SARB Bursary Programme 2026

The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) offers an incredible opportunity for students who wish to pursue higher education in fields that align with its core functions and activities. The SARB bursary for 2026 aims to empower young South Africans by providing financial support to deserving students pursuing undergraduate degrees at accredited universities.

About the South African Reserve Bank (SARB)

The South African Reserve Bank, founded in 1921, is the central bank of South Africa. Its primary objective is to maintain price stability, which contributes to the country’s sustainable economic growth. SARB’s responsibilities extend beyond price stability to encompass ensuring the stability of the banking and financial systems, providing macroeconomic policy data, and monitoring monetary policies. SARB plays a key role in helping the government and various economic stakeholders navigate the financial landscape of South Africa.

SARB’s external bursary programme is an important initiative aimed at encouraging academic excellence and supporting students who plan to contribute to South Africa’s economic stability and growth.

The SARB Bursary Programme: Fields Covered

For the 2026 academic year, SARB is offering bursaries for students who are pursuing undergraduate degrees in fields that contribute to the functions of the Reserve Bank. While SARB’s activities are primarily centered on finance and economics, the bursary programme is open to a wide variety of disciplines. This includes, but is not limited to:

Accounting
Actuarial Science
Economics
Finance
Information Technology (IT)
Law
Mathematical Statistics
Dentistry
Medicine
Social Work

Students pursuing these degrees are encouraged to apply, especially those with an interest in supporting South Africa’s financial stability and growth through their chosen fields of study.

Eligibility Requirements for the SARB Bursary

Before submitting an application for the SARB Bursary, prospective candidates need to meet certain criteria to ensure they are eligible. These requirements are as follows:

South African Citizenship: Applicants must be citizens of South Africa.
Age Limit: Applicants must be under the age of 30.
Matric Status: Candidates must have completed their Matric or be currently in their final year of secondary school.
Full-Time Study Commitment: Applicants must intend to study full-time at a South African university.
First-Year Students: Only first-year students for the 2026 academic year are eligible to apply.
University Acceptance: Applicants must be accepted or provisionally accepted into an accredited university in South Africa for 2026.
Minimum Academic Requirements: Applicants must have achieved at least a 70% average in their Matric June exams or final results.
Financial Need: The bursary is intended for students from disadvantaged backgrounds who require financial assistance to attend university.
Disadvantaged Background: Preference will be given to students who come from disadvantaged communities and have demonstrated financial need.

How to Apply for the SARB Bursary

Applying for the SARB Bursary is a straightforward process, but applicants must follow the correct procedures and submit the required documents to be considered. There are two options for submitting applications:

Option 1: Online Application

Applicants can apply online through the TTI Bursary platform. This allows for a faster, more convenient submission process.

Option 2: Manual Application

Alternatively, applicants can download and complete the SARB External Bursary Scheme Application form in PDF format. After completing the form, the application and supporting documents can be submitted by one of the following methods:

Email: Submit to [email protected]
Post: Send to Dimpho Nkoana, POSTNET Suite 101, Private Bag X153, Bryanston, 2021

Supporting Documents Required

Applications must include the following supporting documentation for the bursary application to be valid:

Certified Copy of ID Document: Proof of South African citizenship.
Matric June Results or Final Results: If the applicant is currently in Matric, the June results are required. If Matric has already been completed, the final results or certificate must be included.
Proof of University Acceptance: A letter from the university confirming acceptance or provisional acceptance for the 2026 academic year.
Motivational Essay: A 250-word essay explaining why the applicant deserves the bursary. This essay is a critical part of the application and must highlight the applicant’s passion for their chosen field of study and career goals.

Closing Date for the SARB Bursary

The closing date for all SARB Bursary applications is 30 September 2025. Applicants are urged to ensure that they submit their applications and all required documents before this deadline. Late applications will not be accepted, so it is essential to apply well in advance.

Selection Process

The SARB bursary selection process is thorough. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted within one month after the closing date of applications. It is important for applicants to be patient, as no feedback within this time frame indicates an unsuccessful application. Additionally, candidates may be required to attend an interview or undergo testing as part of the final selection process.

Once a candidate is awarded the bursary, they will be required to sign a formal agreement with SARB, which outlines the terms and conditions of the bursary, including expectations and responsibilities.

Contact Information for the SARB Bursary

For any queries regarding the SARB Bursary Programme, applicants can contact TTI Bursaries, which administers the programme on behalf of SARB. The contact details are as follows:

Telephone: 010 746 4366
Email: [email protected]

Check also: Complete Guide to Bursaries and Scholarships in South Africa 2025 – How to Apply and Secure Funding

The SARB Bursary Programme presents a fantastic opportunity for young South African students who are committed to academic excellence and pursuing degrees that will contribute to the country’s financial and economic stability. The programme is particularly designed for those who come from disadvantaged backgrounds and require financial support to further their education.

By offering financial assistance and fostering talent in fields related to the Reserve Bank’s core activities, SARB is investing in South Africa’s future.