SANParks External Bursary Programme 2027 for South African Students | Fully Funded Undergraduate & TVET Bursary ·Unknown

SANParks External Bursary Programme 2027

The South African National Parks (SANParks) invites applications from aspiring South African youth who will be entering their first year of undergraduate or TVET studies during the 2027 academic year.

• Title: SANParks External Bursary Programme 2027
• Location: South Africa (Communities Adjacent to South African National Parks)
• Closing Date: 21 August 2026
• Contract: Comprehensive Bursary for Full-Time Studies (2027 Academic Year)

The bursary programme is intended to support learners from communities neighbouring or adjacent to South Africa’s National Parks.

The initiative forms part of SANParks’ commitment to conservation, community development, education, and socioeconomic empowerment.

Academic merit will be considered during the selection process together with the objective of increasing participation by women, persons living with disabilities, and designated groups.

About SANParks

South African National Parks (SANParks) was established under the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003 (Act No. 57 of 2003).

Its primary responsibility is to conserve South Africa’s biodiversity, landscapes, and heritage through a network of national parks while promoting environmental awareness and ensuring neighbouring communities benefit through education and socioeconomic development.

One of SANParks’ strategic priorities is supporting surrounding communities by improving access to educational and development opportunities through initiatives such as this bursary programme.

Fields of Study

Applications are welcomed from students intending to pursue Degree or National Diploma qualifications, including but not limited to the following fields:

Environmental Sciences

• Nature Conservation
• Environmental Management
• Environmental Science
• Green Energy
• Environmental Engineering
• Sustainable Development
• Game Ranch Management

Tourism

• Hospitality Management
• Tourism Management
• Resort Management
• Tour Guiding
• Events and Conference Management

Social Sciences

• Community Development
• Economic Development
• Socio-Economic Development
• Related Development Studies

Infrastructure and Built Environment

• Civil Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Construction Management
• Quantity Surveying
• Architecture
• Project Management

Technical and Artisan Trades

• Electricians
• Plumbers
• Welders
• Millwrights
• Mechanics
• Technicians
• Solar Technicians
• Refrigerator Technicians
• Water and Wastewater Technicians

Emerging Scarce Skills

• Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
• Analytics
• Cyber Security
• Renewable Energy
• Climate Change Adaptation
• Biodiversity Economics
• Entrepreneurship

What the Bursary Covers

This is a comprehensive bursary for eligible students pursuing full-time studies at accredited public South African higher education institutions.

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be South African citizens.
• Be youth aged 18 to 35 years.
• Be from communities living adjacent to National Parks as defined in SANParks management plans.
• Be entering post-matric studies in 2027.

• Have applied to or been admitted by an accredited public institution of higher learning.
• Be studying full-time towards a Degree, Diploma, or TVET qualification.
• Have an annual household income below R350,000.

• Current higher education students must have achieved a 100% pass rate for all registered courses already completed.
• TVET College students are also eligible to apply.

Required Supporting Documents

Applications must include:

• Motivation letter explaining the need for financial assistance and chosen field of study.
• Updated comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Certified copy of South African Identity Document.

• Certified copy of latest academic results.
• Acceptance letter from an accredited public University, University of Technology, College, or TVET institution.

• Proof of residential address.
• Affidavit confirming household income is below the prescribed threshold if receiving a social grant.

Important: Failure to submit all required documents will result in the application being declared null and void.

Eligible Institutions

The bursary supports students enrolled for full-time studies at accredited public:

• Universities
• Universities of Technology
• TVET Colleges
• Public Colleges

How to Apply

Applications should be submitted via email.

Application Email: happy.nhlangwini@sanparks.org

Enquiries:

• Email: happy.nhlangwini@sanparks.org
• Telephone: 012 426 5173

Applicants can access SANParks National Park Management Plans on the SANParks website to confirm whether their communities qualify under the programme.

Important Dates

Event	Date
Opening Date	17 July 2026
Closing Date	21 August 2026
Expected Feedback	By 30 January 2027

Applicants who have not been contacted by 30 January 2027 should consider their applications unsuccessful.

Why Apply?

The SANParks External Bursary Programme provides qualifying South African youth from communities neighbouring National Parks with an opportunity to pursue higher education in fields that contribute to environmental conservation, tourism, infrastructure development, technical skills, and emerging scarce skills.

The programme aims to strengthen educational access while supporting sustainable community development and future employment opportunities.