Postgraduate students aiming for a Master’s degree in data science, machine learning, artificial intelligence or financial analytics have a strong 2027 scholarship opportunity through the South African Reserve Bank (SARB). The scholarship is offered in collaboration with the Data Science Academic Committee of the National Graduate Academy for Mathematical and Statistical Sciences.
At a glance
Sponsor/host: South African Reserve Bank (SARB)
Opportunity type: Full scholarship for selected Master’s programmes
Who it’s for: Prospective Master’s students in selected data science and machine learning programmes for 2027
Study level: Master’s
Fields: Data Science, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Financial Analytics
Promo code: SARBDSM27
Closing date: 31 October 2026
Last verified: 3 June 2026
High-value notes (read this first)
This is a specialised postgraduate scholarship, not a general IT bursary. Applicants must have provisional acceptance into one of the identified Master’s programmes and the selected modules should include financial analytics topics.
Applicants should also note the specific promo code: SARBDSM27. The official notice links applications to the SARB bursary manager, so applicants should use the code carefully and upload the correct academic and acceptance documents.
About the sponsor
The South African Reserve Bank is South Africa’s central bank. It supports South Africa’s economic well-being through price stability and financial stability, while also supporting skills development in areas relevant to its mandate, including data science, financial analytics and related quantitative disciplines.
Source Link: SARB
What it covers
The official notice describes this as a full scholarship for the 2027 academic year. The public notice does not break the scholarship into a detailed line-by-line package, so applicants should confirm the final terms during the SARB bursary process if shortlisted.
Eligible study areas and programmes
The scholarship is for selected Master’s programmes specialising in data science and machine learning, with specific reference to financial analytics. The official notice lists programmes at institutions including North-West University, University of the Western Cape, University of the Witwatersrand, University of Pretoria, University of Venda, University of Limpopo, Sol Plaatje University, Stellenbosch University, University of KwaZulu-Natal and University of Cape Town.
Eligibility
- Must have provisional acceptance into one of the identified Master’s programmes
- Selected modules should include financial analytics topics
- Must have a relevant Honours degree with an average of at least 65% overall
- Must be a full-time student
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must be younger than 35 years
- May be expected to attend specific workshops required by SARB and NGA(MaSS)
Documents to prepare
- Examination results
- Proof of acceptance at a recognised institution, including a student number where available
- Proof that the Master’s programme/modules align with data science, machine learning and financial analytics
- Any other supporting documents requested through the SARB bursary manager
Closing date
31 October 2026. Late applications will not be considered.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Applying for a Master’s programme that is not one of the identified programmes
- Missing the financial-analytics module requirement
- Applying without proof of provisional acceptance
- Using the wrong promo code instead of SARBDSM27
- Submitting a weak or incomplete academic record
How this opportunity was verified
Verified against the official SARB publication page and SARB scholarship PDF for Master’s programmes specialising in Data Science and Machine Learning, including the full-scholarship wording, eligibility rules, listed programmes, promo code and closing date.
How to apply
- Open the official SARB scholarship notice.
- Confirm that your intended Master’s programme is one of the identified programmes.
- Prepare your Honours results, proof of acceptance and supporting documents.
- Apply online through the SARB bursary manager using promo code SARBDSM27.
- Submit before the closing date.