SANParks Bursary South Africa 2027

WHAT FIELDS OF STUDY DOES THE SANPARKS BURSARY COVER?

South African National Parks (SANParks) is inviting students to apply for their bursary programme, for the 2027 academic year.

Bursaries will be awarded to students residing near National Parks, and will cover undergraduate National Diploma or Degree studies, including but not limited to, the following fields:

  • Emerging Scarce Skills (including GIS, Analytics, Cyber security, Renewable Energy, Climate Change Adaptation, Biodiversity Economists, Entrepreneurship).
  • Environmental Sciences (including Nature Conservation, Environmental Management, Environmental Science, Green Energy, Environmental Engineering, Sustainable Development and Game Ranch Management).
  • Infrastructure and Built Environment (including Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Architecture, Project Management).
  • Social Sciences (including Community Development, Economic Development, Socio-Economic Development and related Development studies).
  • Technical and Artisan Trades (including Electricians, Plumbers, Welders, Millwrights, Mechanics, Technicians, Solar Technicians, Refrigerator Technicians, Water and Wastewater Technicians).
  • Tourism (including Hospitality Management, Tourism Management, Resort Management, Tour Guide, Events and Conference Management).

This external bursary programme hopes to benefit young individuals living in communities near/ surrounding the National Parks.

** RELATED BURSARIES **

WHAT IS THE SELECTION PROCESS FOR THE SANPARKS BURSARY?

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) and 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.

www.zabursaries.co.za is committed to keeping you up to date with the latest bursary opportunities, and this article covers all details about the SANParks Bursary.

WHAT ARE THE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR THE SANPARKS BURSARY?

Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying (please note that failure to satisfy all the requirements will lead to your application not being 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 of the National Parks, which include:
    • Eastern Cape: Addo Elephant National Park (Gqeberha), Camdeboo National Park (Graaff-Reinet), Garden Route National Park (Wilderness, Knysna and 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 (Northern Cape), 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 and Storms River), Karoo National Park (Beaufort West), Tankwa Karoo National Park
  • You must be currently in Matric or have completed Matric
  • You must intend on studying full-time towards an undergraduate undergraduate Diploma or Degree, within 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/ TVET college)
  • You must have a total household income or NOT more than R350 000 per year

HOW CAN I APPLY FOR THE SANPARKS BURSARY?

Students who meet all of the above criteria, can apply via email to: happy.nhlangwini@sanparks.org

(Insert the words “SANParks Bursary 2027” in the email subject line).

Note: there is no application form to be completed for this bursary application – students need only submit the list of documents below to apply.

WHAT DOCUMENTS MUST I SUBMIT FOR THE SANPARKS BURSARY?

Submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation along with your application email (the submission of these documents is compulsory – if any items are missing, your application may be disqualified):

  • ID document (certified copy)
  • Matric latest results (certified copy)
  • Proof of acceptance letter from your tertiary institution (on institutions letterhead)
  • Proof of address
  • Motivational letter stating why you need the bursary award and your field of study (read our tips on how to write a motivational letter for your bursary application)
  • Comprehensive updated Curriculum Vitae
  • Affidavit showing that your income is less than the threshold (if receiving a social grant)

WHEN IS THE CLOSING DATE FOR THE SANPARKS BURSARY?

21 August 2026.

(Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted – please apply before the closing date to ensure your application is considered.)

HOW CAN I CONTACT THE BURSARY PROVIDER?

For any queries related to this bursary programme, please contact SANParks directly:

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

Please do NOT contact SANParks if this bursary has already closed. View our other bursaries open for application here: https://www.zabursaries.co.za/bursary-news/

WHAT DOES SANPARKS DO?

South African National Parks (SANParks) is the public entity responsible for conserving, protecting and managing South Africa’s national parks. Established under the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003 (Act No. 57 of 2003), SANParks safeguards the country’s biodiversity, cultural heritage and natural ecosystems while promoting sustainable tourism, environmental education and scientific research.

SANParks currently manages 21 national parks across South Africa, including:

  • Addo Elephant National Park (near Gqeberha, Eastern Cape)
  • Agulhas National Park (L’Agulhas, Western Cape)
  • Augrabies Falls National Park (near Upington, Northern Cape)
  • Bontebok National Park (Swellendam, Western Cape)
  • Camdeboo National Park (Graaff-Reinet, Eastern Cape)
  • Garden Route National Park (Wilderness, Knysna and Storms River, Western and Eastern Cape)
  • Golden Gate Highlands National Park (Clarens, Free State)
  • Karoo National Park (Beaufort West, Western Cape)
  • Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (Northern Cape)
  • Kruger National Park (Limpopo and Mpumalanga)
  • Mapungubwe National Park (near Musina, Limpopo)
  • Marakele National Park (Thabazimbi, Limpopo)
  • Mokala National Park (near Kimberley, Northern Cape)
  • Mountain Zebra National Park (near Cradock, Eastern Cape)
  • Namaqua National Park (near Springbok, Northern Cape)
  • Table Mountain National Park (Cape Town, Western Cape)
  • Tankwa Karoo National Park (Northern and Western Cape)
  • West Coast National Park (Langebaan, Western Cape)
  • |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park (Northern Cape)

Beyond conserving wildlife and protecting natural habitats, SANParks works closely with neighbouring communities to promote environmental stewardship, create employment opportunities, support local economic development and encourage responsible tourism. Through community partnerships, education programmes and conservation initiatives, SANParks aims to ensure that South Africa’s protected areas provide lasting environmental, social and economic benefits for both present and future generations.

As part of its commitment to developing future conservation professionals, SANParks also invests in education and skills development through the SANParks Bursary Programme. The programme provides financial assistance to eligible South African students pursuing qualifications in fields that support biodiversity conservation, environmental management and other disciplines aligned with the organisation’s long-term strategic objectives.

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This bursary listing was last updated in July 2026.

SA Bursaries wishes you the best of luck with your application! Please remember to SHARE this page with anyone you know who may be in need of bursary funding.