The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) has opened its External Bursary Scheme for undergraduate studies starting in 2027. Grade 12 learners who achieved an average of 70% in their June examinations, are younger than 30, and can demonstrate financial need may apply online, by email or by post before 30 September 2026.
For many South African learners, receiving a university acceptance letter is a dream come true. Then reality lands: tuition, accommodation, books, transport. Brilliant marks mean nothing if there’s no money behind them — and that’s exactly the gap this bursary was created to close.
What Is the SARB External Bursary Scheme?
The SARB — the institution responsible for South Africa’s price stability, banknotes and the health of the entire banking system — runs this scheme as part of its commitment to developing scarce skills for the country’s future workforce.
The bursary targets academically strong students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds who simply cannot afford university without assistance.
In short: if you have the brains but not the bank balance, this programme was designed with you in mind.
Which Fields of Study Qualify?
Your intended qualification should relate to the functions and activities of the Reserve Bank — but the net is cast far wider than banking alone. Relevant fields include:
- Economics, Finance and Actuarial Science
- Accounting and Financial Management
- Statistics and Mathematics
- Information Technology and Data Science
- Law and Risk Management
- Banking, Business Management and other commerce-related degrees
Students pursuing other qualifications that contribute to the SARB’s broader work may also be considered — so don’t disqualify yourself before applying.
Do You Meet the Requirements?
To be considered, you must tick all of these boxes:
- An average of at least 70% in your June Grade 12 examinations, with strong final matric results to follow
- Provisional acceptance into an undergraduate degree at a South African university
- Be younger than 30 years old
- Demonstrate genuine financial need — you would be unable to attend university without bursary support
Be aware: meeting the minimums doesn’t guarantee selection. Competition is fierce, which makes the quality of your application paperwork critical.
Which Documents Should You Prepare?
Have these ready before you start:
- Certified copy of your South African ID
- Your June Grade 12 results
- Proof of university acceptance, including your student number
- Academic records (if applicable)
- Proof of household income
- Any additional documents requested
The advert specifically states that examination results and proof of acceptance at a recognised institution must accompany your application — incomplete submissions are routinely disqualified.
Itumeleng’s Insider Tip: The “proof of acceptance” requirement trips up more applicants than the 70% average does. Most universities only release provisional acceptances from around August or September — dangerously close to this bursary’s 30 September deadline. Apply to your universities NOW, follow up persistently for that acceptance letter with your student number on official letterhead, and don’t wait for final acceptance — provisional is enough. The learners who miss out are usually the ones still waiting on paperwork in the final week.
How Do You Submit Your Application?
The Reserve Bank has provided three ways to apply, and you must use the promo code SARBEXT2027 with your application.
- Option 1 – Online: Submit your application through the official online bursary portal.
- Option 2 – Email: Send your application and supporting documents to sarbbursary@ttibursaries.co.za
- Option 3 – Post: Mail your application to: Dimpho Nkoana POSTNET Suite 101 Private Bag X153 Bryanston 2021
You can confirm all details against the official bursary advert published on the Reserve Bank’s website, which also includes the downloadable application form.
The closing date is 30 September 2026 — late applications will not be considered, so submit well ahead of time to avoid last-minute technical or postal delays.
What Happens After You Apply?
Shortlisted applicants may be invited to interviews. Successful candidates will then be notified by the bursary administrators, complete any required assessments, and sign a formal bursary agreement with the Reserve Bank that sets out the responsibilities on both sides.
How Can You Strengthen Your Application?
With thousands of learners applying for bursaries every year, the small details separate winners from the rest:
- Push your marks higher — your final matric results still count toward the award
- Submit every document — incomplete applications are the most common reason for disqualification
- Apply early — never gamble on the final week
- Be accurate about financial need — provide honest, complete household income information
- Choose a relevant qualification — degrees aligned with scarce skills strengthen your case
Explore More Career Opportunities in South Africa
Find more jobs, learnerships, internships, bursaries, career advice, and graduate programmes for South African job seekers, students, and graduates.
Final Thoughts
A bursary from one of South Africa’s most respected institutions doesn’t just pay for a degree — it puts the Reserve Bank’s name on your CV before you’ve even graduated. If you’ve earned 70% or more in your June exams and finances are the only thing standing between you and university, this is an opportunity worth fighting for.
Mark 30 September 2026 in bold, gather your documents this month, and get your application in early.
About the Author
