Eligibility Requirements
- South African citizen, aged 18 to 35
- From a community living adjacent to a national park, as defined in that park's management plan
- Entering post-Matric study in 2027
- Total household income not exceeding R350,000 per year
- Current tertiary students: 100% pass rate in studies to date
- Enrolling at an accredited public university, university of technology, or public TVET college
Documents Needed
- South African ID document
- Matric results
- Proof of acceptance at a tertiary institution
- Proof of address in a qualifying host community
- Motivational letter
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Income affidavit
About Sanparks Bursary
The South African National Parks (SANParks) External Bursary Programme funds post-Matric study for young people from communities living next to South Africa's national parks. SANParks created the programme to invest directly in the communities most affected by its conservation work, rather than limiting its bursary support to a general applicant pool.
Because the bursary is specifically for neighbouring communities, it doubles as an economic development tool for often under-resourced, rural areas - not just a way for SANParks to build its own future workforce.
Funding Details
Full details of the bursary's financial package aren't published upfront, but it's designed to fund post-Matric study at a public institution for students from qualifying host communities, based on both financial need and academic performance.
Where You Can Study
You need to enrol at an accredited public South African institution - this includes public universities, universities of technology, and public TVET colleges. SANParks doesn't fund study at private institutions through this programme.
About SANParks
South African National Parks (SANParks) is the state entity responsible for managing South Africa's system of national parks, including Kruger, Table Mountain, and eighteen other protected areas covering millions of hect…
View full provider profile →Fields of Study & Who Can Apply
You need to be a South African citizen aged between 18 and 35, from a community living adjacent to a national park as defined in that park's management plan, and entering post-Matric study in 2027. Your total household income must not exceed R350,000 a year.
If you're already registered at a tertiary institution, you need a 100% pass rate in your current studies to be considered - SANParks doesn't fund students who are struggling academically at the point of application.
Application Procedure
Apply directly with the provider using the official application link below, before the closing date.
Applications for this cycle have closed. Check the provider's site for the next intake.
- Closes
-
Last verified:
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the SANParks Bursary?
South African citizens aged 18-35 from communities living adjacent to a national park, entering post-Matric study in 2027.
Is there an income limit?
Yes - total household income must not exceed R350,000 a year.
What if I'm already studying?
You need a 100% pass rate in your current studies to be considered.
Which institutions qualify?
Accredited public universities, universities of technology, and public TVET colleges - private institutions aren't covered.
Is there an application form?
No - you email your documents directly rather than completing a separate form.
What documents do I need?
ID, Matric results, proof of acceptance, proof of address, a motivational letter, CV, and an income affidavit.
How do I apply?
Email happy.nhlangwini@sanparks.org with "SANParks Bursary 2027" in the subject line.
When do applications close?
21 August 2026.
