SARB External Bursary Scheme
The SARB External Bursary Scheme funds talented, financially needy South African students to complete a full-time undergraduate degree in fields relevant to the Reserve Bank's work, such as economics, finance, accounting, actuarial science, IT and law. It targets high-achieving matriculants and undergraduates from disadvantaged backgrounds who want to build careers in scarce-skills areas linked to the SARB's functions.
Eligible Fields of Study
South African Reserve Bank (SARB) (administered by TTI Bursaries) supports students in the following disciplines
Eligibility Requirements
- ✓ South African citizen
- ✓ Younger than 30 years of age
- ✓ Provisional or full acceptance into an undergraduate degree at a recognised South African university (with a student number)
- ✓ Average pass mark of at least 70% in the June Grade 12 / Matric examinations (final award subject to final results)
- ✓ In financial need - unable to afford university studies without a bursary
- ✓ From a disadvantaged background
- ✓ Studying in a field relevant to the SARB's functions and activities
What's Included
- ✓ Funding for full-time undergraduate degree studies at a South African university
- ✓ Support across fields relevant to the SARB's functions and activities
- ✓ Renewable for the duration of the qualification, subject to satisfactory academic progress
- ✓ Successful applicants sign a bursary agreement with the SARB
How to Apply
Steps to complete your South African Reserve Bank (SARB) (administered by TTI Bursaries) bursary application
- 1
Confirm you meet the eligibility criteria (SA citizen, under 30, at least 70% June Matric average, financial need, studying a relevant field)
- 2
Apply online via the TTI Bursaries platform at ttibursaries.co.za/students using the SARB promo code (SARB2026 for the 2026 cycle / SARBERD27 for the Economist stream), or apply by email or post
- 3
Upload your June examination results, proof of acceptance with your student number, and a motivational essay of approximately 250 words
- 4
Submit your complete application before the closing date of 30 September - late applications are not considered
- 5
Wait for shortlisting; if selected you may be required to attend an interview
- 6
Sign the SARB bursary agreement if your application is successful
Required Documents
- 📄 Examination results (June Grade 12 / Matric results, or latest academic record)
- 📄 Proof of acceptance at a recognised South African university (showing your student number)
- 📄 Motivational essay (approximately 250 words)
- 📄 Certified copy of your South African ID
- 📄 Proof of household income / financial need
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who qualifies for the SARB External Bursary?
- South African citizens under 30 years of age who have been accepted into an undergraduate degree at a recognised SA university, achieved at least 70% in the June Matric examinations, are in genuine financial need, and come from a disadvantaged background. You must be studying a field relevant to the SARB's functions, such as economics, finance, accounting, actuarial science, IT or law.
- How do I apply for the SARB bursary?
- The scheme is administered by TTI Bursaries on behalf of the SARB. Apply online at ttibursaries.co.za/students using the relevant SARB promo code, or by email to [email protected], or by post. You must include your examination results, proof of acceptance with your student number, and a motivational essay of about 250 words.
- When does the SARB bursary close?
- It is an annual scheme that closes on 30 September. The 2026 academic-year cycle closed on 30 September 2025, and the 2027 cycle closes on Wednesday, 30 September 2026. Late applications are not considered, so apply well before the deadline.
- What is the difference between the External Bursary Scheme and the Economist bursary?
- The External Bursary Scheme is the broader undergraduate scheme covering multiple scarce-skills fields linked to the SARB's work. The SARB also runs a more specialised Economist / Economic Research Department stream (promo code SARBERD27) aimed specifically at economics and economic research candidates.
Ready to apply?
Applications close on 30 September 2026
Apply on South African Reserve Bank (SARB) (administered by TTI Bursaries)'s official siteNeed help? Contact South African Reserve Bank (SARB) (administered by TTI Bursaries):
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 010 746 4366
Information verified 2026-06-08. Always confirm details on the funder's official website before applying.
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