The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) invites academically excellent South African citizens from disadvantaged backgrounds to apply for its 2026 External Bursary Scheme, offering full funding for first-year undergraduate studies in fields aligned with the Bank’s mandate.

About the Bursary Provider

SARB, South Africa’s central bank founded in 1921, supports monetary policy, financial stability, and economic research. Its bursary scheme develops future professionals in fields such as Economics, Actuarial Science, Finance, IT, Accounting, Law, and other critical disciplines.

Fields Covered

The bursary supports full-time first-year undergraduate programmes in:

  • Economics
  • Actuarial Science
  • Mathematical Statistics
  • Information Technology
  • Finance
  • Accounting
  • Law
  • Other critical skills fields, e.g. Medicine, Social Work, Dentistry

Expenses Covered

The bursary provides:

  • Full tuition and registration fees
  • Textbook allowance
  • A laptop or study device (where necessary)
  • Vacation work placements funded by SARB
  • Access to career-readiness and wellness programmes

Recipients receive funding annually without needing to reapply each year; continuation depends on academic progress and financial need.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

  • Be a South African citizen
  • Be under 30 years old
  • Have achieved at least 70% in the June Matric examinations (final results considered if Matric already completed)
  • Have provisional or full acceptance into a first-year undergraduate programme at a recognized South African university for 2026
  • Demonstrate genuine financial need (i.e., inability to attend university without bursary support)

How to Apply

You may submit your application online, by email, or by post:

  • Online: via the TTI Bursaries portal at ttibursaries.co.za; use promo code SARB2026
  • Email: send completed application form and documents to sarbbursary@ttibursaries.co.za
  • Post: Address to Ms Dimpho Nkoana POSTNET Suite 101, Private Bag X153, Bryanston, 2021

Include certified copies of:

  • ID document
  • June Matric results or Matric certificate
  • Proof of university acceptance (on letterhead, with student number)
  • A 250‑word motivational essay

Incomplete applications may be disqualified.

Closing Date

30 September 2025. Applications received after this deadline will not be considered. SARB typically contacts shortlisted candidates within one month of closing.

Contact the Bursary Programme

Administered by TTI Bursaries on behalf of SARB
Tel: 010 746 4366
Email: info@ttibursaries.co.za
SARB Website: resbank.co.za

1. Who can apply for the SARB External Bursary?
South African citizens under 30 who scored at least 70% in the June Matric exams, accepted or provisionally accepted into a first-year undergraduate programme for 2026, and demonstrate financial need.
2. Which fields qualify?
Eligible fields include Economics, Actuarial Science, Mathematical Statistics, IT, Finance, Accounting, Law, and other critical shortages such as Medicine, Social Work, Dentistry. Preference is given to fields aligned with SARB’s functions.
3. What expenses are covered?
The bursary covers full tuition and registration, books, a laptop (if needed), career readiness and wellness services, and vacation work placements funded by SARB.
4. Do I need to reapply each year?
No. The bursary is renewable annually based on academic performance and continued financial need, without the need for reapplication.
5. How do I apply?
You can apply online using promo code SARB2026 via the TTI portal, or submit by email or post with all required documents and motivational essay.
6. What documents must I submit?
Certified ID, June Matric results or final certificate, university acceptance letter (with student number), and a 250‑word motivation explaining your background and financial need.
7. What is the application deadline?
30 September 2025. No late applications are considered.
8. When are applicants notified?
Shortlisted candidates are typically contacted within one month after closing. If you haven’t heard by then, your application was likely unsuccessful.
9. Are interviews required?
Yes. Shortlisted applicants may need to attend interviews and must sign a bursary agreement with SARB upon selection.
10. Who can I contact for help?
Contact TTI Bursaries (administering agent) via info@ttibursaries.co.za or 010 746 4366 for support and queries.