Last Updated: 10 July 2026
The South African Reserve Bank (SARB), through its Economic Research Department in partnership with the SARB Academy, has opened applications for the SARB Economics Bursary Programme for the 2027 academic year. This bursary is designed to support academically strong South African students who plan to begin their first year of undergraduate study in economics-related fields at a recognised South African university.
Unlike the SARB’s broader bursary programmes, this funding opportunity is dedicated specifically to developing the country’s future economists. The initiative forms part of the Reserve Bank’s long-term strategy to strengthen South Africa’s economic research capacity by investing in talented students from disadvantaged backgrounds who demonstrate both academic potential and financial need.
For students who have achieved strong results in Mathematics and English but are worried about the cost of university, this bursary offers an opportunity to pursue a career in economics without carrying the full financial burden of higher education.
Bursary Summary
| Provider | South African Reserve Bank (SARB) |
|---|---|
| Bursary Type | Undergraduate (First-Year Students) |
| Fields of Study | Economics, Econometrics, Mathematical Statistics, Economic Science |
| Eligible Applicants | South African citizens entering first year in 2027 |
| Closing Date | 30 September 2026 |
| Application Code | SARBERD27 |
Fields of Study Covered
The bursary is available to students who intend to study one of the following programmes:
- Economics
- Economics and Econometrics
- Economics and Mathematical Statistics
- Economic Science
Applicants must be enrolled, or have received provisional acceptance, at a recognised and accredited South African university.
Minimum Requirements
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be younger than 30 years old
- Be entering their first year of undergraduate study in 2027
- Have been accepted or provisionally accepted at a recognised South African university
- Achieve an overall academic average of at least 70%
- Obtain at least 70% in both English and Mathematics
- Demonstrate financial need
- Come from a disadvantaged background
- Be unable to afford university studies without financial assistance
Meeting the minimum requirements does not automatically guarantee that a bursary will be awarded, as applications are assessed competitively.
Required Documents
Applicants must submit a certified copy of their South African ID; a certified copy of Matric June results (if currently in Grade 12) or certified final Matric certificate; a university acceptance or provisional acceptance letter showing your student number; a motivational essay of approximately 250 words; and any additional documents requested during the application process. Ensure all documents are clear, certified where required, and submitted before the closing date to avoid delays or disqualification.
How to Apply
Applications can be submitted online through the official SARB bursary application portal. When completing your application, use the promotional code SARBERD27. Using the correct code is important because it directs your application to the Economics Bursary Programme — entering an incorrect code may result in your application being processed under a different SARB bursary stream.
Applicants may also submit applications by post to: Dimpho Nkoana, POSTNET Suite 101, Private Bag X153, Bryanston, 2021, or by email to sarbbursary@ttibursaries.co.za.
Before submitting your application, double-check that every required document has been included, as incomplete applications may not be considered.
Selection Process
Applications will first be screened to ensure all minimum requirements have been met. Shortlisted applicants may be invited for interviews before final selections are made. Successful candidates will be required to sign an official bursary agreement with the South African Reserve Bank before funding is confirmed.
Closing Date: Wednesday, 30 September 2026. Late applications will not be accepted. To avoid last-minute technical problems, applicants are encouraged to submit their applications well before the deadline.
About the South African Reserve Bank
The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) is the country’s central bank and plays a vital role in maintaining price stability, protecting the value of the currency, and supporting financial stability. Beyond its monetary policy responsibilities, the SARB invests in education and skills development through bursary programmes that help prepare future professionals for careers in economics, finance, and related disciplines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the SARB Economics Bursary?
South African citizens under the age of 30 who will be entering their first year of undergraduate study in Economics, Econometrics, Mathematical Statistics, or Economic Science during the 2027 academic year.
Is this the same as the SARB External Bursary Scheme?
No. This programme is specifically for economics-related qualifications and uses the SARBERD27 promotional code.
What happens if I am not contacted?
Only shortlisted applicants will normally be contacted after the application process. If you do not receive feedback within the period communicated by the bursary administrators, you should consider your application unsuccessful.
Do I have to apply again every year?
Bursaries are reviewed annually, though recipients do not need to submit a new application each year.
Why Consider This Bursary?
The SARB Economics Bursary is particularly attractive because it supports students pursuing careers in one of South Africa’s most important and in-demand fields. Graduates with qualifications in economics and econometrics often find opportunities in government departments, financial institutions, research organisations, consulting firms, and the banking sector. For students with a passion for economics and strong academic results, this bursary provides financial support while opening the door to valuable professional opportunities in the future.
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Disclaimer
CareerConnectSA publishes bursary and scholarship opportunities to help South African students find funding for their studies. We are not affiliated with the South African Reserve Bank (SARB). Always verify bursary requirements, closing dates, and application procedures through the official SARB application channels before submitting your application.