The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) invites top-achieving South African matriculants from disadvantaged backgrounds to apply for its 2026 External Bursary Scheme. It provides full undergraduate funding for students wishing to study fields relevant to the Bank’s mandate.

About the Bursary Provider

The SARB is South Africa’s central bank, established in 1921, which ensures price stability, regulates the financial sector, and supports economic growth. Its bursary scheme aims to develop critical skills in areas such as Economics, Actuarial Science, Finance, IT, Accounting, Law, and other social‑impact disciplines.

Fields Covered

The bursary supports full‑time undergraduate degrees in fields directly aligned with or indirectly relevant to SARB’s roles, including:

  • Economics
  • Actuarial Science
  • Mathematical Statistics
  • Information Technology
  • Finance, Accounting, Law
  • Medicine, Dentistry, Social Work, and other scarce‑skills disciplines also considered

Expenses Covered

The bursary provides full funding including tuition, registration fees, textbooks, planned vacation‑work placements, a laptop or device where necessary, and access to development and wellness programmes. All costs are reviewed annually but recipients do not need to reapply yearly.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet all the following criteria:

  • Be a South African citizen
  • Under 30 at the time of application
  • Achieved at least 70% in June Matric exams (or equivalent year‑end average)
  • Accepted (or provisionally accepted) full‑time for 2026 at a recognized SA university
  • Demonstrate financial need and inability to afford tertiary studies without assistance.

How to Apply

Submit applications in one of three ways:

Required documents include certified ID, June Matric results or final Matric certificate, proof of acceptance (with student number), and a 250‑word motivational letter. Incomplete applications may be disqualified.

Closing Date

30 September 2025. Submissions received after this date will not be considered under any circumstances. Review outcomes are typically delivered within a month of closing.

Contact the Bursary Programme

SARB External Bursary Scheme (administered by TTI Bursaries)
Tel: 010 746 4366
Email: info@ttibursaries.co.za
Website: resbank.co.za

1. Who can apply for the SARB External Bursary?
South African citizens under 30 who scored ≥70% in June Matric and have provisional or final acceptance at a recognized SA university for 2026, with clear financial need.
2. What fields of study are eligible?
Fields aligned with SARB’s functions: Economics, Finance, Accounting, Actuarial Science, IT, Law, Mathematical Statistics; also scarce‑skills areas like Medicine, Dentistry, and Social Work.
3. What does the bursary cover?
Registration, tuition, textbooks, development programmes, vacation work placements, and wellness or career support services; in some cases a laptop/device may also be provided.
4. Do I need to reapply each year?
No. Once awarded, the bursary is granted on condition of academic progress (≥70% average) and continued financial need; no reapplication needed each year.
5. How can I apply?
Apply via the TTI online portal using promo code SARB2026, or email/post your application and required documents to TTI Bursaries. Use the code and upload motivations and certified copies.
6. What documents do I need to submit?
Certified ID, June/Matric results, proof of university acceptance (with student number), and a 250-word motivational essay explaining your background and financial need.
7. When is the application deadline?
30 September 2025. Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted.
8. How long does it take to hear back?
You are notified within about a month after the closing date. If you haven’t heard by late October/early November, your application likely was unsuccessful.
9. Are there any obligations after receiving the bursary?
Recipients are expected to attend interviews, sign a bursary agreement, and participate in vacation work placements funded by SARB.
10. Who do I contact for enquiries?
Email info@ttibursaries.co.za or call 010 746 4366 (TTI Bursaries), the administering agent for SARB.