Sanral bursary and scholarship applications open

COINCIDING with Youth Month, the SA National Road Agency (Sanral) has opened applications for its bursary and scholarship programme.

Sanral general manager for skills development Heidi Harper said the entity was committed to developing a pipeline of civil engineering professionals to maintain South Africa’s road infrastructure, and the company required a strong and robust infrastructure to give effect to its mandate.

“Financial support through bursary allocations for disciplines such as public relations, auditing, supply chain management, law, human resources and finance, which collectively support the corporate structure, will give effect to that mandate. Our financial support has to look beyond the traditional scope of engineering and support improved balance,” said Harper.

This year, scholarships are available to Grade 8 to 12 learners, irrespective of their subject choices. Also, where learners previously required a 70% overall aggregate, they now require 60% with a view to improving their aggregate to 70%. Scholarships cover:

● School fees Books and prescribed stationery

● Winter and summer uniforms

● Hostel Accommodation

● Extra tuition classes in support of improved grades.

“Reducing the academic achievement threshold for eligibility should not be seen as lowering the standard. It is in fact expanding the reach of the programme and we have often seen how financial, emotional and academic support have led to a fundamental improvement in the academic performance of learners,” said Harper.

The bursary programme, which formerly focused purely on funding engineering studies. Funding will be available to full-time students studying law, public administration, finance, human resources, among other fields. Matriculants will need a 70% overall pass, while existing students will require 60% to be eligible. Bursaries cover:

● Tuition and registration

● Books and requirement

● Compulsary excursions and seminars

● Accomodation and meals

● Living allowance

“Bursary recipients are not automatically employed by Sanral upon completion of their studies. Through our internship programme, we offer graduates the opportunity to work and apply their knowledge, while at the same time exposing them to other sectors. This expands their pool of opportunities …” said Harper.

Applications will be available on the Sanral website from June 1 and close on September 30.