Home Bursaries SARB Bursary
Open · Closes 30 Sep 2026

South African Reserve Bank

SARB Bursary

Closes

30 September 2026

Value

Full tuition and living expenses

Level

1st Year Undergraduate

For

SA citizens under 30

Sector

Banking & Financial Services

Type

Bursary

About this bursary

The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) offers an external bursary programme for students entering their first year of undergraduate study. The funding supports full-time degree programmes at accredited South African public universities.

This programme focuses on building capacity in fields relevant to central banking as well as critical national scarce skills. Candidates from financially disadvantaged backgrounds are prioritized to help bridge the economic gap in tertiary education.

Funding is reviewed annually based on academic progress, meaning successful applicants do not need to reapply each year to maintain their bursary.

Courses of study covered

BCom Accounting
BSc Actuarial Science
BCom Economics
BCom Finance
BSc Information Technology / Computer Science
LLB / Law
BSc Mathematical Statistics
BDS Dentistry
MBChB Medicine
Bachelor of Social Work
Other scarce skills undergraduate degrees

What the bursary covers

Full tuition fees at a public South African university
Prescribed books and study materials
Accommodation and meal allowances

Who can apply

You qualify if

  • You must be a South African citizen under 30 years of age.
  • You must be currently in Matric or have completed your Matric certificate.
  • You must intend to study full-time toward your first undergraduate degree in 2027.
  • You must have achieved a minimum overall average of 70% in your Grade 12 June examinations.
  • You must hold acceptance or provisional acceptance from an accredited South African university.
  • You must come from a disadvantaged background and demonstrate genuine financial need.

You do not qualify if

  • Applicants aged 30 or older.
  • Non-South African citizens.
  • Students entering their second, third, or postgraduate years of study.
  • Students intending to study at private or unaccredited institutions.

Documents you need to submit

  • Certified copy of your South African ID document
  • Certified copy of your Grade 12 June results if currently in Matric
  • Certified copy of your final Matric certificate if completed
  • Proof of acceptance or provisional acceptance on official university letterhead
  • Motivational essay of roughly 250 words explaining your background and financial need

Submit clear certified copies of all documentation with your application package.

How to apply

  1. 1
    Decide whether to submit your application online or via the printed PDF form.
  2. 2
    Fill out all required details on the chosen application format.
  3. 3
    Gather and certify all required supporting documents.
  4. 4
    If applying by email, send your completed form and documents to [email protected].
  5. 5
    If applying by post, send your documents to Dimpho Nkoana, POSTNET Suite 101, Private Bag X153, Bryanston, 2021.
  6. 6
    Ensure your submission reaches the administrators before 30 September 2026.

Apply using only one method to avoid duplicate entries.

How you are selected

1
Applications are assessed after the closing date. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted within one month of the deadline. Candidates may be invited for assessments and interviews before final bursary offers are confirmed.

Forms, downloads and links

Last verified: September 2026   ·   Category: Commerce   ·   Reviewed by grantZA Editorial
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