The Southern African Transport Conference (SATC) Invites suitably qualified students to apply for their 2026 Transportation Research Bursary. The closing date for applications is 8 December 2025.
What is the SATC Bursary?
The SATC Bursary is a scholarship that pays for the research part of a Master’s or Doctoral degree in Transport.
If you are a student who wants to help build better roads, trains, buses and traffic systems in Southern Africa, this could be the perfect chance to get money for your studies.
Quick facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Bursary name | SATC Bursary 2026 |
| Level of study | Master’s or Doctoral research in Transport |
| Who can apply | South African citizens and people from any SADC country |
| Amount | R170 000 (tax‑free) |
| Where it goes | Directly to your university in two payments |
| Deadline | 8 December 2025 |
| Apply by email | info@satc.org.za |
About the Southern African Transport Conference
SATC is the biggest annual meeting for people who work and study transport in Southern Africa. Each year more than 700 experts, researchers, engineers and policy makers meet to share new ideas about how to move people and goods safely and sustainably.
SATC focuses on:
- Making transport greener and more sustainable
- Using digital technology to improve roads and traffic
- Building better infrastructure (roads, bridges, railways)
- Improving public transport like buses and trains
- Mixing modern tech with old ways of moving people
The conference helps people test, discuss and spread new transport solutions. The goal is to shape the future of travel in the region.
Who can apply?
To get the bursary you must meet all of these rules:
- Nationality – You must be a South African citizen or a citizen of any of the 16 SADC countries (Zimbabwe, Namibia, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Zambia, Tanzania, Malawi, DRC, Angola, Mozambique, Madagascar, Seychelles, Mauritius, Comoros).
- Course – You must be studying a full‑time Master’s or Doctoral research program in Transport.
- University – You must be enrolled at a recognised South African university.
- Funding – You must not already receive any other bursary, scholarship or grant.
- Documents – You need a recent head‑and‑shoulders photo, a certified copy of your Matric Certificate, any professional membership certificates, and copies of your degree certificates and full transcripts.
How the money is paid
The R170 000 is split into two equal parts:
- 50 % in February 2026
- 50 % in July 2026
It is paid straight to the university, not to the student. The bursary can be renewed each year as long as you keep good academic progress and keep working on your research.
How to Apply
- Download the form – Get the SATC Bursary Application 2026 from the SATC website.
- Prepare your documents – Make sure all copies are certified and you have a clear photo.
- Send an email – Send the completed form and all documents to info@satc.org.za.
Use the subject line “SATC Bursary 2026”.
If you need help with your application, you can look at the “Youth Tools Hub” that has useful tips (but it does not process the application).
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can part‑time students apply? | No, you must be a full‑time postgraduate research student. |
| Does it cover coursework Master’s programmes? | No, it only covers the research part of Master’s or Doctoral studies. |
| Can I apply if I already have another bursary? | No. Double funding is not allowed. |
| How is the bursary paid? | Directly to your university, not to you. |
| Can international students outside SADC apply? | No. Only students from SADC member countries are eligible. |
If you have more questions, contact Jacqui Oosthuyzen at the SATC Secretariat:
- Phone: 083 324 9622
- Email: info@satc.org.za
Important Reminders
- The bursary is offered by SATC, not by any other organization.
- The information given is correct when this page was written, but it may change.
- Double‑check all details with SATC before you send in your application.
- The application must be sent directly to SATC; we do not handle it.
CLOSING DATE: 08 DECEMBER 2025
Make sure you finish your application before this date to be considered for the bursary. Good luck!
