The SANParks Bursary South Africa 2027 is now open for applications. If you are a South African citizen aged between 18 and 35, residing near one of South Africa’s national parks, and you are entering your first year of undergraduate studies in 2027 in fields such as Environmental Sciences, Infrastructure, Tourism, or Technical Trades, this opportunity could help you fund your education. South African National Parks (SANParks) is a leading conservation authority operating under the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, managing 21 national parks across the country. In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about the SANParks Bursary South Africa 2027: who qualifies, what fields are covered, what expenses are included, and how to apply before the closing date.

About SANParks

As a leading conservation authority, SANParks is a public entity under the jurisdiction of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), where inclusive conservation as opposed to previous policies of exclusion is central to advancing the policies in line with the National Development Framework for Sustainable Development and the National Development Plan.

South Africa’s national parks conserve the country’s rich diversity of flora and fauna through a system of 21 national parks, including three world heritage sites and ten marine protected areas (in terms of the National Environmental Management).

The SANParks Bursary South Africa 2027 invites students to apply for their bursary programme for the 2027 academic year.

Organisation: South African National Parks (SANParks) • Jurisdiction: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment • Parks: 21 national parks • Academic Year: 2027

What Fields of Study Are Covered?

The SANParks Bursary South Africa 2027 will be awarded for undergraduate National Diploma or Degree studies, including but not limited to, the following fields:

Emerging Scarce Skills

GIS, Analytics, Cyber security, Renewable Energy, Climate Change Adaptation, Biodiversity Economists, Entrepreneurship

Environmental Sciences

Nature Conservation, Environmental Management, Environmental Science, Green Energy, Environmental Engineering, Sustainable Development, Game Ranch Management

Infrastructure and Built Environment

Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Architecture, Project Management

Social Sciences

Community Development, Economic Development, Socio-Economic Development and related Development studies

Technical and Artisan Trades

Electricians, Plumbers, Welders, Millwrights, Mechanics, Technicians, Solar Technicians, Refrigerator Technicians, Water and Wastewater Technicians

Tourism

Hospitality Management, Tourism Management, Resort Management, Tour Guide, Events and Conference Management

Eligible National Parks and Surrounding Communities

The SANParks Bursary South Africa 2027 is open to students residing in communities neighbouring or adjacent to the following national parks:

Eastern Cape

Addo Elephant National Park (Gqeberha)
Camdeboo National Park (Graaff-Reinet)
Garden Route National Park (Wilderness, Knysna, Storms River)
Mountain Zebra National Park (Cradock)

Free State

Golden Gate Highlands National Park (Clarens)

Limpopo

Kruger National Park
Mapungubwe National Park (Musina)
Marakele National Park (Thabazimbi)

Mpumalanga

Kruger National Park

Northern Cape

Augrabies Falls National Park (Upington)
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
Mokala National Park (Kimberley)
Namaqua National Park (Springbok)
Tankwa Karoo National Park
Richtersveld Transfrontier Park

Western Cape

Table Mountain National Park (Cape Town)
West Coast National Park (Langebaan)
Agulhas National Park (L’Agulhas)
Bontebok National Park (Swellendam)
Garden Route National Park (Wilderness, Knysna, Storms River)
Karoo National Park (Beaufort West)
Tankwa Karoo National Park

Eligibility Requirements for the SANParks Bursary South Africa 2027

Before you apply for the SANParks Bursary South Africa 2027, check that you meet all the requirements below. If you miss any requirement, your application will not be considered.

You must be a South African citizen
You must be between the ages of 18 and 35 years old
You must reside in communities neighbouring or adjacent to one of the national parks listed above
You must be currently in Matric or have completed Matric
You must intend on studying full-time towards an undergraduate Diploma or Degree in one of the fields listed above
You must be entering your 1st year of study in 2027
You must have applied or been accepted to study at an accredited public institution of Higher Education in South Africa (University, University of Technology, or TVET college)
Your total household income must be not more than R350,000 per year

Required Documents

Submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation along with your application email for the SANParks Bursary South Africa 2027. All documents must be certified.

ID document
Matric latest results
Proof of acceptance letter from your tertiary institution (on institution’s letterhead)
Proof of address
Motivational letter stating why you need the bursary award and your field of study
Comprehensive updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Affidavit showing that your income is less than the threshold (if receiving a social grant)

Important Information

SANParks is offering a comprehensive bursary award, with selection based on the following factors:
- Academic performance
- Gender (SANParks hopes to increase the participation of women)
- Ability (preference will be given to those living with disabilities)
- Designated groups
Shortlisted/successful candidates will be contacted by 30 January 2027. If you do not receive any feedback by this date, please consider your application unsuccessful

How to Apply for the SANParks Bursary South Africa 2027

Follow these steps to submit your application for the SANParks Bursary South Africa 2027. Applications are submitted via email.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Make sure you meet all the eligibility requirements listed above, including residing near a national park, being aged 18-35, entering your first year in 2027, and having a household income not exceeding R350,000.

Step 2: Prepare Your Documents

Gather all the required documents listed above, ensuring they are certified copies. This includes your ID, Matric results, proof of acceptance, proof of address, motivational letter, CV, and income affidavit.

Step 3: Submit Your Application via Email

Send your application and supporting documents to:

Email: happy.nhlangwini@sanparks.org

Email subject line: “SANParks Bursary 2027”

Step 4: Submit Before the Deadline

⏰ Closing Date for the SANParks Bursary South Africa 2027: 21 August 2026. Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted. Please apply before the closing date to ensure your application is considered.

Contact Information

If you have any queries related to the SANParks Bursary South Africa 2027, please contact SANParks directly:

Contact person: Happy Nhlangwini
Telephone: 012 426 5173
Email: happy.nhlangwini@sanparks.org

SANParks Bursary South Africa 2027 – Quick Summary

Organisation: South African National Parks (SANParks)
Bursary Name: SANParks Bursary Programme
Academic Year: 2027
Who can apply: South African citizens aged 18-35 residing near national parks
Study level: 1st year undergraduate (Diploma or Degree)
Fields of study: Emerging Scarce Skills, Environmental Sciences, Infrastructure and Built Environment, Social Sciences, Technical and Artisan Trades, Tourism
Institution type: Accredited public institution (University, University of Technology, or TVET college)
Household income limit: Not more than R350,000 per year
Selection factors: Academic performance, gender, disability, designated groups
Required documents: ID, Matric results, proof of acceptance, proof of address, motivational letter, CV, income affidavit
Application method: Email to happy.nhlangwini@sanparks.org
Email subject line: “SANParks Bursary 2027”
Closing date: 21 August 2026
Notification date: By 30 January 2027

Frequently Asked Questions About the SANParks Bursary South Africa 2027

1. Can I apply if I do not live near a national park?

The SANParks Bursary South Africa 2027 is specifically for students residing in communities neighbouring or adjacent to national parks. Applicants from other areas will not be considered.

2. Can I apply if I am over 35 years old?

The SANParks Bursary South Africa 2027 requires applicants to be between 18 and 35 years old. If you are 36 or older, you are not eligible.

3. Can I apply if I am already in my second or third year?

The SANParks Bursary South Africa 2027 is for students entering their first year of study in 2027. Students in later years are not eligible.

4. What is the household income limit?

The SANParks Bursary South Africa 2027 requires a total household income of not more than R350,000 per year.

5. Can I apply for artisan trades?

Yes. The SANParks Bursary South Africa 2027 covers Technical and Artisan Trades including Electricians, Plumbers, Welders, Millwrights, Mechanics, Technicians, Solar Technicians, and others.

6. What is the selection process?

Selection for the SANParks Bursary South Africa 2027 is based on academic performance, gender (with preference to women), ability (preference to those with disabilities), and designated groups.

7. When will I know if my application was successful?

Shortlisted/successful candidates for the SANParks Bursary South Africa 2027 will be contacted by 30 January 2027. If you do not receive any feedback by this date, consider your application unsuccessful.

8. Where can I find more environmental and conservation bursaries?

Visit EduFunds environmental bursaries page for more funding opportunities in conservation and environmental studies.

Looking for more study funding? Explore all bursaries for 2027 on EduFunds.co.za

South African National Parks (SANParks)
Bursary Programme 2027
Conserving biodiversity • Developing communities • Building a sustainable future