SARB Economic Research Department External Bursary for 2027

The South African Reserve Bank's Economic Research Department, in collaboration with the SARB Academy, offers external bursaries to prospective undergraduate students entering economics-related degrees. The 2027 opportunity is intended for students who want to develop skills in economics and related quantitative disciplines.

Approved fields listed in the 2027 advert include Economics, Economics and Econometrics, Economics and Mathematical Statistics, and Economic Science. Applicants must have provisional acceptance into an undergraduate degree in economics or an approved related field, be younger than 30, demonstrate financial need and have achieved at least a 70% average in their current year of study, together with a good command of English and Mathematics at 70% or above.

Applicants must provide examination results, proof of acceptance at a recognised institution or a student number, and other supporting documents required by the application form. Potential bursars may be asked to attend interviews and successful applicants must sign a bursary agreement with the SARB.

The 2027 application deadline was 30 September 2026. The official SARB publication page contains the advert and application form details.