Funder: South African National Parks (SANParks)
Target Audience: Prospective 1st-Year Undergraduate Students & Vocational Trainees
Target Communities: Youth residing in communities neighbouring South Africa’s National Parks
Age Limit: 18 – 35 Years Old
Financial Eligibility: Gross Household Income under R350 000,00 per annum
Posted Date: 25 July 2026
Closing Date: Friday, 21 August 2026
About the SANParks Bursary Scheme
South African National Parks (SANParks) is the public entity responsible for managing 19 national parks across 4 million hectares of protected land. Beyond conservation, SANParks is deeply committed to sustainable socio-economic development within the rural and peri-urban communities bordering these protected areas.
The SANParks External Bursary Programme is a flagship youth empowerment initiative designed to fund high-potential matriculants and youth from park-adjacent communities. For the 2027 academic year, the scheme covers full-time undergraduate degrees, diplomas, and occupational artisan qualifications across conservation, engineering, tourism, green technology, and community development.
Eligible Fields of Study & Career Pathways
Funding is available for students enrolling in their first year (1st year) of undergraduate or technical study across eight core faculties:
1. Conservation, Ecology & Biodiversity
- Nature Conservation & Environmental Sciences
- Environmental Management & Sustainable Development
- Game Ranch Management
- Biodiversity Economics & Climate Change Adaptation
2. Tourism, Hospitality & Park Management
- Hospitality Management & Resort Management
- Tourism Management & Tour Guiding
- Events & Conference Management
3. Built Environment & Infrastructure
- Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering & Electrical Engineering
- Construction Management & Quantity Surveying
- Architecture & Project Management
4. Technical Trades, Artisans & Skilled Crafts
- Electricians, Plumbers & Welders
- Millwrights & Heavy Machinery Mechanics
- General Engineering Technicians
5. Green Energy & Environmental Technology
- Green Energy & Renewable Energy
- Environmental Engineering
- Solar Technicians & Refrigerator Technicians
- Water & Wastewater Management Technicians
6. Information Technology, GIS & Data Analytics
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- Data Analytics & Cyber Security
7. Socio-Economic & Community Development
- Community Development
- Economic Development & Socio-Economic Development
- Entrepreneurship & Small Business Management
Applicant Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the 2027 SANParks Bursary Scheme, candidates must meet all of the following requirements:
- Citizenship & Age: Must be a South African citizen aged between 18 and 35 years.
- Target Demographics: Primary preference is given to youth residing in communities adjacent to or neighbouring any SANParks National Park (e.g., Kruger, Table Mountain, Addo Elephant, Kgalagadi, Garden Route, Golden Gate, etc.).
- Academic Level: Entering their first year (1st year) of undergraduate study (Degree, National Diploma, or NATED/Artisan qualification) at a accredited South African public University or TVET College in 2027.
- Financial Need: Total combined gross household income must not exceed R350 000,00 per year (supported by proof of income/SASSA documentation).
Required Application Supporting Documents
Applicants must prepare certified, high-contrast digital scans of the following documents:
- Certified Copy of South African ID (Applicant)
- Certified Copies of Parent(s) / Guardian(s) IDs
- Proof of Household Income (Recent payslips, 3-month bank statements, affidavit for unemployed parents, or SASSA grant confirmation)
- Grade 11 Final Results AND Grade 12 Mid-Year / June Results (or NSC Matric Certificate if already completed)
- Proof of Residence / Letter from Local Tribal Authority / Ward Councillor confirming residence in a park-neighbouring community
- Provisional Acceptance / Proof of Application to a recognized South African public University or TVET College for 2027
Application Advice for Prospective Bursars
- Establish Your Community Connection: Ensure your proof of residence clearly indicates your town, village, or municipality adjacent to a national park. Include a letter from your local Ward Councillor or Traditional Council if living in rural communal land.
- Apply to Higher Education Institutions Early: Bursary approval is contingent on securing acceptance at a public tertiary institution. Ensure you apply simultaneously to your chosen University or TVET College for the 2027 academic cycle.
- Align Your Motivation Letter with SANParks Mandate: If required to write a motivation essay, focus on how your chosen field (e.g., Solar Technology, Civil Engineering, or Eco-Tourism) will help develop your local community and preserve South Africa’s natural heritage.
How to Apply
To submit your application for the 2027 SANParks External Bursary intake, assemble your documentation package and access the official portal before the closing date.
- Closing Date: 21 August 2026
- Submission Channel: Official SANParks Bursary Application Portal / Regional Park Human Capital Offices
Email your application to happy.nhlangwini@sanparks.org