Hey future South African leaders and innovators! Looking for an amazing opportunity to fund your studies and kickstart an impactful career? Well, you’re in luck because the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) Bursary & Scholarship program for the 2026 academic year is here!
The SARB offers extensive bursaries and scholarships to deserving South African citizens, aiming to tackle critical skills shortages in the country. This isn’t just about financial aid; it’s an investment in your future, developing the next generation of experts in fields like economics, finance, IT, law, and even fine arts. Imagine full financial coverage, potential work experience, and mentorship to prepare you for a brilliant career path!
Who Can Apply?
The SARB offers various opportunities, including an Undergraduate Bursary Scheme, a Master’s in Data Science & Machine Learning Scholarship, and a Fine Arts Scholarship. Here’s who can apply for each:
For the Undergraduate Bursary:
- You must be a South African citizen.
- You need to be under 30 years old.
- You must be in Matric or have already passed Matric.
- You should plan to study full-time for an undergraduate qualification in 2026.
- Have provisional acceptance at any recognized South African university.
- Achieved a minimum overall average of 70% in your Grade 12 June examinations.
For the Master’s in Data Science & Machine Learning Scholarship:
- You must be a South African citizen.
- You need to be under 35 years old.
- You must have a relevant Honours degree with a minimum average of 65%.
- You need provisional admission into an approved Master’s program for 2026.
- You must plan to study full-time.
For the Fine Arts Scholarship:
- You must be a South African citizen.
- You need to be under 35 years old.
- You must be enrolled or accepted for a Fine Arts qualification in 2026.
- You should have a minimum overall average of 65% from the 2025 academic year.
What Does It Cover?
The SARB bursaries and scholarships are designed to be super comprehensive, taking away those financial worries so you can focus on your studies! Here’s what you can expect:
- Full Financial Support: Successful students generally receive holistic financial assistance, which typically covers your tuition fees, accommodation, study materials, and exam fees. Talk about a weight off your shoulders!
- Monthly Stipend: Yes, you heard that right! You’ll get a monthly stipend to help cover your living expenses like meals and transport.
- Career Development Opportunities: For undergraduate bursars, there’s a chance for practical exposure through sponsored vacation work. Plus, there’s a possibility of employment with SARB after you graduate. How cool is that?
- Professional Development: Master’s scholars get exposure to specialist workshops, and all programs offer mentorship and support to help prepare you for the professional workplace.
How to Apply?
Ready to jump in? The application process is straightforward, but make sure you follow these steps carefully to give yourself the best shot:
- Gather Your Documents: Start by collecting certified copies of your ID, all your academic documents (like Matric results or university transcripts), and your university provisional acceptance letter.
- Complete the Form: You’ll need to complete the official application form for your chosen scholarship or bursary. These forms are usually found online via the TTI Bursary platform. Head over there and get started!
- Write Your Motivation:
- For the undergraduate bursary, you’ll need a 250-word motivational essay. This is your chance to shine and tell SARB why you deserve this opportunity!
- If you’re applying for the Fine Arts Scholarship, you’ll need to provide an artist statement instead.
- Submit Your Application: Once everything is ready, submit your completed application and all supporting documents. Make sure you follow the specific submission method for your program – it could be online, via email, or by post.
- Important Dates & Promo Code:
- If you’re applying for the undergraduate bursary, remember to use the promo code SARB2026.
- The application deadline for the Undergraduate and Fine Arts Bursaries is Tuesday, 30 September 2025.
- For the Master’s in Data Science Scholarship, the deadline is Friday, 31 October 2025. Don’t miss these dates!
- What Happens Next (Selection Process):
- Screening: Your application will first be screened based on eligibility criteria, academic performance, and financial need.
- Interviews: If you make it through the initial screening, potential candidates will be contacted within one month of the closing date. You might be asked to come in for an interview or complete additional tests.
- Agreement: If you’re successful, you’ll be asked to sign a formal bursary agreement with the SARB.
If this sounds like the right bursary for you, don’t wait — apply now and explore more amazing bursaries on Bursaries Room! Your funded future starts here!
