SARB Economics bursary

WHAT FIELDS OF STUDY DOES THE SARB  ECONOMICS BURSARY COVER?

The South African Reserve  Bank (SARB)’s Economic Research Department, in collaboration with the SARB Academy, invites students to apply for their external bursary scheme for Economic Research Department’s Economics Programme, for the 2027 academic year.

Bursaries will be awarded for undergraduate studies, within the following fields:

• Economics
• Economics and Econometrics
• Economics and Mathematical Statistics
• Economic Science

WHAT IS THE SELECTION PROCESS FOR THE SARB ECONOMICS BURSARY?

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted within 1 month of the application closing date – if you do not receive any feedback by this time, please accept that your application was unsuccessful. Candidates may be required to undergo testing and attend an interview before being awarded a bursary (read our tips on Preparing for a Bursary Interview).

Bursary recipients will be required to sign an agreement with the SARB.

WHAT ARE THE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR THE SARB ECONOMICS BURSARY?

Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying (please note that failure to satisfy all the requirements will lead to your application not being considered):

• You must be a South African citizen
• You must be under 30 years old
• You must have completed Matric or be currently in Matric
• You must intend on studying full-time towards an undergraduate degree in the field of Economics
• You must be entering your 1st year of study in 2027
• You must have been accepted or provisionally acceptance to study at a recognised and accredited university in South Africa
• You must have achieved a minimum overall average of 70% for the 2026 academic year
• You must have achieved a minimum overall result of 70% for English and Mathematics
• You must be in financial need
• You must be unable to afford to attend university without a bursary
• You must be from a disadvantaged background

HOW CAN I APPLY FOR THE SARB ECONOMICS BURSARY?

Applications must be submitted in either of the following ways (only apply once)

Option 1: Apply online for the SARB Economics Bursary Application 2027

Note:

• Use the promotional code SARBERD27

WHAT DOCUMENTS MUST I SUBMIT FOR THE SARB ECONOMICS BURSARY?

Submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation along with your application (the submission of these documents is compulsory – if any items are missing, your application may be disqualified)

• ID document (certified copy)
• Matric June results, if currently in Matric (certified copy)
• Matric final results/ certificate, if completed Matric (certified copy)
• Proof of acceptance at university for the 2027 academic year (on institutions letterhead, with student number)
• Motivational essay to support your application (approximately 250 words) (read our tips on writing a motivational letter for your bursary application)

WHEN IS THE CLOSING DATE FOR THE SARB ECONOMICS BURSARY?

30 September 2026.

(Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted – please apply before the closing date to ensure your application is considered.)

HOW CAN I CONTACT THE BURSARY PROVIDER?

For any queries related to this bursary programme, please contact TTI Bursaries (the administrators for the SARB bursary) directly:

• Tel: 010 746 4366
• Email: info@ttibursaries.co.za

WHAT DOES THE SARB DO?

The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) is South Africa’s central  bank, whose main purpose is to maintain price stability for sustainable economic growth within the country. SARB was established in the year 1921 after the passing of the “Currency and  Bank Act of 10 August 1920” in Parliament. Before the Bank was established, South African commercial  banks issued banknotes to the public.

The SARB are responsible for the following: ensuring that the banking, money and financial system in South Africa achieves the community requirements and keeps up to date with international developments, as well as helping the government (and other economic community members) of South Africa with data for macroeconomic policy, and lastly to provide the South African community and international stakeholders with feedback regarding the countries monetary policy and economic standing.