Postgraduate South African Reserve Bank Centre for Economic Journalism (SARB CEJ), funded by the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) (hosted at the Rhodes University School of Journalism and Media Studies; applications administered by the Rhodes University Postgraduate Funding Office)

SARB CEJ Scholarship in Economics Journalism (Rhodes University)

The SARB Centre for Economic Journalism (CEJ) offers full South African Reserve Bank scholarships for postgraduate journalism study at Rhodes University, aimed at building skills in economics and community journalism. Awards cover full course costs plus residence accommodation and meals during term time, and can be held on the PG Diploma in Journalism, PG Diploma in Economics Journalism, BA Honours (Journalism) or MA (Journalism). Preference is given to female candidates from a previously disadvantaged background who originate from the Eastern Cape, though candidates from a Commerce background are also encouraged to apply.

Amount:
Full South African Reserve Bank Scholarship covering all course-related (tuition) costs plus the cost of residence accommodation and meals during term time.
Deadline:
23 October 2025
Renewable:
Yes

Eligible Fields of Study

South African Reserve Bank Centre for Economic Journalism (SARB CEJ), funded by the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) (hosted at the Rhodes University School of Journalism and Media Studies; applications administered by the Rhodes University Postgraduate Funding Office) supports students in the following disciplines

Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism (1-year, in residence)
Postgraduate Diploma in Economics Journalism (part-time, weekly online lectures across two years)
BA Honours (Journalism) (1-year, in residence)
MA (Journalism) (2-year, in residence)
Economics Journalism
Community and economic journalism

Eligibility Requirements

  • South African citizen (certified copy of South African ID required)
  • Must meet Rhodes University's academic entrance requirements for the chosen programme
  • Must apply for, and submit a copy of the application to, the selected degree at Rhodes University
  • Submit a full academic record
  • Submit a motivational essay of 1000 words detailing your intention to contribute to the field of Economics Journalism
  • Preference given to female candidates from a previously disadvantaged background who originate from the Eastern Cape
  • An intention to remain in and develop community and economic journalism in the Eastern Cape is an advantage; candidates from a Commerce background are encouraged to apply

What's Included

  • Full course/tuition (course-related) costs
  • Residence accommodation
  • Meals during term time
  • Specialist training in economics and community journalism through the SARB Centre for Economic Journalism at Rhodes University

Work Commitment

No formal work-back is specified, but candidates with an intention to remain in and develop community and economic journalism in the Eastern Cape are preferred.

How to Apply

Steps to complete your South African Reserve Bank Centre for Economic Journalism (SARB CEJ), funded by the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) (hosted at the Rhodes University School of Journalism and Media Studies; applications administered by the Rhodes University Postgraduate Funding Office) bursary application

  1. 1

    Confirm you meet Rhodes University's academic entrance requirements for your chosen programme (PG Diploma in Journalism, PG Diploma in Economics Journalism, BA Honours (Journalism) or MA (Journalism))

  2. 2

    Apply for admission to your selected degree at Rhodes University and keep a copy of that application

  3. 3

    Prepare a 1000-word motivational essay detailing your intention to contribute to the field of Economics Journalism

  4. 4

    Compile your full academic record and a certified copy of your South African ID

  5. 5

    Submit your scholarship application by email to the Rhodes University Postgraduate Funding Office at [email protected] before the closing date

  6. 6

    Confirm current opening and closing dates and any updated requirements with the Postgraduate Funding Office or the official scholarships page each cycle

Required Documents

  • 📄 Full academic record
  • 📄 Certified copy of your South African ID
  • 📄 Copy of your application to the selected degree at Rhodes University
  • 📄 Motivational essay (1000 words) on your intention to contribute to the field of Economics Journalism

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the SARB CEJ Scholarship cover?
It is a full South African Reserve Bank Scholarship covering all course-related (tuition) costs plus the cost of residence accommodation and meals during term time, so it funds both your studies and your living costs while in residence at Rhodes University.
Which programmes can I study with the scholarship?
The scholarship can be held on the Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism (1-year, in residence), the Postgraduate Diploma in Economics Journalism (part-time, weekly online lectures across two years), the BA Honours in Journalism (1-year, in residence) or the MA in Journalism (2-year, in residence) at the Rhodes University School of Journalism and Media Studies.
How do I apply for the SARB CEJ Scholarship?
First apply for admission to your chosen Rhodes degree, then submit your scholarship application by email to the Rhodes University Postgraduate Funding Office at [email protected]. You must include a full academic record, a certified copy of your South African ID, a copy of your Rhodes degree application, and a 1000-word motivational essay on your intention to contribute to Economics Journalism.
Who is given preference, and when does it close?
Preference is given to female candidates from a previously disadvantaged background who originate from the Eastern Cape, with an intention to develop community and economic journalism in the province seen as an advantage; candidates from a Commerce background are also encouraged to apply. The scheme runs annually for the following academic year, opening around August in the prior year with deadlines typically in October. The 2026 intake was released on 25 August 2025 with a closing date reported around 23 October 2025, so always confirm current dates with the Postgraduate Funding Office.

Ready to apply?

Applications close on 23 October 2025

Apply on South African Reserve Bank Centre for Economic Journalism (SARB CEJ), funded by the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) (hosted at the Rhodes University School of Journalism and Media Studies; applications administered by the Rhodes University Postgraduate Funding Office)'s official site

Need help? Contact South African Reserve Bank Centre for Economic Journalism (SARB CEJ), funded by the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) (hosted at the Rhodes University School of Journalism and Media Studies; applications administered by the Rhodes University Postgraduate Funding Office):

Email: [email protected]

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