Road Accident Fund (RAF) Bursary 2026 – A Detailed Guide

The Road Accident Fund (RAF) is a critical government institution in South Africa that provides compensation to victims of road accidents. Beyond its primary role in managing claims for medical and funeral expenses, the RAF also plays an important part in the development of the country’s future workforce through the RAF Bursary 2026. This bursary initiative is designed to help talented South African students pursue higher education in various fields, with the ultimate goal of empowering them to contribute to road safety, healthcare, and other sectors related to the organization’s mandate.

In this article, we will delve into the details of the RAF Bursary 2026, including its benefits, eligibility requirements, and how to apply, so you can seize the opportunity to jumpstart your career while making a significant impact on South African society.

What is the RAF Bursary 2026?

The Road Accident Fund Bursary 2026 is a financial assistance program aimed at supporting South African students pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate degrees in various fields related to road safety, healthcare, and the broader transport and legal sectors. The bursary serves as an investment in the future of the country’s road safety infrastructure and aims to create a pool of skilled professionals capable of helping reduce the frequency and impact of road accidents.

The bursary not only provides financial support for tuition fees but also offers students the chance to gain valuable practical experience through internships and other hands-on learning opportunities. With a focus on healthcare, law, finance, and engineering, the bursary aims to develop expertise in crucial areas that directly support the RAF’s operations.

Fields of Study Supported by the RAF Bursary 2026

The RAF Bursary 2026 covers a wide range of fields that contribute to the overall goals of road safety, healthcare, and accident prevention. These fields align closely with the RAF’s mandate of ensuring compensation and care for those affected by road accidents. The bursary provides opportunities for students in the following areas:

1. Law (Personal Injury, Insurance, and Road Accident Law) The RAF plays a major role in managing claims related to road accidents, making law a key area of study for prospective applicants. Students pursuing degrees in personal injury law, insurance law, or road accident law are encouraged to apply. These fields focus on advocating for accident victims and ensuring that their legal rights are upheld.
2. Healthcare (Medicine, Nursing, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy) Given the RAF’s role in providing medical coverage for accident victims, students studying medicine, nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, or other healthcare disciplines are well-aligned with the organization’s mission. The bursary assists students who want to work directly in patient care, rehabilitation, and recovery for those affected by road accidents.
3. Civil and Transport Engineering Civil engineering and transport engineering are vital for the design, development, and maintenance of road infrastructure. Students interested in transport systems, road design, and traffic safety will have an opportunity to contribute to creating safer road environments through the RAF Bursary 2026.
4. Finance and Accounting Professionals in finance, accounting, and actuarial sciences play an essential role in managing the RAF’s funds, processing claims, and ensuring efficient use of resources. The RAF Bursary 2026 is ideal for students pursuing degrees in these fields, as they will gain the financial knowledge needed to handle large-scale compensation claims and budget management.
5. Public Health and Safety Public health professionals focus on improving safety standards, promoting health awareness, and preventing accidents. Students pursuing degrees in public health, safety management, and epidemiology can use this bursary to support their studies and contribute to minimizing road accident-related harm.
6. Social Work Social workers are vital for providing psychological support to road accident victims and their families. Students studying social work with an emphasis on trauma and rehabilitation services are encouraged to apply, as they will play an essential role in helping victims recover emotionally and mentally from accidents.

Eligibility Criteria for the RAF Bursary 2026

Before applying for the RAF Bursary 2026, applicants must meet certain eligibility criteria to ensure they align with the RAF’s mission. The key eligibility requirements are as follows:

1. South African Citizenship

Only South African citizens are eligible for the bursary. Applicants will be required to provide a certified copy of their South African ID or passport to verify their citizenship.

2. Academic Requirements

• Undergraduate Students: Applicants should have completed Matric (Grade 12) with a minimum of 60% in relevant subjects such as mathematics, science, and English, depending on the course of study.
• Postgraduate Students: For postgraduate applicants, a relevant undergraduate qualification is required, with a minimum academic average of 60%.

3. Full-Time Enrollment

The bursary is available only to students enrolled as full-time students at a recognized South African university, college, or technical institution.

4. Financial Need

The RAF Bursary 2026 prioritizes students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds. Applicants may need to provide proof of financial need, such as family income statements or other documents that demonstrate financial hardship.

5. Commitment to Contributing to Road Safety and Healthcare

The RAF seeks students who are passionate about road safety, accident victim care, and healthcare. A motivational letter explaining why you are pursuing your chosen field and how it aligns with the RAF’s goals is an essential part of the application process.

What Does the RAF Bursary 2026 Cover?

The RAF Bursary 2026 offers comprehensive financial support to students pursuing eligible degrees. The bursary typically covers the following:

1. Tuition Fees The bursary covers the full cost of tuition fees for the duration of the student’s degree program, ensuring that financial concerns do not distract from academic success.
2. Study Materials The bursary covers the cost of necessary study materials, including textbooks, lab fees, and other academic resources.
3. Accommodation and Living Expenses For students who need to live away from home, the bursary provides support for accommodation and living expenses, ensuring that students have the financial means to focus on their studies.
4. Internships and Work Experience An exciting benefit of the RAF Bursary 2026 is the opportunity for students to participate in internships and gain practical experience in the field. RAF bursary recipients may be placed with the organization or other road safety-related organizations to enhance their learning.
5. Career Development and Mentorship The RAF Bursary provides students with career development support and mentorship from professionals in the field. This ensures that students are well-equipped to transition from academics to the workforce upon completion of their studies.

How to Apply for the RAF Bursary 2026

To apply for the RAF Bursary 2026, follow the steps outlined below:

Step 1: Ensure Eligibility

Confirm that you meet the bursary’s eligibility requirements, including South African citizenship, academic qualifications, and financial need.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Prepare all necessary documentation, which may include:

• Certified copy of your South African ID or passport
• Matric certificate or most recent academic transcript
• Proof of enrollment in a recognized higher education institution
• Proof of financial need (family income statement, etc.)
• Motivation letter outlining why you want to pursue your chosen field and how you can contribute to the RAF’s mission.

Step 3: Complete the Application Form

Access the RAF Bursary 2026 application form on the official RAF website or other trusted bursary platforms. Complete the form thoroughly and accurately.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

Submit your application, ensuring that all sections are filled out and the required documents are attached.

Step 5: Wait for Feedback

After the application deadline, the RAF will review all applications. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews, after which successful applicants will be notified.

The RAF Bursary 2026 offers a unique opportunity for South African students to pursue studies in fields that directly contribute to road safety, healthcare, and accident prevention. This bursary not only provides financial assistance but also offers valuable internship and career development opportunities, setting students up for success in their future careers.

If you are passionate about making a difference in South Africa’s road safety infrastructure and healthcare systems, this bursary can be the gateway to achieving your educational and career goals.

Application Link: RAF Bursary Application Portal