About the Bursary Provider – South African Reserve Bank
The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) is the nation’s central bank, established in 1921 following the enactment of the Currency and Bank Act of 1920. Before SARB’s formation, commercial banks in South Africa issued their own banknotes, a practice that lacked national regulation.
SARB’s core function is to uphold price stability, which is vital for long-term economic growth. The Bank also plays a key role in managing the country’s financial and banking systems, assisting government and industry stakeholders with economic policy information, and maintaining transparency on South Africa’s economic position through detailed communication with both local and international stakeholders.
About the SARB Economics Bursary Programme – Fields Covered
The South African Reserve Bank, through its Economic Research Department and the SARB Academy, is offering external bursaries to deserving students for the 2026 academic year.
These bursaries are specifically for undergraduate degrees in the following fields:
- Economics
- Economics and Econometrics
- Economics and Mathematical Statistics
- Economic Science
This opportunity is geared towards first-year students with strong academic performance and a passion for shaping South Africa’s economic future.
Selection Process
Applicants will be shortlisted shortly after the closing date. If you do not receive any communication within one month after the deadline, please consider your application unsuccessful.
Shortlisted candidates may be asked to undergo assessments or interviews as part of the final selection process.
Successful candidates will be required to sign a bursary agreement with the South African Reserve Bank.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the SARB Economics Bursary, applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must be under 30 years of age
- Must have completed Matric or be currently in Matric
- Must plan to study full-time towards an undergraduate qualification in one of the listed economics-related fields
- Must be entering first year of study in 2026
- Must have been accepted or provisionally accepted at a recognised and accredited South African university
- Must have obtained at least 70% average for the 2025 academic year
- Must have achieved 70% or higher in both English and Mathematics
- Must demonstrate financial need
- Must come from a previously disadvantaged background
How to Apply for the SARB Economics Bursary 2026
There are two ways to submit your application:
Option 1: Online Application
Apply online via the official TTI Bursary Platform for SARB Economics Bursary 2026.
Option 2: Manual Application
Download and complete the SARB Economics Bursary Application 2026 (.pdf) form.
Submit the completed application along with your supporting documents using one of the following methods:
- Email: sarbbursary@ttibursaries.co.za
- Post:
Dimpho Nkoana
POSTNET Suite 101
Private Bag X153
Bryanston, 2021
Required Supporting Documents
Make sure to include the following certified documents:
- South African ID document
- June 2025 Matric results (if currently in Matric)
- Final Matric certificate (if already completed)
- University acceptance letter for 2026 (with student number and official letterhead)
- Motivational essay (approximately 250 words) outlining why you are applying and why you are a suitable candidate
Note: Missing documentation may result in immediate disqualification.
Closing Date
30 September 2025
Late submissions will not be considered, so applicants are urged to complete and submit their applications well in advance.
Contact Information
For any questions or technical difficulties, contact TTI Bursaries, the official bursary administrators for SARB:
- Tel: 010 746 4366
- Email: info@ttibursaries.co.za