The South African National Parks (SANParks) has opened applications for its External Bursary Programme for the 2027 academic year. The programme is available to eligible South African youth who will be entering their first year of undergraduate or TVET studies.
The bursary is available to qualifying applicants living in communities adjacent to South Africa’s national parks. Successful applicants will study full-time at accredited public universities, universities of technology or TVET colleges.
This is a comprehensive bursary programme designed to help students gain qualifications in fields that support environmental conservation, tourism, infrastructure, technical trades and other scarce skills that contribute to South Africa’s development.
The ideal applicant is a South African citizen between the ages of 18 and 35 who meets the academic and financial requirements, has applied for admission to an accredited public institution, and intends to begin studies in 2027. The advert does not disclose the value of the bursary. Applications close on 21 August 2026.
Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit their applications before the closing date.
What is the External Bursary Programme opportunity?
The SANParks External Bursary Programme provides financial support to eligible students who wish to pursue higher education in fields linked to conservation, environmental sustainability, tourism, infrastructure, technical trades and emerging scarce skills.
The programme forms part of SANParks’ broader commitment to supporting neighbouring communities by improving access to education and creating future professionals who can contribute to environmental protection, economic development and community growth.
Successful bursary recipients will gain the opportunity to study towards qualifications that can support careers both within conservation and across a wide range of public and private sector industries.
Why could this opportunity be valuable?
This bursary gives students the opportunity to obtain recognised qualifications while reducing the financial burden of tertiary education. Depending on the chosen field of study, students can develop technical, scientific, engineering, environmental, analytical, tourism or community development skills.
Graduates can build careers in conservation, government departments, municipalities, engineering firms, renewable energy, tourism, hospitality, infrastructure development, information technology and environmental consulting.
Employers value graduates with qualifications in these fields because they combine technical knowledge with practical skills that address national development priorities and growing shortages in critical occupations.
Quick Overview
Item Details Opportunity External Bursary Programme (2027 Intake) Company South African National Parks (SANParks) Location South Africa (Communities adjacent to National Parks) Closing Date 21 August 2026 Salary/Stipend Not disclosed Employment Type Full-time bursary programme Industry Conservation and Higher Education Target Group South African youth aged 18–35 from communities adjacent to National Parks Application Method Email application
What will successful candidates do?
Successful applicants will receive financial support to pursue approved full-time qualifications at accredited public higher education institutions or TVET colleges. Their studies should align with the priority fields identified by SANParks.
The programme aims to develop future professionals whose knowledge and skills can contribute to biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, tourism, infrastructure development and technical services that benefit both local communities and South Africa as a whole.
Main responsibilities include:
- Maintain satisfactory academic performance throughout the qualification.
- Study full-time towards an approved diploma or degree.
- Pursue a qualification within one of the approved fields of study.
- Comply with the bursary conditions set by SANParks.
Who should apply?
This opportunity is suitable for young South Africans who plan to begin their first year of tertiary education in 2027 and who live in communities neighbouring national parks.
Applicants should have applied for admission to an accredited public university, university of technology or TVET college. Current tertiary students may also be considered provided they have passed every registered course. No previous work experience, driver’s licence or professional certification is required.
Requirements
Applicants must meet the following requirements before applying:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Reside in a community adjacent to a National Park as defined in SANParks management plans.
- Provide proof of application and admission to an accredited institution of higher education.
- Be entering post-matric studies in 2027.
- The bursary is also open to students pursuing qualifications at a TVET college.
- Be between 18 and 35 years of age.
- Household income must not exceed R350,000 per year.
- Current higher education students must have a 100% pass rate for all registered courses already completed.
- Applications must be for full-time studies at an accredited public college, university or university of technology.
- Submit all required supporting documents.
Salary or Stipend
The job advertisement does not disclose the salary or remuneration package.
No additional employee benefits were listed in the advert.
Important Working Conditions
Applicants must study full-time at an accredited public South African university, university of technology or TVET college.
No additional working conditions were specified in the advertisement.
Insider Tip
Insider Tip: Use your motivation letter to clearly explain why you selected your field of study, how it aligns with your long-term career goals, and how receiving the bursary will help you contribute to your community. Ensure your CV is updated and that every required supporting document is attached before submitting your application.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted by email before 21 August 2026.
Applicants should email their application to happy.nhlangwini@sanparks.org.
Ensure your application includes:
- Motivation letter explaining why you require the bursary and your chosen field of study.
- Comprehensive updated CV.
- Certified copy of your South African ID.
- Certified copy of your latest academic record.
- Acceptance letter from an accredited public university, university of technology or TVET college.
- Proof of residential address.
- Affidavit confirming household income is below the required threshold if receiving a social grant.
Applicants are encouraged to ensure all required documents are attached, as incomplete applications will not be considered.
Final Thoughts
The SANParks External Bursary Programme offers an excellent opportunity for young South Africans from communities neighbouring national parks to pursue higher education in critical and high-demand fields.
The programme supports students who want to build careers in conservation, engineering, tourism, technical trades, environmental management and other priority sectors while contributing to national development.
Applications close on 21 August 2026, so eligible candidates should prepare all required documents and submit their applications before the deadline.
Applicants who meet the requirements should submit their application before the closing date.