Hey future financial wizard! Ready to dive deep into the world of Data Science and Machine Learning? The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) has an incredible Master’s Bursary for 2026 that could be your golden ticket!
If you’re passionate about financial analytics and want to shape South Africa’s economic future, keep reading – this one’s definitely for you. The SARB is looking for bright, young South Africans to join their Master’s Scholarship Programme, specialising in cutting-edge fields like Data Science and Machine Learning, with a special focus on Financial Analytics.
What is the SARB Master’s Bursary?
The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) plays a super important role in keeping South Africa’s economy stable. They work hard to manage prices, keep our financial system healthy, and ensure our banking system is strong. But here’s the thing: South Africa needs more people with advanced technical skills in areas like data science, AI, and machine learning.
That’s where this amazing bursary comes in! The SARB offers full bursaries to academically brilliant students from disadvantaged backgrounds who want to pursue a Master’s degree in these crucial fields. They’re doing this in partnership with the National Graduate Academy for Mathematical and Statistical Sciences (NGA(MaSS)), focusing on developing experts in financial data analytics to support our country’s economic growth.
Who Can Apply?
Think this sounds like you? Here’s what you need to qualify for the SARB Master’s Bursary:
- You must be a South African citizen.
- You need to be younger than 35 years of age.
- You should have provisional acceptance into one of the identified Master’s programmes at a recognised South African university for 2026.
- Your chosen Master’s modules must include topics in financial analytics.
- You need a relevant Honours degree with an awesome average pass mark of at least 65%.
- You must plan to study full-time in 2026.
Heads up: If you’re selected, you might need to attend some cool workshops organised by the SARB and NGA(MaSS) – a great chance to learn even more!
What Does It Cover?
This isn’t just a partial payment; the SARB Master’s Bursary offers full financial support to help you shine! This can include:
- Your tuition and registration fees.
- All your learning materials and textbooks.
- Accommodation and a living allowance to cover your daily needs.
- Travel expenses (if applicable).
The exact value of your bursary will depend on the approved study costs at your chosen university, ensuring you’re fully supported.
How to Apply?
Ready to jump in? Here’s how you can apply for this fantastic opportunity:
You need to submit your application online. Make sure you use the special promo code SARBDSM26 when you apply. Just click on this link:
Apply for the SARB Data Science and Machine Learning Master’s Bursary 2026 here!
Important things to remember:
- Don’t be late! Late applications will unfortunately not be considered.
- The closing date for applications is Friday, 31 October 2025. Mark it in your calendar!
- If your application makes it through, you’ll be invited for an interview and will need to sign a bursary agreement with the SARB.
- You’ll also need to submit your final examination results by 31 December 2025.
What documents do you need?
When you apply, make sure you have these supporting documents ready:
- A certified copy of your South African ID document.
- Your full academic record or your latest examination results.
- Proof of acceptance from a recognised institution (this should include your student number!).
- Any other relevant supporting documents they might ask for.
So, if you’re a bright, ambitious South African student ready to make a significant impact with your Master’s degree, don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity! The SARB Master’s Bursary 2026 could be the launchpad for your career in data science and financial analytics. Apply now and don’t forget to explore more amazing bursaries right here on Bursaries Room!
