Apply for South African Reserve Bank (SARB) Bursaries 2027

Who can apply

• Applicants must be South African citizens.
• Applicants must be under the age of 30.
• Applicants must have completed Matric or be currently in Matric.
• Applicants must intend to study full-time towards an undergraduate degree in Economics.
• Applicants must be entering their first year of study in 2027.
• Applicants must have been accepted or provisionally accepted to study at a recognised and accredited university in South Africa.
• Applicants must have achieved a minimum overall average of 70% for the 2026 academic year.
• Applicants must also have achieved a minimum overall result of 70% for English and Mathematics.
• Applicants must be in financial need.
• Applicants must be unable to afford university studies without a bursary.
• Applicants must also be from a disadvantaged background.

Documents you will need

• Certified copy of ID document.
• Certified copy of Matric June results, if currently in Matric.
• Certified copy of Matric final results or certificate, if Matric has already been completed.
• Proof of acceptance at university for the 2027 academic year.
• The university acceptance letter must be on the institution’s letterhead and include a student number.
• Motivational essay of approximately 250 words to support the application.
• Applicants must ensure that all required documents are submitted, as missing documents may lead to disqualification.

How to apply

Applications are submitted directly to South African Reserve Bank - we do not collect applications. Read the eligibility criteria, prepare your supporting documents, then complete your application on the official page.

Full details

The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) invites South African students to apply for the External Bursary Scheme 2027.

Bursary Application Closing Date: 30 September 2026

Bursary Location: South Africa

About the South African Reserve Bank External Bursary Scheme 2027

The South African Reserve Bank is offering external bursaries to qualifying prospective undergraduate students for the 2027 academic year.

The bursary forms part of the SARB’s corporate social initiatives and is aimed at addressing the shortage of critical skills in South Africa.

The studies that students intend to pursue should have a bearing on, but are not limited to, the functions and activities of the SARB.

What the South African Reserve Bank Does

The South African Reserve Bank serves the economic well-being of all South Africans by maintaining price stability and financial stability.

The SARB is responsible for regulating the South African financial sector, designing and distributing banknotes and coin, managing interest rates, setting the cash reserve requirement for banks, and supporting the stability of the banking sector and wider financial system.

Purpose of the Bursary

The purpose of the SARB External Bursary Scheme is to provide financial assistance to students from disadvantaged backgrounds who are pursuing relevant fields of study.

The bursary supports students who are academically strong but unable to afford university studies without financial assistance.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Must have provisional acceptance into an undergraduate degree at a South African university
• Must have achieved an average pass mark of 70% in the June Grade 12 / Matric examinations
• Final awarding of the bursary will be subject to final Grade 12 results
• Must be younger than 30 years of age
• Must be in financial need and unable to afford university without a bursary

Fields of Study

The fields of study should be related to the functions and activities of the South African Reserve Bank.

These may include fields linked to:

• Economics
• Finance
• Accounting
• Banking
• Financial markets
• Risk management
• Data and analytics
• Law
• Information technology
• Other areas relevant to the work of the SARB

Applicants should consult the official SARB bursary advert and application form for full guidance on acceptable fields of study.

Documents Required

Applicants must submit the following documents with their application:

• Examination results
• Proof of acceptance at a recognised South African university
• Student number
• Any other supporting documents required on the application form

Bursary Agreement

Potential external bursars may be required to make themselves available for interviews.

Successful applicants will be expected to sign a bursary agreement with the South African Reserve Bank.

How to Apply

Applicants must use the following promo code when applying:

Promo Code: SARBEXT2027

Applications can be submitted online, by email or by post.

Click here to apply for South African Reserve Bank External Bursary Scheme 2027

DONWLOAD APPLICATION FORM

Email Applications

Applications can be emailed to:

[email protected]

Postal Applications

Applications can also be posted to:

Dimpho NkoanaPOSTNET Suite 101Private Bag X153Bryanston2021

More Information

For more information, applicants can visit the SARB bursary page:

Click here to view South African Reserve Bank bursary information

Closing Date

The closing date for applications is Wednesday, 30 September 2026.

Late applications will not be considered.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

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