The Railway Safety Regulator (RSR) is once again opening doors for young South Africans by inviting school leavers and current students to apply for the RSR Bursary Programme for 2026. This opportunity is aimed at individuals who want to pursue further education at accredited institutions across the country, including TVET Colleges, Universities of Technology, and both public and private universities.
Closing date: 23 December 2025
The RSR is a national public entity established under the Railway Safety Act, 2024 (Act No. 30 of 2024). Its mission is to promote, regulate and enforce railway safety across South Africa’s rail sector, ensuring that all operators—local and cross-border—adhere to strict safety standards. As part of its ongoing commitment to developing skilled professionals in priority fields, the organisation offers bursaries aligned with its operations and national skills development needs.
Fields of Study Covered
The RSR bursary supports undergraduate qualifications in the following areas:
- Electrical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Information Technology
- Human Resources Management
- Media and Communications
- Law
- Financial Management
- Internal Audit
- Supply Chain Management
- Risk Management
These fields reflect the technical, professional and administrative skills required within the safety and regulatory environment.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the programme, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a South African citizen between the ages of 15 and 35.
- Not be receiving any other bursary or sponsorship from an external institution.
- Be available for an interview should they be shortlisted.
- Be willing to sign a Bursary Agreement upon selection.
- Provide proof of admission or registration for the academic year being applied for.
- Meet the academic requirements and be eligible to study the chosen qualification at a recognised institution.
- First-year applicants must submit Grade 11 results or Grade 12 mid-term results with a minimum overall average of 65%.
Required Supporting Documents
Applicants must attach or upload the following documents:
- Certified copy of admission or registration letter for the academic year.
- Certified copy of the latest official academic record (for current tertiary students).
- Certified copy of Grade 11 or Grade 12 mid-term results (for matric learners).
- Certified copy of South African ID.
- Motivational letter explaining why they deserve the bursary.
- Quotation of tuition fees for the academic year.
All certified documents must be clear, recent, and correctly stamped.
Find Useful Links Below:
How to Apply for the Railway Safety Regulator (RSR) Bursary 2026
Applications must be submitted through the official RSR bursary application portal:
Click here to apply for the Railway Safety Regulator (RSR) Bursary Programme 2026
Alternatively, applicants may access the bursary forms on the careers page:
www.rsr.org.za/careers
Completed applications must be submitted online by the closing date.
Important Notes
- Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.
- The RSR reserves the right not to award bursaries, even after the application window.
- All personal information provided will be processed and protected in line with POPIA (Act 4 of 2013).
Enquiries
For more information or assistance with the application process, applicants may email:
bursaries@rsr.org.za
Conclusion
The RSR Bursary Programme 2026 offers a valuable opportunity for young people who want to study in fields that directly contribute to South Africa’s rail safety and technical development. Whether you are pursuing engineering, law, finance, HR, IT, or safety-related studies, this bursary provides financial support and the chance to grow within a vital public sector environment. If you meet the requirements and are committed to furthering your education, make sure you submit a complete application before the closing date.
