Transnet Bursary

With Transnet Bursary, the Full-time bursaries are awarded annually according to the employment needs of the company. All our full-time students are viewed as potential employees – depending on vacancies being available after successfully completing their qualifications.

Click here to access TRANSNET FULL TIME BURSARY APPLICATION FORM

Bursary Value

The comprehensive bursary covers the following:

Tuition fees

Accommodation and meals

Book Allowance

Experiential training

Students are allowed to study at a South African University of their own choice who offers the relevant fields of study.​

Selection

After the screening of applications by the Transnet Bursary Department, candidates – based on academic performance on secondary or tertiary level – will be invited to be interviewed. The interviews will take place in Johannesburg, Bloemfontein, Cape Town and Durban.

The final selection and award is subjective to the following:

Interview

Satisfactory academic results

Medical fitness

What will Transnet expect from me? (Contractual Obligations)

Students are required to render one year’s service for every year of financial aid received from Transnet after acquiring the qualification.

Subjects failed must be repeated at student’s own cost. Termination of the bursary will be in consultation with the student and the training institution.

If the student fails to comply with the requirements of the bursary agreement, the bursary becomes payable in terms of the agreement.

The bursary will be renewed annually if the student’s academic performance is satisfactory.

Vacation work

Vacation work is available during June/July or December/January holidays.

The following information must be supplied:

Required period

Preferred location

Accommodation arrangements are the student’s responsibility and must be paid for by the student with the allowance received.

Work Integrated Learning

University of Technology Students:

Transnet provides work integrated to students who have a completed S4 in-order to obtain the qualification in line with the requirements set by the training institution.​​​​​​

BOUT THE TRANSNET BURSARY PROGRAMME – FIELDS COVERED

Transnet is inviting students to apply for bursary funding, for this academic year. Transnet will be awarding 2 types of bursaries, for the following fields of study:
Specialist Commercial Bursary (Degree or National Diploma):

  • Accounting / Finance
  • Actuarial Science / Statistics
  • Business Information Systems
  • Cyber Security
  • Data Science / Computer Science
  • Environmental Management
  • Human Kinetics & Ergonomics
  • Human Resources
  • Information Systems / Analytics
  • Information Technology / Informatics
  • Logistics Management / Transport Management
  • Management Accounting
  • Property Management / Real Estate / Town Regional Planning
  • Safety Management / Risk Management
  • Security Management / Policing
  • Social Work / Industrial & Organisational Psychology / Psychological Counselling
  • Supply Chain Management

Engineering Bursary (BEng or BSc):

  • Civil Engineering
  • Computer Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering (heavy current)
  • Electronics Engineering
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Marine Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering

These bursaries are available as part of Transnet’s pipeline development strategy, for fields that help address the companies skills needs.

If you are a current full-time student or are in Grade 12 and are intended to study full-time next year, you have strong academic results and would like to become part of the country’s biggest freight company, you may be the perfect bursary candidate. Students must also believe in the future of the company after they have completed their studies.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE TRANSNET 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 have completed Matric or you must be currently in Matric
  • You must be studying or intend on studying towards a qualification in one of the fields listed above, in 2024 (Degree or National Diploma in Specialist Commercial disciplines / BEng or BSc in Engineering disciplines)
  • You must be studying or intend on studying at a recognised tertiary institution in South Africa
  • Specialist Commercial Bursary: you must have achieved a minimum APS score of 5 for Mathematics, Physical Science and English in Matric
  • Engineering Bursary: you must have achieved a 5 symbol for Mathematics, Physical Science and English in Matric

HOW TO APPLY FOR THE TRANSNET BURSARY

Download and complete the Transnet Bursary Application Form (.pdf)
 

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

  • ID document (certified copy)
  • Matric latest results, if currently in Matric (certified copy)
  • Matric certificate, if completed Matric (certified copy)
  • Full academic record, including most recent results, if currently studying (certified copy)
  • Proof of tertiary registration or acceptance (on institutions letterhead)
  • Shortened Curriculum Vitae

Applications should be submitted in one of the following ways:
1) Email: bursaries@transnet.net
(Insert the words “Transnet Bursary Application” in the email subject line).

2) Fax: 086 582 7236

3) Post/ delivery:
Transnet Freight Rail
Capacity Development Department
15 Girton Road
Inyanda 2
3rd floor
Parktown
2193

Need Information or Confused about Something ?

Ask a Question

Note: if applying via post, please ensure that you apply well in advance in order that your application is received before the closing date.

 


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Complete Guide to NSFAS Online Loan Application for South African Students (2025)

If you are a South African student looking to pursue higher education but are facing financial difficulties, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is one of the most accessible funding options available. NSFAS provides financial aid in the form of bursaries and loans to qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the NSFAS loan application process, from eligibility requirements to application steps and frequently asked questions.


📌 What is NSFAS?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded financial aid scheme aimed at helping students from low- and middle-income households to access tertiary education without the burden of upfront fees.

NSFAS offers both bursaries and income-contingent loans:

  • Bursaries: For eligible students who meet academic and household income criteria (especially for TVET and university students).
  • Loans: For students who do not meet all bursary criteria or who are pursuing postgraduate qualifications not funded under bursary schemes.

✅ Who Qualifies for an NSFAS Loan?

To qualify for an NSFAS loan (especially for postgraduate students or programs not funded under the bursary system), you must:

  • Be a South African citizen.
  • Be financially needy, with a household income of less than R350,000 per year.
  • Have a valid South African ID.
  • Be enrolled or accepted to study at a public university or TVET college.
  • Not be funded through another bursary program that covers all expenses.
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress (returning students).

📚 Courses Funded by NSFAS

NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate qualifications, but certain postgraduate programs (e.g., PGCE, postgraduate diplomas in education, and professional courses like LLB) may be considered under the NSFAS loan scheme, not bursaries.

If you’re studying:

  • Undergraduate degree or diploma: You are likely eligible for a full NSFAS bursary.
  • Postgraduate study: You may qualify for a loan, depending on the course and funding availability.

📄 Required Documents for NSFAS Application

When applying, make sure you have the following documents scanned and ready:

  1. Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
  2. Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
  3. Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
  4. Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
  5. Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
  6. Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).

🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online

Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)

  1. Visit the NSFAS Website

    Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za

  2. Create an Account

    • Click on “MyNSFAS” and register your profile.
    • You’ll need a valid email address and South African cellphone number.
    • Choose a strong password and verify your account via email or SMS.
  3. Login and Start the Application

    • After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
    • Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.
  4. Fill in Your Personal Details

    • Input your ID number, name, surname, and other details exactly as they appear on your ID.
    • Provide household income information and living arrangements.
  5. Upload Required Documents

    • Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
    • Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.
  6. Submit Your Application

    • Review your application for accuracy.
    • Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.
  7. Track Your Application

    • Log in regularly to check your application status.
    • You will be notified via SMS and email at each stage of the process.

🗓️ Important NSFAS Dates (2025)

  • Application Opening Date: September 1, 2025
  • Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
  • Appeals Period: February 2026 (if rejected)
  • Disbursement: After registration and approval

Note: Dates are subject to change; always confirm on the official NSFAS website.


💸 What Does the NSFAS Loan Cover?

NSFAS funding typically includes:

  • Tuition fees
  • Registration fees
  • Accommodation (if living away from home)
  • Meals and transport
  • Learning materials (e.g., textbooks)

For loans, repayment is only required once you start working and earn above a threshold (around R30,000 annually, but subject to change).


🔄 NSFAS Loan Repayment

Repayments are:

  • Income-contingent – you only repay when you can afford to.
  • Administered by DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training).
  • Interest-bearing, but interest rates are low and favorable.

You can also apply for a partial loan conversion to a bursary if you perform well academically.


🔁 How to Appeal a Rejected NSFAS Application

If your application is rejected, you may submit an appeal via your MyNSFAS portal:

  1. Log into your MyNSFAS account.
  2. Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
  3. If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
  4. Upload any missing or corrected documents.
  5. Provide a clear explanation or motivation.

📱 NSFAS Contact Information


📝 Final Tips Before Applying

  • Apply early to avoid system overload near the deadline.
  • Use your own email and cellphone number (do not use someone else’s).
  • Double-check that all your documents are certified and legible.
  • Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for reference.

By following this guide, you can confidently apply for NSFAS funding and move one step closer to achieving your academic and career dreams—without the burden of immediate financial pressure.