- You must be studying at a recognized and accredited tertiary in South Africa (University, University of Technology or equivalent)
- Your application must be endorsed by the correct academic authority at your selected tertiary institute
- National Diploma students: you must have passed the first semester (S1) exams
- Degree students: you must have passed the first year exams
- Preference will be given to those studying at advanced levels (MTech, MSc or higher), however undergraduate students can also apply
- Preference will be given to full-time students, however part-time and distance learning students can also apply
- Preference will be given to employees of members of the SARF
- You must intend on working within the South African road transport industry after graduation
List of Required Documents on Applications
- Certified ID copy
- Academic transcripts
- Proof of registration
- Motivation letter
- Institutional endorsement letter
- CV
Submitting a strong motivation letter significantly improves selection chances.
Application Closing Date
Closing Date: 31 August 2026
This is the final day expected for submitting your application, so do not wait until the last minute.
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How to Apply SARF Bursary Programme
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: [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the SARF Bursary Programme 2026?
The SARF Bursary Programme 2026 is a partial supplementary bursary offered to students studying in road, transport, and related engineering fields.
2. Who offers the SARF Bursary?
The bursary is offered by the South African Road Federation (SARF).
3. Which students can apply for the SARF Bursary 2026?
Students studying diploma, degree, or postgraduate programmes in approved fields may apply.
4. Is the SARF Bursary open to civil engineering students?
Yes, it is suitable for civil engineering students, especially those focusing on road engineering and transport infrastructure.
5. What fields of study are covered by the SARF Bursary?
The bursary covers road engineering, transport management, transport economics, and road safety engineering.
6. Can diploma students apply for the SARF Bursary 2026?
Yes, diploma students may apply after completing Semester 1.
7. Can degree students apply for the SARF Bursary?
Yes, degree students may apply after completing their first year of study.
8. Are postgraduate students eligible to apply?
Yes, postgraduate students are eligible, and they are generally preferred.
9. Is the SARF Bursary only for full-time students?
Full-time students are preferred, but part-time students may also be considered.
10. Which institutions are accepted for this bursary?
Approved South African universities and Universities of Technology are accepted.
11. Is the SARF Bursary fully funded?
No, it is a partial supplementary bursary.
12. How is the bursary payment made?
The bursary payment is made directly to the academic institution.
13. Can SADC students apply for the SARF Bursary?
Yes, SADC applicants may apply, although South African residents are preferred.
14. What is the closing date for the SARF Bursary Programme 2026?
The closing date is 31 August 2026.
15. Is there an age limit for the SARF Bursary?
An age limit was not specified in the available programme details, so applicants should check the official application guidelines.
16. What documents are usually needed for bursary applications?
Common documents may include a certified ID copy, academic transcripts, proof of registration, and other supporting academic documents.
17. Can I apply if I already have another bursary?
Possibly, since this is a supplementary bursary, but you should always check the bursary terms and conditions.
18. Is the SARF Bursary worth applying for?
Yes, it is a valuable opportunity for students pursuing careers in civil engineering, transport, and road infrastructure.
19. Does the bursary support transport economics students?
Yes, transport economics is one of the supported fields of study.
20. Why should I apply for the SARF Bursary 2026?
You should apply because it can help reduce your study costs and support your path toward a career in the transport and infrastructure sector.
21. Can part-time engineering students also be considered?
Yes, part-time students may also be considered for the bursary.
22. What makes the SARF Bursary different from other bursaries?
It is specifically focused on road, transport, and infrastructure-related academic fields, making it ideal for students in these sectors.
