The South African Road Federation (SARF) is an industry body for the people and companies who plan, build and run South Africa’s roads. SARF uses part of its income to give study grants to students heading into the road transport sector. The grant is a top-up, not full funding, and SARF’s Council decides each amount.
The four study areas SARF considers
SARF’s bursary document lists four categories of study:
- Road engineering (civil), which SARF breaks down into traffic engineering, transportation planning, pavement and bridge engineering, construction materials, stormwater, environment and construction management.
- Road transport management.
- Road transport economics.
- Road safety engineering.
Not for first-years: when you become eligible
SARF does not fund students straight out of matric. A National Diploma student qualifies only after passing the first-semester (S1) exams, and a degree student only after passing first year. The study must take place at an approved South African university, university of technology or equivalent institution.
SARF also states several preferences, which matter when many students apply:
- Advanced study comes first: SARF prefers MSc, MTech and higher, and considers undergraduates only “in special circumstances”.
- Full-time students get preference, although SARF will look at part-time and distance study.
- South African residents get preference, but students from SADC countries may apply.
- When applicants are otherwise equal, SARF favours employees of its member companies.
- You must convince SARF’s Council that you will work in the South African road transport industry after you qualify.
Your academic institution must endorse the application before you send it.
How much the federation pays, and to whom
SARF sets no fixed value. The amount depends on your need and on the Council’s decision, and SARF says plainly that the grant supplements your other money and will not cover all your costs. SARF pays the grant straight to your university or college, not to you. Plan to combine it with another source. Funding for first year itself comes from bodies such as the SANRAL bursary, while students heading for municipal work can try the IMESA bursary for civil engineering.
What SARF expects from its bursars
- Join SARF as an associate (individual) member. SARF’s document gives the yearly subscription as roughly R730.
- Send a progress report every six months.
- Be willing to present your study topic to your local SARF branch at a time that suits both sides.
The paper form and the 31 August cut-off
SARF closes applications on 31 August every year, so the round for 2027 funding closed on 31 August 2026. SARF has not published a separate advert for the next round; on its standing rule, the next deadline is 31 August 2027.
Apply on SARF’s prescribed form, which sits on the SARF study bursary application page. The form asks for your personal details, your tertiary and professional qualifications, your work experience and employer, and the course you plan to take (subjects, cost, start date, duration, institution and the qualification you will earn). Tick and attach:
- your ID (copy)
- your matric certificate
- your Grade 11 results
- your previous tertiary results
SARF’s document gives its head office as 48 Gladiator Street, Rhodesfield, Kempton Park, 1619, and its postal address as PO Box 8379, Birchleigh, 1621. For questions, phone 011 394 9025 or 011 394 1459, or email sybul@sarf.org.za. The form on the site dates from 2021, so phone SARF to confirm it is still the current version before you post it.
Students in freight and passenger transport who are not yet registered at a university can also look at the TETA bursary for the transport sector.
Can I apply to SARF while I am still in matric?
No. SARF funds diploma students only after they pass their first semester, and degree students only after they pass first year.
Does the SARF bursary cover my full fees?
No. SARF designs the grant to supplement your other finances, and it pays the money to your institution.