SARB Bursary & Scholarship 2027: How to Apply

The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) funds students from disadvantaged backgrounds in the fields the central bank relies on: economics, finance, accounting, actuarial science, statistics, law and IT. It runs an external undergraduate bursary each year and, since 2025, a scholarship for a Master’s in data science and machine learning. Both are aimed at building the next generation of economists and analysts.

The SARB external undergraduate bursary

The bursary funds full-time undergraduate study at an accredited South African university in:

  • Economics, finance and accounting.
  • Actuarial science and mathematical statistics.
  • Information technology.
  • Law.
  • Medicine, dentistry and social work.

It covers tuition, accommodation, books and allowances. Funding is reviewed each year on results, but bursars do not reapply, and they are considered for the SARB’s graduate development programme when they finish.

Eligibility requirements

  • South African citizen under 30, from a disadvantaged background and unable to afford university without help.
  • In Matric, or have completed Matric.
  • An overall average of at least 70% in the June Matric examinations, or in the final Matric results.
  • Entering first year in 2027, with acceptance or provisional acceptance at an accredited South African university in one of the fields above.

How to apply

  1. Apply online through the SARB external bursary portal run by TTI Bursaries, using promotional code SARBEXT27, or download the form from resbank.co.za.
  2. Attach certified copies of your ID and your June Matric results (or Matric certificate if completed), the university’s acceptance letter on letterhead with your student number, and a motivation essay of about 250 words.
  3. Submit online, or email the form to sarbbursary@ttibursaries.co.za, or post it to Dimpho Nkoana, Postnet Suite 101, Private Bag X153, Bryanston, 2021, before 30 September 2026.

The SARB Master’s in Data Science and Machine Learning scholarship

This scholarship fully funds a full-time Master’s in data science or machine learning in 2027 at an approved South African university, for graduates who will take financial analytics modules and may attend SARB workshops. Applicants must be South African citizens under 35 with at least 65% in a relevant Honours degree and provisional acceptance into the Master’s. Apply online at the SARB bursary manager with promotional code SARBDSM27, uploading your results and proof of acceptance, by 31 October 2026.

SARB closing dates

  • External undergraduate bursary for 2027: 30 September 2026.
  • Master’s in Data Science and Machine Learning scholarship for 2027: 31 October 2026.
  • The SARB also runs art scholarships and a postgraduate scholarship for international study, advertised separately each year.

Contact details

Economics and finance matriculants should also apply to the Sasria bursary and the banks and insurers on our commerce bursaries list.

FAQs

1. When does the SARB bursary close for 2027? +
The external undergraduate bursary closes on 30 September 2026. The Master's in Data Science and Machine Learning scholarship closes on 31 October 2026. Both are administered online and late applications are not accepted.
2. Who qualifies for the undergraduate bursary? +
South African citizens under 30 from disadvantaged backgrounds, in Matric or with Matric, with an average of at least 70% in their June Matric exams, entering first year in 2027 at an accredited South African university in a listed field, who cannot afford university without help.
3. Which fields are funded? +
Economics, accounting, actuarial science, finance, information technology, law, mathematical statistics, and also medicine, dentistry and social work.
4. What does it cover? +
Full-time undergraduate study: tuition, accommodation, books and allowances, reviewed each year without reapplying. Bursars are considered for the SARB's graduate programme.
5. Who qualifies for the Master's scholarship? +
South African citizens under 35 with at least 65% in a relevant Honours, provisionally accepted for a Master's in data science or machine learning that includes financial analytics modules, studying full-time.
6. How do I apply? +
Undergraduate: online through the SARB external bursary portal run by TTI Bursaries with promo code SARBEXT27, or by emailing the form to sarbbursary@ttibursaries.co.za with a certified ID, Matric results, university acceptance letter and a 250-word motivation. Master's: online at the SARB bursary manager with promo code SARBDSM27.
7. Who do I contact? +
TTI Bursaries on 010 746 4366 or info@ttibursaries.co.za for the undergraduate bursary.
Update note (checked September 2026): the SARB external bursary for first-year students in 2027 is open and closes on 30 September 2026. The SARB Master’s in Data Science and Machine Learning scholarship for 2027 is open and closes on 31 October 2026.

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