Department of Transport Bursary 2026 Requirements & How To Apply

The Department of Transport Bursary opportunity supports students in transport-related fields at UNISA and provincial transport departments. 

Because the funding is competitive and deadlines are strict, preparing your documentation now gives you the best chance.

About the Organisation

The Department of Transport (South Africa) aims to develop skills in the transport sector. 

It partners with UNISA and provincial transport departments to offer bursaries to unemployed South African citizens pursuing studies that support transport, logistics, civil engineering, and related disciplines.

Fields of Study Funded

Supported fields include:

1. BCom in Transport Economics
2. BCom in Logistics
3. Diploma or Advanced Diploma in Civil Engineering
4. Honours degrees in Transport Economics or Logistics
5. Postgraduate Transport & Logistics / related transport-focused degrees

Benefits for Recipients

The bursary covers:

1. Tuition fees
2. Prescribed textbooks
3. Access to library services
4. A stipend or allowance in some cases
5. Research costs (for postgraduate applications, negotiated on merit)

Eligibility Criteria

You must satisfy all of these:

1. Be a South African citizen
2. Be unemployed at the time of application
3. Be registered at UNISA (or accepted) in one of the eligible qualifications (undergraduate or postgraduate, e.g., Logistics, Transport Economics, Civil Engineering).
4. Achieved a minimum academic average of 50% in your previous year of study
5. If already a bursary recipient, have passed 50% or more of previously registered/funded modules
6. Be no older than 35 years of age (in several past calls)

How to Apply

1. Download the Department of Transport Bursary application form from UNISA when the call opens.
2. Complete the application form fully. Incomplete forms are not accepted.
3. Submit supporting documents, including certified copies, via the student’s myLife email account. Use the subject line “DOT BURSARY APPLICATION” or as instructed.

Supporting documents include:

1. South African ID (certified copy)
2. Proof of residence
3. Proof of registration or acceptance at UNISA
4. Parents’ or guardians’ income proof; usually, income must not exceed certain thresholds or be unemployed status.
5. Academic record or statement of results
6. Senior Certificate / Matric certificate if applicable

Closing Date

For the 2026 DOT/UNISA bursary call, the closing date was 3 February 2026.

Ensure to check the UNISA or Department of Transport site for the exact 2026 deadline once announced. Late submissions are not accepted.

Contact Details

• For queries, contact UNISA’s DOT Bursary office: Ms Mogashoa via mogaslm@unisa.ac.za
• Use the student’s myLife email for submissions.