PRASA External Bursary Programme
PRASA's external bursary programme funds full-time undergraduate study in engineering and built-environment fields aligned to South Africa's passenger rail network. The comprehensive bursary covers the full cost of study and targets financially needy South African students, with preference given to orphans, child-headed families and high academic achievers. Recipients are funded toward in-demand disciplines such as civil, electrical, mechanical and industrial engineering.
Eligible Fields of Study
Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) (administered by the PRASA Bursary Department, Human Capital Management) supports students in the following disciplines
Eligibility Requirements
- ✓ South African citizen
- ✓ Aged between 18 and 35 years
- ✓ Currently in Matric (Grade 12) or already completed Matric
- ✓ Enrolled or accepted for full-time study at a recognised public Higher Education Institution in South Africa
- ✓ Minimum overall average of 60% (minimum C symbol) if currently studying
- ✓ Demonstrated financial need / inability to afford studies
- ✓ Preference given to orphans, child-headed families and high academic achievers
- ✓ Not in receipt of funding from another bursary or sponsorship
What's Included
- ✓ Registration fees
- ✓ Tuition fees
- ✓ Prescribed books
- ✓ Accommodation
- ✓ Meals on campus (where applicable)
Work Commitment
PRASA bursars typically enter into a contractual bursary agreement that may include a service obligation to PRASA after graduation; applicants should confirm the exact terms with the Bursary Department.
How to Apply
Steps to complete your Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) (administered by the PRASA Bursary Department, Human Capital Management) bursary application
- 1
Download the external bursary application form from the PRASA website when the annual cycle opens (roughly September to November each year)
- 2
Complete the application form in full
- 3
Attach all certified supporting documents
- 4
Hand-deliver the application to the Bursary Department, Human Capital Management, Room 214 Second Floor, 1040 Burnett Street, Hatfield, Pretoria 0083, or submit by email using the subject line 'PRASA Bursary' (faxed and emailed applications are not accepted for the hand-delivered route)
- 5
Confirm the current cycle's closing date directly with PRASA before submitting
- 6
Shortlisted candidates sign a contractual bursary agreement
- 7
Successful candidates submit proof of registration, an invoice and a book quotation for payment
Required Documents
- 📄 Completed PRASA external bursary application form
- 📄 Certified copy of South African ID
- 📄 Certified copy of Matric certificate or latest Grade 12 results
- 📄 Certified copy of latest academic record (if already studying)
- 📄 Proof of acceptance or registration at a recognised public Higher Education Institution
- 📄 Proof of household income / financial need
- 📄 Motivational letter
- 📄 Death certificate(s) of parent(s) where applicable (for orphans / child-headed families)
Frequently Asked Questions
- When does the PRASA Bursary close?
- PRASA runs an annual application window for the upcoming academic year, opening roughly September to November. Closing dates have been reported as 30 September in one cycle and 15 November in another, so confirm the current cycle's exact closing date directly with PRASA before applying.
- Which fields of study does PRASA fund?
- The external bursary supports rail-aligned engineering and built-environment disciplines: civil engineering, electrical engineering (heavy and light current), electronics engineering, industrial engineering, mechanical engineering and quantity surveying.
- Who does PRASA give preference to?
- Applicants must be South African citizens aged 18 to 35 with demonstrated financial need and at least a 60% average (C symbol). Preference is given to orphans, learners from child-headed families and high academic achievers.
- How do I submit my application?
- Download and complete the external bursary application form, then hand-deliver it with certified documents to the Bursary Department at 1040 Burnett Street, Hatfield, Pretoria, or submit by email using the subject line 'PRASA Bursary'. Faxed applications are not accepted for the hand-delivered route.
Ready to apply?
Applications close on 30 September 2026
Apply on Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) (administered by the PRASA Bursary Department, Human Capital Management)'s official siteNeed help? Contact Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) (administered by the PRASA Bursary Department, Human Capital Management):
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 012 748 7180 / 012 748 7181 / 012 748 7183
Information verified 2026-06-08. Always confirm details on the funder's official website before applying.
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