Aspiring economists entering first-year undergraduate study in 2027 have a targeted funding opportunity through the South African Reserve Bank Economic Research Department (SARB ERD). This is separate from the broader SARB external bursary route and is focused specifically on economics-related undergraduate degrees.
At a glance
Sponsor/host: South African Reserve Bank Economic Research Department (SARB ERD)
Opportunity type: External undergraduate economics bursary
Who it’s for: Prospective first-year undergraduate students in economics-related fields for the 2027 academic year
Study level: First-year undergraduate study in 2027
Fields: Economics, Economics and Econometrics, Economics and Mathematical Statistics, Economic Science
Promo code: SARBERD27
Closing date: 30 September 2026
Last verified: 3 June 2026
High-value notes (read this first)
This is not the same as the general SARB External Bursary Scheme. The ERD notice is aimed at aspiring economists and names economics-focused study fields. Applicants should therefore show a clear fit with economics, econometrics, mathematical statistics or economic science.
The application uses a specific promo code: SARBERD27. Using the wrong code may send the application into the wrong bursary stream, so applicants should check this carefully before submitting.
About the sponsor
The South African Reserve Bank serves South Africa’s economic well-being by maintaining price stability and financial stability. The Economic Research Department contributes to economic analysis, research and policy work that supports the Bank’s mandate.
Source Link: SARB
What it covers
The official notice describes this as a competitive SARB external bursary for qualifying prospective undergraduate students from disadvantaged backgrounds. The public notice does not give a full itemised funding package, so applicants should confirm final bursary terms during the SARB bursary process.
Eligibility
- Must be entering first-year undergraduate study in the 2027 academic year
- Must have provisional acceptance into an undergraduate degree in the field of economics
- Must have achieved an average pass mark of at least 70% in the current year of study
- Must have a good command of English and Mathematics, with 70% and above
- Must be younger than 30 years
- Must be in financial need and unable to afford university study without a bursary
Documents to prepare
- Examination results
- Proof of acceptance at a recognised institution, including a student number where available
- Any other supporting documents requested with the application
- Documents requested through the online bursary manager, if applying online
Closing date
30 September 2026. Late applications will not be considered.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Applying for a non-economics degree under this ERD bursary stream
- Using the general SARB bursary promo code instead of SARBERD27
- Submitting without proof of acceptance or a student number
- Leaving out current-year examination results
- Waiting until the final day, when online or email submission problems can occur
How this opportunity was verified
Verified against the official SARB ERD Economics Bursary 2027 PDF notice. It is treated as separate from the already-live general SARB External Bursary Scheme because it has its own economics-focused notice, study fields and promo code.
How to apply
- Open the official SARB ERD Economics Bursary 2027 notice.
- Prepare your examination results, proof of acceptance and supporting documents.
- Apply online through the SARB bursary manager using promo code SARBERD27, or follow the email/postal instructions in the notice.
- Submit before the closing date.