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SANParks Bursary 2027

The SANParks Bursary is the external bursary programme of South African National Parks (SANParks). It supports access to post-matric education and training in fields connected to conservation, tourism, infrastructure, technical skills and other areas relevant to the organisation and neighbouring communities.

WHAT FIELDS OF STUDY DOES THE BURSARY COVER?

The SANParks Bursary supports a broad range of qualifications and skills areas. The 2027 bursary announcement lists the following fields:

  • Environmental Sciences: Nature Conservation, Environmental Management, Environmental Science, Green Energy, Environmental Engineering, Sustainable Development and Game Ranch Management.
  • Tourism: Hospitality Management, Tourism Management, Resort Management, Tour Guide, Events and Conference Management.
  • Social Sciences: Community Development, Economic Development, Socio-Economic Development and related Development Studies.
  • Infrastructure and Built Environment: Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Architecture and Project Management.
  • Technical and Artisan Trades: Electricians, Plumbers, Welders, Millwrights, Mechanics, Technicians, Solar Technicians, Refrigerator Technicians, and Water and Wastewater Technicians.
  • Emerging Scarce Skills: GIS, Analytics, Cyber Security, Renewable Energy, Climate Change Adaptation, Biodiversity Economists and Entrepreneurship.

The programme therefore extends beyond traditional conservation qualifications to include tourism, engineering, built-environment, artisan and emerging skills fields.

SIMILAR BURSARIES

WHAT DOES THE SANPARKS BURSARY COVER?

SANParks describes the programme as a comprehensive bursary. However, the 2027 official announcement does not provide an itemised list of benefits such as tuition fees, accommodation, books, meals or a living allowance.

For this reason, applicants should not assume that every cost is covered unless SANParks confirms the specific benefits applicable to their award. Earlier SANParks community bursary programmes have included benefits such as tuition, accommodation and a living allowance, but these historical benefits should not be presented as confirmed benefits of the 2027 programme.

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE BURSARY?

The SANParks Bursary is intended for South African youth from communities living adjacent to National Parks, with the eligible communities determined according to the relevant park management plans.

Applicants must meet the programme requirements, including:

  • Be a South African citizen.
  • Come from a community living adjacent to a National Park as defined in the relevant management plan.
  • Be entering post-matric study.
  • Be aged 18 to 35 years.
  • Have proof of application and admission to an accredited institution of higher education.
  • Study full-time towards an academic Diploma or Degree.
  • Study at an accredited public South African institution, including a University, University of Technology, TVET college or other qualifying public college.
  • Not earn more than the stated income threshold of R350,000 per year.
  • Current higher-education students must have achieved a 100% pass rate for the completed study period.

The programme also considers academic merit and aims to increase participation by women, people living with disabilities and other designated groups.

HOW TO APPLY FOR THE BURSARY?

Applications are submitted by email to happy.nhlangwini@sanparks.org with the required supporting documents attached.

Applicants should make sure that the application is complete before submitting it because SANParks states that failure to attach the required documents will result in the application being regarded as null and void.

WHAT DOCUMENTS ARE NEEDED FOR THE BURSARY?

Applicants are required to submit the following documents:

  • A motivation letter explaining why the bursary is needed and indicating the chosen field of study.
  • A comprehensive, updated CV.
  • A certified copy of the applicant’s identity document.
  • A certified copy of the latest academic record.
  • An acceptance letter from the registered or accredited public higher-education institution.
  • Proof of residential address.
  • An affidavit confirming that income is below the threshold if the applicant receives a social grant.

The acceptance letter may be from a qualifying public University, University of Technology, TVET college or other public higher-education institution specified by SANParks.

WHEN IS THE CLOSING DATE FOR THE BURSARY?

The 2027 application cycle opened on 17 July 2026.

The closing date is 21 August 2026 for the 2027 application cycle.

The next application date has not been announced in the sources reviewed. Applicants should check the latest SANParks bursary announcement when the next cycle is released.

HOW DO I CONTACT THE BURSARY PROVIDER ABOUT THE BURSARY?

For bursary enquiries, contact Happy Nhlangwini at SANParks:

These contact details are provided in the 2027 SANParks bursary announcement.

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