The South African National Parks (SANParks) is looking for aspiring youth entering their first year of undergraduate studies in the 2026 academic year to join our external bursary program.

This bursary scheme is intended to benefit children residing in communities neighboring or adjacent to the National Parks and will be implemented by the SANParks.

Bursary Application

The Field of study applied for but not limited, include Degree & National Diploma in the field of:

1. Environmental Sciences including Nature Conservation, Environmental management, Green Energy, Environmental Engineering, sustainable development and Game ranch management
2. Tourism including Hospitality Management, Resort Management, Tour guide, Events and Conference Management.
3. Social Sciences including Community Development, Economic Development, Socio-Economic Development and related Development studies

Summary

1. Application Deadline: August 18, 2025
2. Study Level: Undergraduate, College/TVET
3. Sponsor: SANParks
4. Host Country: South Africa
5. Eligible Country: South Africa Only

Eligibility Criteria for SANParks External Bursary Program for South Africans 2026

1. Recipients of the SANParks bursary Scheme must be South African citizens.
2. They must be learners from communities living adjacent to National Parks as defined in their management plans. Attach a link to find the Management plans on the SANParks Website.
3. Proof of application and admission to an accredited institution of Higher Education eligibility for funding.
4. Must be entering post-matric study in 2026.
5. The bursary is open to students who are pursuing a qualification in a TVET college.
6. Must be youth 18–35

For students currently registered at Institution of Higher Education, they must have a 100% pass rate to be considered (passed all the courses for which you have registered for at the university for the study period already completed).

Benefits of SANParks External Bursary Program for South Africans 2026

1. Tuition support for accredited undergraduate programs
2. Open to both university and TVET college students
3. Priority given to students from park-adjacent communities

How to Apply

Interested candidates who meet the above requirements should forward their applications accompanied by the required documentation listed below to the following:

Documents Required

1. Motivation letter indicating the reasons for the required bursary as well as the field of study you are applying for;
2. A comprehensive, updated CV.
3. A copy of your certified identity document;
4. A copy of your certified latest academic record.
5. Acceptance letter from the registered / accredited public institution of Higher Education (University, TVET, College, University of Technology) and
6. Proof of residential address.

EMAIL US AT: happy.nhlangwini@sanparks.org

For more details, visit SANParks External Bursary Program webpage

Application Deadline

August 18, 2025

Application Link(s)

• Apply for SANParks External Bursary Program for South Africans 2026