Government

SARS Bursary

South African Revenue Service (SARS) (administered by CareerWise (Pty) Ltd)

The SARS Bursary is a full-cost government bursary funded by the South African Revenue Service and administered by CareerWise (Pty) Ltd, supporting academically strong South African students with demonstrated financial need. It covers tuition, accommodation, meals, prescribed textbooks and a monthly allowance for studies in scarce-skills fields such as Chartered Accountancy, taxation, law, IT, actuarial science, science and engineering. Recipients may also gain valuable vacation work experience at SARS during their studies.

Amount
Full-cost bursary (specific rand value not officially published)
Deadline
30 May 2027
Renewable
Yes

Eligible Fields of Study

South African Revenue Service (SARS) (administered by CareerWise (Pty) Ltd) supports students in the following disciplines

Chartered Accountancy / Accounting
Auditing
Taxation
Law
Economics
Information Technology / Information Systems / Computer Science
Actuarial Science
Chemistry
Chemical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Industrial Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Metallurgy Engineering
Mining Engineering
Mine Survey
Geology

Eligibility Requirements

  • South African citizen or permanent resident
  • Completed Matric or currently in the final year of Matric
  • Accepted at or enrolled at a recognised South African tertiary institution in an eligible field of study
  • Demonstrated financial need
  • Minimum Level 6 in Mathematics (and Level 6 in Physical Science for engineering, geology and science fields)
  • Strong academic performance, with an average of around 70% often preferred

What's Included

  • Full tuition fees
  • Accommodation / living allowance
  • Meals
  • Prescribed textbooks
  • Monthly allowance
  • Possible vacation work opportunities at SARS during studies

Work Commitment

Recipients may be offered vacation work opportunities at SARS during their studies. As an employer-funded government bursary, recipients are typically expected to be available for possible employment or service obligations with SARS in line with the terms of their bursary agreement.

How to Apply

Steps to complete your South African Revenue Service (SARS) (administered by CareerWise (Pty) Ltd) bursary application

  1. 1

    Confirm you meet the eligibility criteria (SA citizen or permanent resident, completed or final-year Matric, financial need, eligible field, and the required Mathematics and Physical Science levels)

  2. 2

    Apply online via the CareerWise Student Portal at careerwise.co.za/student-portal using promo code F2017

  3. 3

    Alternatively, download the SARS Bursary PDF application form and submit it to CareerWise by email, fax or post

  4. 4

    Attach all required supporting documents, including certified ID, academic results and proof of household income

  5. 5

    Submit your complete application before the closing date of 30 May - late applications are not considered

  6. 6

    If shortlisted, complete any further selection steps and sign the SARS bursary agreement if successful

Required Documents

  • 📄 Certified copy of your South African ID (or permanent residence permit)
  • 📄 Certified copy of your Matric certificate or latest Grade 11 / Grade 12 results
  • 📄 Latest tertiary academic transcripts (if already studying)
  • 📄 Proof of acceptance or registration at a recognised South African tertiary institution
  • 📄 Proof of household income / financial need (such as parents' or guardians' payslips)
  • 📄 Up-to-date CV and a motivational letter

Frequently Asked Questions

Who qualifies for the SARS Bursary?
South African citizens or permanent residents who have completed Matric or are in their final year of Matric, have been accepted at or are enrolled at a recognised South African tertiary institution in an eligible field, and can demonstrate financial need. You need at least a Level 6 in Mathematics (plus Level 6 in Physical Science for engineering, geology and science fields) and strong academic results, with an average around 70% often preferred.
How do I apply for the SARS Bursary?
The bursary is administered by CareerWise (Pty) Ltd on behalf of SARS. You can apply online via the CareerWise Student Portal at careerwise.co.za/student-portal using promo code F2017, or download the SARS Bursary PDF application form and submit it by email to [email protected], by fax, or by post to CareerWise (PO Box 30632, Braamfontein 2017).
When does the SARS Bursary close?
Applications close on 30 May each year and late applications are not considered. The 30 May 2026 deadline for the current cycle has passed, so the next forward-looking closing date is 30 May 2027. Apply well before the deadline to ensure your application is complete.
What does the SARS Bursary cover?
It is a full-cost bursary covering tuition fees, accommodation or a living allowance, meals, prescribed textbooks and a monthly allowance. Recipients may also be offered vacation work opportunities at SARS during their studies, giving practical exposure to the organisation.

Ready to apply?

Applications close on 30 May 2027

Apply on South African Revenue Service (SARS) (administered by CareerWise (Pty) Ltd)'s official site

Need help? Contact South African Revenue Service (SARS) (administered by CareerWise (Pty) Ltd):

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 086 100 8777 / 086 100 7787

Information verified 2026-06-22. Always confirm details on the funder's official website before applying.

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