The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) is inviting qualifying prospective first-year undergraduate students from disadvantaged backgrounds to apply for its External Bursary Scheme for 2027. The studies you intend pursuing should relate to (but are not limited to) the SARB’s functions and activities.
At a glance
Sponsor/host: South African Reserve Bank (SARB)
Opportunity type: External bursary scheme (undergraduate / first-year students – 2027)
Who it’s for: Prospective undergraduates entering first year at a South African university (meeting academic + age + financial-need requirements)
Closing date: Wednesday, 30 September 2026
Last verified: 01 June 2026
High-value notes (read this first)
- This application form is specifically for first-year students.
- You must include a promotional code when applying — the documents show different versions (see below), so use the one the portal/email confirms and keep proof.
- You’ll need results + proof of acceptance (student number/acceptance) plus a 250-word motivation essay.
About the sponsor
The SARB is South Africa’s central bank. It serves the country’s economic wellbeing by maintaining price stability and financial stability, and is responsible for functions such as regulating the financial sector, managing interest rates, and supporting financial system stability.
Official source page (attachments): SARB publication page with the 2027 scheme PDF and 2027 application form PDF.
What it covers
The scheme document explains the programme purpose and requirements, but it does not provide a detailed public breakdown of specific cost items covered (e.g., tuition/accommodation/books) on the 1-page bursary scheme PDF.
Eligibility
To be considered, applicants must:
- Have provisional acceptance into an undergraduate degree at a South African university
- Have achieved an average 70% pass mark in the June Grade 12/Matric exams (final award subject to final results)
- Be younger than 30 years of age
- Be in financial need (unable to attend university without a bursary)
Fields of study supported
SARB states that intended studies should have a bearing on (but not be limited to) SARB’s functions and activities.
Documents to prepare
Checklist from the 2027 application form:
- Certified copy of June matric results (if currently in matric) OR certified copy of final matric results (if matric completed)
- Proof of acceptance at a recognised tertiary institution
- 250-word essay motivating your application
- Certified copy of your South African ID
Closing date
30 September 2026 (late applications will not be considered).
Common mistakes to avoid
- Missing the closing date (30 September 2026).
- Submitting without proof of acceptance / student number.
- Forgetting the required 250-word motivation essay.
- Using the wrong promo code (see note below).
How this opportunity was verified
Verified using the SARB publication page for “External Bursary Scheme 2027” and its two official attachments (scheme PDF + application form PDF), including the closing date, requirements, submission channels, and document checklist.
How to apply
- Click on the SARB publication page link below for “External Bursary Scheme 2027”
- Download and complete the official External Bursary Application Form 2027.
- Attach all required documents (results, proof of acceptance, 250-word essay, certified ID).
- Submit your application by 30 September 2026 via one of the official channels.
- Keep proof of submission.