SANParks External Bursary
South African National Parks (SANParks)
SANParks funds students from communities living adjacent to South Africa's national parks who are entering their first year of post-matric study. The bursary targets scarce skills across environmental science, tourism, the built environment and technical trades, building capacity in the communities closest to the parks.
- Amount
- Full cost of study
- Deadline
- Closed 21 August 2026
- Renewable
- Yes
Eligible Fields of Study
South African National Parks (SANParks) supports students in the following disciplines
Eligibility Requirements
- ✓ South African citizen
- ✓ From a community living adjacent to a national park, as defined in the park management plans
- ✓ Entering post-matric study in 2027
- ✓ Combined household income of not more than R350 000 per year
- ✓ Accepted at a recognised South African tertiary institution
- ✓ Studying towards an identified scarce-skill qualification
What's Included
- ✓ Tuition fees covered
- ✓ Accommodation
- ✓ Books and stationery allowance
- ✓ Meal allowance
- ✓ Exposure to conservation careers within SANParks
How to Apply
Steps to complete your South African National Parks (SANParks) bursary application
- 1
Download and complete the SANParks bursary application form
- 2
Gather all certified supporting documents including an income affidavit
- 3
Email the completed application to happy.nhlangwini@sanparks.org
- 4
Submit before 21 August 2026
- 5
Wait for shortlisting; selection weighs academic performance, gender, disability and designated groups
Required Documents
- 📄 Certified ID copy
- 📄 Certified matric results
- 📄 Proof of acceptance at a tertiary institution
- 📄 Proof of residential address
- 📄 Motivational letter
- 📄 Curriculum vitae
- 📄 Household income affidavit
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who qualifies for the SANParks bursary?
- You must be a South African citizen from a community living adjacent to a national park as defined in the park management plans, entering post-matric study in 2027, with a household income of no more than R350 000 per year.
- What is the closing date?
- Applications for the 2027 academic year close on 21 August 2026.
- How is selection decided?
- Selection is based on academic performance together with gender, disability and designated-group considerations, in line with SANParks transformation targets.
- How do I apply?
- Applications are emailed to happy.nhlangwini@sanparks.org. Enquiries can go to the same address or to 012 426 5173.
2027 applications have closed
The 2027 application window closed on 21 August 2026.
Check South African National Parks (SANParks)'s official site for the next application window.
Still need funding for 2027? See bursaries that are still open.
Check South African National Parks (SANParks)'s official siteNeed help? Contact South African National Parks (SANParks):
Email: happy.nhlangwini@sanparks.org
Phone: 012 426 5173
Information verified 2026-07-22. Always confirm details on the funder's official website before applying.
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