Transnet, the state freight company that runs South Africa’s ports, rail and pipelines, awards full-time university bursaries each year according to how many graduates the company expects to need. On 1 October 2026 Transnet had not yet published an application form for 2027 funding. The only form on Transnet’s website is the 2025 version, which closed on 6 October 2025 for support in 2026.
Technical and non-technical degrees on Transnet’s list
Transnet splits its bursaries into two groups. The technical group covers industrial, electrical, electronic, mechanical, metallurgical, computer, civil, electro-mechanical and chemical engineering, plus mechatronics. The non-technical group includes data analytics, actuarial and business science, computer science and informatics, cyber security, procurement, supply chain, horticulture, property valuation and real estate, and environmental management.
You may study at any South African university that offers your chosen field. Transnet views every full-time bursar as a potential employee, but a job after graduation depends on vacancies at the time.
What the Transnet bursary pays
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation and meals
- A book allowance
- Experiential training
Transnet renews the bursary each year only if your results are satisfactory, and you repeat any failed module at your own cost.
Transnet’s paper form and interview route
Transnet has used a two-page paper form that you must complete in block letters and in your own handwriting. The last form asked for your Grade 11 results (if you are in matric), your latest Grade 12 and tertiary marks, your planned course and university, and whether a parent works for Transnet. It also asked you to declare any other bursary or student loan and its obligations.
Attach these, or Transnet will not consider the application:
- A certified copy of your ID
- Your matric certificate or most recent academic record
- A university acceptance letter or proof of registration
- A short CV
The 2025 form directed applications to the Transnet Academy, Faculty of Leadership and Functional Development, 150 Commissioner Street, Johannesburg, 2001. Check the new form for the address before you post anything, because Transnet may change it.
Transnet’s bursary department screens applications on academic performance and invites shortlisted candidates to interviews in Johannesburg, Bloemfontein, Cape Town and Durban. Final awards depend on the interview, satisfactory results and a medical fitness check. Transnet contacts only shortlisted applicants.
Year-for-year service after you graduate
A Transnet bursar owes the company one year of work for every year of funding. If you break the bursary agreement, you must repay the money under its terms. Engineering bursars who finish their degrees can move into Transnet’s 24-month Engineer-in-Training programme, which mixes formal training with on-the-job work. Bursars can also apply for vacation work in the June/July or December/January holidays, but must arrange and pay for their own accommodation from their allowance.
Watching for Transnet’s next form
Transnet publishes its bursary form on the Youth Development Programmes page on transnet.net. Do not send the old 2025 form: its closing date has passed. When Transnet uploads a new form, confirm its closing date and postal address before you send it. Vacancies such as learnerships appear on the Transnet talent portal, which listed no bursary on 1 October 2026.
While you wait, look at other funders with similar fields. Eskom’s bursary page covers engineering as well as data, supply chain and law, and SANRAL funds civil engineering, IT and procurement students.
Can I type the Transnet form instead of writing it by hand?
The 2025 form said it must be filled in in the applicant’s own handwriting, in block letters. Follow whatever the next form says.
I study at a university of technology. Does Transnet help me?
Transnet offers work-integrated learning to university of technology students who have completed S4, in fields such as civil, electrical, mechanical and industrial engineering, IT and finance. That is a placement for your practical year, separate from the full-time bursary.