The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) is inviting aspiring economists to apply for its 2027 External Bursary Programme, designed to support prospective undergraduate students who intend to pursue studies in economics-related fields.
The bursary programme aims to help address skills shortages in South Africa by providing financial support to students from disadvantaged backgrounds who demonstrate strong academic potential and financial need.
Applications for the SARB Bursary Programme 2027 close on 30 September 2026.
About the SARB Bursary Programme
The South African Reserve Bank, through its Economic Research Department, in collaboration with the SARB Academy, provides external scholarships and bursaries to qualifying prospective undergraduate students each year.
The programme is particularly focused on supporting students who want to build careers in economics and related quantitative fields.
For the 2027 academic year, bursaries are available for students pursuing undergraduate degrees in:
- Economics
- Economics and Econometrics
- Economics and Mathematical Statistics
- Economic Science
The initiative forms part of SARB’s efforts to develop skills in areas that are important to South Africa’s economy and financial sector.
Who Is the SARB Bursary For?
The 2027 bursary is intended for prospective undergraduate students who will be entering their first year of university in 2027.
Applicants should already have or obtain provisional acceptance into an appropriate undergraduate degree programme in economics or one of the specified related fields.
The programme particularly seeks to support students who come from disadvantaged backgrounds and who demonstrate financial need.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the South African Reserve Bank Bursary 2027, applicants must meet the stated requirements.
1. Provisional University Acceptance
Applicants must have provisional acceptance into an undergraduate degree programme in an eligible economics-related field.
Proof of acceptance from a recognised institution must be provided as part of the application.
2. Academic Performance
Applicants must have achieved an average pass mark of at least 70% in their current year of study.
They must also demonstrate strong performance in:
- English – 70% or above
- Mathematics – 70% or above
Academic performance is an important part of the selection process because the bursary is intended to support students with strong potential to succeed in their chosen field.
3. Age Requirement
Applicants must be younger than 30 years of age.
4. Financial Need
Applicants must demonstrate financial need, meaning they are unable to afford university studies without financial assistance through a bursary.
The programme therefore provides an opportunity for academically capable students whose financial circumstances could otherwise prevent them from pursuing university education.
What Fields of Study Are Covered?
The SARB External Bursary Programme specifically identifies several eligible fields.
These include:
- Economics
- Economics and Econometrics
- Economics and Mathematical Statistics
- Economic Science
Students interested in careers related to economics, economic research, statistics, financial policy and related areas may therefore find this programme particularly relevant.
Documents Required
Applicants are required to provide supporting documentation with their applications.
The information provided for the programme indicates that applicants should submit:
- Examination results
- Proof of acceptance at a recognised institution
- Student number
- Any other relevant supporting documents
Applicants should ensure that their documentation is accurate and complete before submitting their application.
Incomplete or unsupported applications may affect the applicant’s ability to be considered.
SARB Bursary Application Promo Code
Applicants must use the following PROMO CODE when applying:
SARBERD27
Applicants should make sure that this code is correctly entered as part of their application.
How to Apply for the SARB Bursary 2027
Applicants have several options for submitting their applications.
Online Application
Applicants can apply online through the SARB bursary application platform:
https://sarb-bursary-manager.replit.app/
Email Application
Applications can also be submitted by email to:
sarbbursary@ttibursaries.co.za
Postal Application
Applicants who wish to submit their application by post can send it to:
Dimpho Nkoana
POSTNET Suite 101
Private Bag X153
Bryanston
2021
South Africa
Applicants should ensure that all required supporting documentation accompanies their application.
Visit HERE to learn more about the South African Reserve Bank Bursary 2027
Selection and Interviews
The SARB bursary is competitive, meaning that meeting the minimum requirements does not necessarily guarantee selection.
Potential external bursars may be required to attend an interview as part of the selection process.
Applicants should therefore be prepared to discuss their:
- Academic background
- Intended field of study
- Career aspirations
- Interest in economics
- Financial circumstances
- Motivation for applying for the bursary
Successful applicants will be expected to sign an agreement with the South African Reserve Bank.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the SARB External Bursary Programme 2027 is:
30 September 2026
Prospective applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline and ensure that all required documents have been included.
Why Apply for the SARB Bursary?
The programme provides an important opportunity for aspiring economists who have the academic ability to pursue university education but face financial barriers.
For eligible students, the opportunity can help them progress towards an undergraduate qualification in economics or a related quantitative discipline and potentially prepare for future careers in areas connected to economics and financial policy.
The programme is particularly relevant to students who:
- Have a strong interest in economics
- Perform well academically
- Have strong English and Mathematics results
- Plan to begin university in 2027
- Require financial assistance to attend university
- Want to develop a career in an economics-related field
Conclusion
The South African Reserve Bank Bursary Programme 2027 is an opportunity for prospective undergraduate students interested in economics and related fields to seek financial support for their university education.
The programme is aimed at students with strong academic performance, financial need and an interest in fields including Economics, Economics and Econometrics, Economics and Mathematical Statistics, and Economic Science.
Eligible applicants should obtain provisional acceptance into a recognised institution, prepare their academic and supporting documents, use the required promo code SARBERD27, and submit their applications before the 30 September 2026 deadline.
For more global grants, scholarships, fellowships, internships, jobs, conferences, competitions, and other career opportunities for young people, visit the Opportunities for Youth (OFY) website at www.opportunitiesforyouth.org.
