The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) is inviting academically strong and financially needy South African students to apply for its 2026 Master’s Scholarship in Financial & Data Analytics and its undergraduate External Bursary Scheme—designed to develop critical skills aligned with SARB’s mandate.

About the Bursary Provider

The SARB, South Africa’s central bank, was established in 1921. It safeguards price stability and contributes to economic policy through financial education, research, and capacity development. Through its scholarship and bursary schemes, SARB develops future professionals in economics, data, actuarial science, finance, IT and other disciplines related to its mandate.

Fields Covered

The programmes support:

  • Pre‑undergraduate Matric leavers entering full‑time study in relevant fields including Economics, Actuarial Science, Mathematical Statistics, IT, Finance, Accounting, Law, Social Work, Medicine and more.
  • Master’s level scholarships specialising in Data Science, Machine Learning, Financial Analytics at approved universities (e.g. UCT, UP, Wits, NWU, UKZN, SU)

Expenses Covered

SARB’s external bursary scheme offers full funding including tuition, accommodation, meals, textbooks, a monthly stipend, laptop, access to wellness and career readiness programmes, and vacation‑work placements. Master’s scholarships cover tuition and living expenses relevant to data science programmes.

Eligibility Requirements

Criteria differ by programme:

  • External undergraduate bursary: must be South African, under 30, achieved ≥ 70% average in June Matric exams, accepted at a recognised SA university in a relevant field, and need-based
  • Master’s scholarship (Data Science): must be South African, under 35, hold Honours with ≥ 65%, accepted provisionally into an approved Master’s in Data Science/Analytics with financial analytics modules, and willing to attend SARB/NGA(MaSS) workshops

How to Apply

Applications should be submitted via one of the following channels:

  • Online via the TTI Bursaries portal or SARB’s external bursary application link, using promo code SARB2026 for undergraduates or SARBDSM26 for Master’s
  • Email: sarbbursary@ttibursaries.co.za
  • Post: To Ms Dimpho Nkoana, POSTNET Suite 101, Private Bag X153, Bryanston, 2021 

Required documents include certified ID, June Matric results or Honours transcript, acceptance letter with student number, and proof of financial need.

Closing Date

30 September 2025 for undergraduate applications and 31 October 2025 for Master’s scholarship in Data Science. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Contact the Bursary Provider

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

1. Who can apply for the undergraduate bursary?
South African citizens under 30, who scored at least 70% in their June Matric results, accepted for full-time study in eligible fields, and demonstrate financial need.
2. Which Master’s scholarships are available?
Fully funded Master’s scholarships in Data Science, Machine Learning, Financial Analytics or related programmes at approved universities such as UCT, UP, Wits, NWU, UKZN, and STELL.
3. What academic performance is required?
For undergraduates: ≥ 70% in June Matric. For Master’s applicants: at least 65% average in final Honours year in a relevant field.
4. What does SARB cover?
Full bursary covers tuition, meals, accommodation, textbooks, laptop, cellphone, vacancy-work placements and career/wellness support. Master’s scholarships cover tuition and living expenses as needed.
5. How do I apply?
Apply online via TTI Bursaries or SARB’s portal using the promo code SARB2026 (undergrad) or SARBDSM26 (Master’s). Alternatively submit via email or post to TTI Bursaries.
6. What documents are required?
Certified ID, June Matric results or Honours transcript, proof of acceptance with student number, motivational letter (if requested) and proof of financial need.
7. When are the closing dates?
30 September 2025 for undergraduate bursaries; 31 October 2025 for Master’s scholarships in data analytics/science.
8. Is there an interview process?
Shortlisted applicants must attend an interview. SARB Master’s scholars may also need to attend workshops run by NGA(MaSS) and SARB before funding is finalised.
9. Is funding renewable each year?
Undergraduate bursary is reviewed annually but typically does not require reapplication. Master’s funding continues if academic progress is satisfactory and terms are met.
10. How do bursary recipients stay connected with SARB?
Recipients may undertake paid vacation work, attend orientation and work-readiness training, and receive access to SARB’s wellness programme during their studies.