SANParks Bursary: Empowering Future Conservationists

SANParks Bursary: Empowering Future Conservationists

SANParks Bursary 2024: Empowering Future Conservationists

About SANParks

South African National Parks (SANParks) was established under the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003 (Act No 57 of 2003). Its primary mission is to preserve South Africa’s landscapes, biodiversity, and heritage assets through a comprehensive national park system.

Currently, SANParks oversees 19 national parks across 7 of the 9 provinces in South Africa, managing over 4 million hectares of protected land. This organization is a global leader in conservation and protected area management, making significant contributions to preserving the country’s natural heritage.

SANParks is dedicated to fostering excellent tourism and conservation management, aiming to reconnect both South Africans and international visitors with nature. By involving local communities in various biodiversity initiatives, SANParks ensures that conservation efforts translate into socioeconomic and educational benefits for these communities.

SANParks Bursary Programme 2024

SANParks is offering an exciting opportunity for young South Africans through their 2024 external bursary programme. This bursary is open to aspiring students entering their first year of undergraduate studies in 2024.

Eligible students must be pursuing full-time national diplomas or degrees in the following fields, although applications from other related fields are also welcomed:

• Social Sciences
• Youth Development
• Environmental Sciences (including Environmental Management, Nature Conservation, and Game Ranch Management)
• Community Development and Development Studies
• Hospitality Management/Tourism Studies

Important Note:

Selection for the SANParks Bursary is merit-based, with a strong emphasis on academic excellence. SANParks is committed to Employment Equity and encourages applications from women, designated groups, and people with disabilities. Preference will be given to Previously Disadvantaged Individuals (PDI) and Historically Disadvantaged South Africans (HDSA).

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the SANParks Bursary, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Must be a South African citizen.
• Must reside in a community near a National Park, as defined in the park’s management plan.
• Must be enrolled in full-time studies toward a diploma or degree at an accredited South African University, College, or University of Technology.
• Must be entering post-matric studies in 2024.
• Must be aged between 18 and 35 years.
• The bursary is also open to students pursuing qualifications at TVET colleges.
• Proof of application and admission to an accredited Higher Education Institution is required.
• Current students at Higher Education Institutions must have a 100% pass rate for all registered courses in the completed period.

How to Apply

Interested students must submit their applications online via the SANParks Bursary Application 2024 portal. If you do not hear from SANParks by January 30, 2025, please consider your application unsuccessful.

Documents Required

Applicants must include the following documents with their application:

• A detailed, updated CV.
• A certified copy of the applicant’s ID.
• A certified copy of the latest academic record.
• Proof of residential address.
• Acceptance letter from an accredited Higher Education Institution (University, University of Technology, or TVET College).
• A motivation letter outlining why you are applying for the SANParks bursary and your chosen field of study.
• If applicable, an affidavit showing income below the threshold for those receiving a social grant.

Note: Incomplete or missing documents will result in the rejection of your application.

Application Deadline

The closing date for applications is August 17, 2024.

Contact Information

For any questions regarding the SANParks Bursary 2024, please contact:

• Email: happy.nhlangwini@sanparks.org
• Tel: 012 426 5166

Please note: No inquiries will be answered after the closing date. Explore other bursary and scholarship opportunities here.