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South Africa Undergraduate Fully Funded

SARB External Bursary 2027: Undergraduate Economics Scholarship for South African Students

The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) External Bursary Programme offers full financial support to disadvantaged South African students entering undergraduate economics degrees in 2027. Applications close 30 September 2026.

September 20, 2026 ⏰ Deadline: Sep 30, 2026

Quick Overview

Host CountrySouth Africa
Degree LevelUndergraduate
Funding TypeFully Funded
Fields of StudyEconomic Science, Economics, Economics and Econometrics, Economics and Mathematical Statistics
DeadlineSeptember 30, 2026

Scholarship Overview

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Overview

The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) External Bursary Programme is a competitive scholarship initiative designed to address South Africa’s severe shortage of economics skills. The programme targets students from disadvantaged backgrounds who demonstrate academic excellence and financial need. For the 2027 academic year, the SARB is inviting applications from aspirant economists who will be entering their first year of undergraduate studies.

This bursary is administered by the SARB’s Economic Research Department in collaboration with the SARB Academy. It forms part of the central bank’s corporate social responsibility initiatives and commitment to developing the next generation of economic professionals in South Africa.

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What the Bursary Covers

The SARB has not published specific details about the monetary value or exact coverage of the bursary. However, as an external bursary scheme aimed at students unable to afford university without financial assistance, it typically covers essential study costs. Successful applicants will be required to sign a formal agreement with the SARB, which will outline the terms and conditions of the award.

Eligible Fields of Study

The bursary supports undergraduate degrees in the following economics-related disciplines:

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

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet all of the following criteria to be considered:

  • Academic admission: Have provisional acceptance into an undergraduate degree in an eligible economics field
  • Academic performance: Achieved an average pass mark of 70% in your current year of study
  • Subject requirements: Minimum 70% in both English and Mathematics
  • Age limit: Be younger than 30 years of age
  • Financial need: Demonstrate inability to afford university attendance without a bursary

The SARB specifically targets students from disadvantaged backgrounds as part of its skills development mandate.

Application Documents

Applicants must submit the following supporting documentation:

  • Examination results (certified copies)
  • Proof of acceptance at a recognised South African institution (student number required)
  • Any additional supporting documents as requested

All documents must accompany your application submission.

How to Apply

The SARB accepts applications through three channels. You must include the promo code SARBERD27 in your application:

Option 1: Online Application (Recommended)

Submit your application through the dedicated bursary portal: https://sarb-bursary-manager.replit.app/

Option 2: Email Application

Send your completed application and documents to: sarbbursary@ttibursaries.co.za

Option 3: Postal Application

Mail your application to:

Dimpho Nkoana
POSTNET Suite 101
Private Bag X153
Bryanston
2021

Selection Process

After initial screening of applications, shortlisted candidates will be required to attend interviews. The selection process is competitive, and final decisions are made based on academic merit, financial need, and interview performance. Successful applicants must sign a bursary agreement with the SARB.

Important Dates

  • Application opens: 10 August 2026
  • Application deadline: 30 September 2026
  • Academic year: 2027

Late applications will not be considered.

Advice for SADC Applicants

This bursary is specifically designed for South African citizens. Applicants from Zimbabwe and other SADC countries are not eligible unless they hold South African citizenship or permanent residency. If you are a SADC national interested in economics scholarships, consider the Canon Collins Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship 2026/2027 for SADC nationals, which is also listed on this website.

Apply on the official site →

You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships

Funding Coverage

Full bursary for students in financial need; specific monetary value not published. Covers university costs for eligible economics degrees.

Eligibility Criteria

South African students entering first year undergraduate economics in 2027; under 30 years old; 70% average with 70%+ in English and Mathematics; provisional university acceptance; demonstrated financial need

Required Documents

Examination results; proof of acceptance at recognised institution with student number; additional supporting documents as required

Application Process

1) Gather required documents including exam results and proof of university acceptance. 2) Include promo code SARBERD27 in application. 3) Submit via online portal at https://sarb-bursary-manager.replit.app/, email to sarbbursary@ttibursaries.co.za, or post to Dimpho Nkoana at POSTNET Suite 101, Private Bag X153, Bryanston 2021. 4) Attend interview if shortlisted. 5) Sign agreement if successful.
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Frequently Asked Questions

No. The SARB External Bursary is specifically for South African citizens from disadvantaged backgrounds. SADC nationals should explore other scholarships such as the Canon Collins Commonwealth Master's Scholarship for SADC nationals.
You need examination results and provisional acceptance with a student number to apply. If you are in matric in 2026, you should apply with your available results and provisional acceptance letter. Contact the bursary administrator at sarbbursary@ttibursaries.co.za if you have specific timing concerns.
The SARB requires successful applicants to sign a bursary agreement, but specific work-back or service obligations are not published in the available information. The terms will be detailed in your individual agreement.
Meeting the minimum 70% average and subject requirements makes you eligible but does not guarantee selection. The bursary is competitive, and selection depends on interview performance, financial need assessment, and the overall applicant pool. The SARB does not publish acceptance rates.
The bursary requires proof of acceptance at a 'recognised institution.' The SARB has not published a restricted list of universities, but you must have provisional acceptance with a student number from a recognised South African university at the time of application.
If the online portal at https://sarb-bursary-manager.replit.app/ is unavailable, submit your application by email to sarbbursary@ttibursaries.co.za or by post to Dimpho Nkoana at POSTNET Suite 101, Private Bag X153, Bryanston 2021. Ensure you include the promo code SARBERD27 and all required documents regardless of submission method.

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