The SANParks Bursary is a unique financial support programme offered by the South African National Parks (SANParks). It is aimed at supporting young South Africans who live near national parks and are passionate about environmental conservation, tourism, and community development. This bursary demonstrate SANParks’ commitment to advancing socio-economic empowerment and skills development within communities neighboring its protected areas.
About SANParks
SANParks is South Africa’s national authority that is charged with the responsibility of managing national parks under the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003 (Act No. 57 of 2003). Its mission is to conserve biodiversity, cultural heritage, and natural landscapes, SANParks oversees numerous iconic parks such as Kruger National Park, Table Mountain National Park, and Addo Elephant National Park.
Fields Covered by the SANParks Bursary
The SANParks Bursary covers full-time undergraduate Diploma or Degree studies in fields that align with its mission. These include:
Environmental Sciences:
- Nature Conservation
- Environmental Management
- Environmental Engineering
- Green Energy
- Sustainable Development
- Game Ranch Management
Social Sciences:
- Socio-Economic Development
- Community Development
- Economic Development
- Other development-related qualifications
Tourism:
- Hospitality Management
- Resort Management
- Tour Guiding
- Events and Conference Management
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the SANParks Bursary Programme 2026, applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be aged 18 to 35 years
- Reside in a community close to one of SANParks’ national parks
- Be in Grade 12 (Matric) or have already completed it
- Intend to pursue or currently pursuing a full-time undergraduate Diploma or Degree
- Be registered or provisionally accepted at an accredited South African tertiary institution
- If currently studying: must have passed all registered courses
- Must demonstrate financial need (proof required)
Selection Criteria
The bursary selection process considers several factors, including:
- Academic merit
- Gender (with efforts to improve female representation)
- Disability status (preference for applicants living with disabilities)
- Previously disadvantaged backgrounds
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by 30 January 2026. If you don’t receive feedback by then, your application was unsuccessful.
What the Bursary Covers
The bursary provides comprehensive financial support, which may include:
- Tuition fees
- Prescribed study materials
- Accommodation (where applicable)
- Meals and/or living allowance (where relevant)
How to Apply
Unlike many other Commerce Bursaries and Scholarships, there is no application form for this bursary. Interested applicants must submit the following documents via email to: [email protected] and quote subject line: “SANParks Bursary 2026”.
Required Supporting Documents
Your application must be accompanied by these documents:
- Certified copy of ID document
- Certified copy of Matric certificate or latest school results
- Certified academic record (if currently studying)
- Proof of acceptance or registration at a public tertiary institution
- Proof of residence
- Motivational letter explaining your field of study and why you need the bursary
- Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Affidavit confirming household income is below threshold (if receiving a grant or unemployed)
Application Deadline
The closing date for submissions is 18 August 2025 – late applications will lead to your disqualification.
Bursary Contact Information
- Contact Person: Happy Nhlangwini
- Telephone: 012 426 5173
- Email: [email protected]
Also see: