If you want to start an economics degree in 2027, the South African Reserve Bank has an external bursary that could fund your first year, and the deadline is fast approaching.
What is the SARB External Bursary 2027?
The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) is offering a competitive bursary for first‑year undergraduate students studying economics‑related subjects. The programme is run by the SARB Economic Research Department together with the SARB Academy. It was announced on 29 May 2026 on the bank’s official publications page.
Who can apply?
To be eligible you must meet all of the following:
- Have provisional acceptance into a recognised university for one of the listed qualifications:
- Economics
- Economics and Econometrics
- Economics and Mathematical Statistics
- Economic Science
- Be younger than 30 years at the time of application.
- Achieve at least 70 % average in your current school year, including 70 % or higher in Mathematics.
- Show good command of English.
- Demonstrate genuine financial need – you must prove you cannot afford university without support.
What you will gain
The bursary covers tuition fees for the first year of your degree and may include additional support such as learning materials. While the exact cash amount has not been disclosed, the funding aims to remove financial barriers, allowing you to focus on studies and develop skills in economic analysis, research, and policy — areas that are valuable in central banking, finance, and the public sector.
How to apply – step by step
- Gather the required documents:
- Official examination results showing the required percentages.
- Proof of provisional university acceptance (letter or email) and your student number.
- Evidence of financial need (e.g., family income statements).
- Any other documents requested in the application form.
- Visit the official online portal: SARB External Bursary 2027 Online Application.
- Enter the promotional code SARBERD27 when prompted.
- Complete the application form, uploading the documents listed above.
- Review all entries to ensure names and details match across every file.
- Submit before the hard deadline of Wednesday, 30 September 2026. Late applications will not be considered.
Tips to improve your chances
- Double‑check your qualification. Only the four economics‑related degrees are eligible.
- Verify your marks. The 70 % thresholds, especially in Mathematics, are strictly enforced.
- Secure provisional acceptance. Planning to study economics is not enough; you need an official offer.
- Use the correct code. The 2027 code SARBERD27 differs from previous years.
- Save copies. Keep a PDF of your completed application and all supporting files.
- Rely on official information. If any third‑party site lists a different stipend, deadline, or requirement, cross‑check with the SARB publication before acting.
Final checklist before you hit submit
- Eligible degree chosen?
- 70 % overall and 70 % Mathematics achieved?
- Age under 30?
- Financial need documented?
- Provisional university acceptance secured?
- All required documents ready and correctly named?
- Promotional code entered as SARBERD27?
- Application submitted before 30 September 2026?
- Latest SARB bursary page reviewed for any updates?
Remember, the bursary helps you study – it does not guarantee a job at the SARB. Use this opportunity to build a strong foundation in economics and keep an eye on future career openings. Start gathering your documents today and submit your application before the deadline.