SARB Economics Bursary South Africa 2026

The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) is the country’s central bank, responsible for maintaining price stability to support sustainable economic growth. Established in 1921 after the Currency and Bank Act of 1920, SARB was created to standardize and regulate South Africa’s banking system. Before its establishment, commercial banks issued their own banknotes.

SARB ensures South Africa’s banking, money, and financial systems meet community needs and stay aligned with global trends. It also provides economic data to inform macroeconomic policies and regularly communicates with the public and international stakeholders about the country’s monetary policy and economic performance.

About the SARB Bursary Programme – Fields Covered

The SARB Economic Research Department, in collaboration with the SARB Academy, invites applications for its external bursary scheme for the 2026 academic year. The bursary is for students pursuing undergraduate studies in the following fields:

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

About the SARB Economics Bursary Programme – Selection

Shortlisted applicants will be contacted within one month of the closing date. If no feedback is received by that time, the application should be considered unsuccessful. Final candidates may be required to complete tests and attend an interview. All successful bursary recipients must sign an agreement with the SARB.

Eligibility Requirements for the SARB Economics Bursary

Applicants must meet the following minimum criteria to be considered:

• Must be a South African citizen
• Must be under the age of 30
• Must be currently in Matric or have completed Matric
• Must intend to study full-time in 2026 towards an undergraduate Economics-related degree
• Must be entering the 1st year of study in 2026
• Must be accepted or provisionally accepted at a recognised university in South Africa
• Must have achieved at least a 70% average in the 2025 academic year
• Must have scored a minimum of 70% in English and Mathematics
• Must be from a disadvantaged background
• Must demonstrate financial need and be unable to afford university without a bursary

How to Apply for the SARB Economics Bursary

Applications may be submitted via one of the following methods:

Option 1: Apply online via the TTI Bursary platform
Option 2: Download and complete the SARB Economics Bursary application form in PDF format

Submit the completed application form and supporting documents through:

• Post: Dimpho Nkoana, POSTNET Suite 101, Private Bag X153, Bryanston, 2021

Use the promotional code SARBERD26 when applying.

Required supporting documents (must be certified and submitted in PDF format):

• South African ID document
• June Matric results (if still in Matric) or Matric final results/certificate (if completed Matric)
• University acceptance letter for 2026 (on institution letterhead with student number)
• Motivational essay (±250 words) explaining why you deserve the bursary

Incomplete applications or missing documents will lead to disqualification.

Closing Date for the SARB Economics Bursary

30 September 2025
(Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted. Submit your application before the deadline to be considered.)