SARS Bursary
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.
Eligible Fields of Study
South African Revenue Service (SARS) (administered by CareerWise (Pty) Ltd) supports students in the following disciplines
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
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
Apply online via the CareerWise Student Portal at careerwise.co.za/student-portal using promo code F2017
- 3
Alternatively, download the SARS Bursary PDF application form and submit it to CareerWise by email, fax or post
- 4
Attach all required supporting documents, including certified ID, academic results and proof of household income
- 5
Submit your complete application before the closing date of 30 May - late applications are not considered
- 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 siteNeed 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.
Other Government bursaries
More funding opportunities in this field
City of Cape Town External Bursary Programme
City of Cape Town (Metropolitan Municipality, administered in-house by the City's Human Resources / Skills Development department via the HR Service Desk)
The City of Cape Town runs an annual external bursary programme for Cape Town residents studying full-time towards qualifications in advertised scarce-skills fields such as engineering, accounting, IT, data science, environmental management and the built environment. The bursary covers registration, tuition and examination fees plus capped allowances for study aid, transport and meals, and can lead to year-for-a-year work experience with the City after graduation. Funding spans undergraduate through postgraduate study at accredited South African institutions, including TVET colleges.
View details →City of Johannesburg (CoJ) Bursary Programme
City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality (administered in-house via the CoJ Human Resources / Skills Development office)
The City of Johannesburg (CoJ) Bursary Programme is a metropolitan government bursary that funds undergraduate study for academically capable students who permanently reside within the City of Johannesburg in Gauteng. Approximately 200 bursaries are awarded each cycle, covering registration, tuition and prescribed study material up to R40,000 per year across scarce-skills fields relevant to the City. It is distinct from the Gauteng Provincial Government GCRA bursary.
View details →Compensation Fund Bursary
Compensation Fund (Department of Employment and Labour)
The Compensation Fund Bursary is a government bursary administered by the Compensation Fund under the Department of Employment and Labour. It funds unemployed COID (Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases) beneficiaries with permanent disabilities, plus dependants of COID beneficiaries who were fatally injured or permanently disabled at work.
View details →