N3TC Touching Lives Community Bursary Programme 2026: Funding for Final-Year and Honours Students Along the N3 Corridor

South Africa’s infrastructure development does more than move goods and people — it can change lives. The N3TC Touching Lives Community Bursary Programme 2026 is a focused, community-based funding opportunity aimed at supporting academically capable students who live along the N3 Toll Route and are nearing the completion of their studies.

This bursary is designed specifically for third-year, fourth-year, and Honours students whose qualifications align with skills needed in infrastructure development, business, technology, and education. It prioritises students from communities directly affected by the N3 corridor, ensuring that local talent benefits from local investment.

What Is the N3TC Touching Lives Community Bursary?

The bursary is offered by N3 Toll Concession (RF) Proprietary Limited (N3TC) as part of its long-term commitment to community development along the N3 Toll Route. Rather than funding students nationally, this programme targets specific municipalities to create sustainable impact where the N3 operates.

The focus is on supporting students who are close to graduating and who demonstrate both academic potential and financial need, helping them complete their qualifications and transition into the workforce.

Who Can Apply for the N3TC Bursary Programme 2026?

This bursary has strict eligibility criteria. You may only apply if you meet all the requirements below.

Eligible Study Level

Applicants must be:

• In their 3rd or 4th year of study, or
• Registered for an Honours degree in 2026

First- and second-year students do not qualify.

Approved Fields of Study

Your qualification must fall within one of the following disciplines:

• Civil Engineering
• Accounting
• Marketing
• Information Technology
• Mathematics and Science Teaching

Both degree and Honours-level studies in these fields are considered.

Residency Requirement (Critical)

You must live in one of the following N3 Corridor municipalities:

• Alfred Duma
• Dipaleseng
• iNkosi Langalibalele
• Mafube
• Maluti-a-Phofung
• Mpofana
• Okhahlamba
• Phumelela
• uMngeni

Proof of residence is mandatory and will be verified.

Citizenship and Financial Need

Applicants must:

• Be South African citizens
• Show academic capability
• Demonstrate financial need

This bursary is awarded on a combined merit-and-need basis.

What Does the N3TC Bursary Cover?

The programme contributes towards essential academic costs that support students in completing their studies. While exact funding amounts are not publicly specified, support typically assists with:

• Tuition-related expenses
• Core academic costs linked to the qualification

Final funding decisions depend on budget availability and individual assessment. All information submitted must be accurate, as misrepresentation can lead to disqualification.

How to Apply for the N3TC Bursary Programme 2026

Applications are submitted online only. No walk-ins, emails, or late submissions are accepted.

Applications are submitted online only via the official application form here

Step 1: Prepare Your Documents

Ensure you have the following ready:

• Certified copy of your South African ID
• Proof of residence within a qualifying municipality
• Latest academic transcript
• Proof of registration or acceptance for 2026
• Supporting documents showing financial need (where applicable)

Step 2: Complete the Online Application Form

Fill in the official online application form in full and upload all required documents. Incomplete applications are automatically disqualified.

Step 3: Submit Before the Deadline

The application closing date is 26 January 2026 at 12h00 (midday). Late submissions are not considered under any circumstances.

Enquiries (Do Not Send Applications)

For official enquiries only:

• Contact Person: Ms Lelo Mchunu
• Phone: 068 091 4950
• Email: n3tc@wakhive.co.za

This contact is strictly for questions. Applications sent via email will not be accepted.

Why This Bursary Matters

The N3TC Touching Lives Community Bursary Programme 2026 is more than financial support — it is a targeted investment in students who are positioned to graduate and contribute skills back into their communities. By focusing on final-year and Honours students, the programme reduces dropout risk and strengthens the transition from education to employment.

For students living along the N3 corridor, this bursary represents a rare opportunity to complete their studies with support that recognises both their academic effort and their community roots.

Conclusion

The N3TC Touching Lives Community Bursary Programme 2026 offers meaningful support to students who are close to graduating and who come from communities along the N3 Toll Route. With its clear focus on priority fields, local impact, and financial need, this bursary helps remove the final barriers between students and their qualifications.

Eligible students who meet all requirements should apply carefully and on time. For many, this bursary could be the difference between delaying graduation and stepping confidently into the next stage of their professional journey.