South African Road Federation Bursary (SARF) 2026, Requirements and How to Apply

The SARF Bursary gives South African students the chance to further their education in road transport, engineering, and related disciplines. If you are studying towards a career that will help shape the future of our roads and infrastructure, this bursary can support your journey.

Fields Covered by the SARF Bursary

This bursary supports studies in the following areas:

  • Road Engineering (Civil)
  • Traffic Engineering
  • Transportation Planning
  • Pavement and Bridge Engineering
  • Construction Materials and Management
  • Storm Water and Environmental Studies
  • Road Transport Management
  • Road Transport Economics
  • Road Safety Engineering

Who Should Apply?

To qualify for the SARF Bursary, you must:

  • Be a South African resident or SADC national
  • Be studying at a recognised South African tertiary institution
  • Have passed your first semester (for diplomas) or first year (for degrees)
  • Be recommended by your university
  • Have a strong interest in working in the road transport sector
  • Be a full-time student (part-time and distance learners will be considered)
  • Preferably be at postgraduate level (M.Tech., M.Sc., or higher)
Note: Preference is given to students who are employed by, or related to employees of, SARF members.

How to Apply

Follow these steps to apply for the SARF Bursary:

  1. Download and complete the official SARF Bursary Application Form:
    SARF Bursary Application Form (.pdf)
  2. Attach the following certified documents:
    • Your ID document
    • Grade 11 final results
    • Matric certificate
    • Most recent tertiary results (on your institution’s letterhead)
  3. Submit your application by post or hand delivery to the SARF office.
Submission Address:
Hand Delivery:
South African Road Federation
48 Gladiator Street
Rhodesfield, Kempton Park, 1619

Postal Address:
P.O. Box 8379
Birchleigh
1621

Application Deadline

Closing Date: All applications must be submitted by 31 August 2025. Late applications will not be accepted.

After You Apply

If your application is successful, you will be required to:

  • Join the South African Road Federation as an associate member
  • Submit academic progress reports every six months
  • Present your area of study at a SARF local branch meeting

Contact Details

For enquiries, contact SARF directly:

Tel: 011 394 9025 / 011 394 1459
Email: [email protected]

Bonus Opportunity: IRF Fellowship

South African students may also apply for the International Road Federation (IRF) Fellowship Programme, which offers a one-year postgraduate study grant valued at $15,000. Applicants must gain admission to either Purdue University or the University of South Florida in the USA and be nominated by SARF.

Note: Any study costs not covered by the IRF grant must be funded by the applicant or a sponsor.

Bursaries Updates

🎓 Download Our Bursary Application Checklist

Download our free Application Checklist to make sure you do not miss any required documents. Submitting a complete application is key to being shortlisted.

📥 Download Checklist (PDF)