The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) is inviting applications for its 2027 bursary and scholarship opportunities across several fields of study.
The current TTI bursary platform presents the 2027 SARB intake across four programmes covering Data Science, External Economics, External General and Arts. SARB’s official website separately lists its External Bursary Scheme, Economics External Bursary, Art Scholarship and Master’s in Data Science and Machine Learning Scholarship for the 2027 academic year.
Quick Details
Bursary Provider: South African Reserve Bank (SARB)
Programme: SARB 2027 Bursary & Scholarship Opportunities
Academic Year: 2027
Study Level: Undergraduate and postgraduate, depending on programme
Application Platform: TTI Bursaries / SARB application portal
Closing Date: 30 September 2026 for the External Bursary, Economics Bursary and Art Scholarship
Data Science & Machine Learning Scholarship Closing Date: 31 October 2026
Application Status: Open
Programmes Covered
1. SARB External Bursary Scheme 2027
The SARB External Bursary Scheme supports students whose intended studies have a bearing on, but are not limited to, the functions and activities of the South African Reserve Bank.
The current TTI platform lists this as the SARBEXT27 programme.
2. SARB Economics External Bursary 2027
This programme is aimed at prospective first-year undergraduate students pursuing economics-related studies.
The official SARB advert lists fields including:
- Economics
- Economics and Econometrics
- Economics and Mathematical Statistics
- Economic Science
Applicants must have provisional acceptance into an eligible undergraduate economics degree, achieve the required academic results and demonstrate financial need.
3. SARB Art Scholarship 2027
SARB is offering an annual Full Art Scholarship for a qualifying Fine Arts student for the 2027 academic year.
The TTI portal identifies this opportunity with reference code SARBART27.
4. Master’s in Data Science and Machine Learning Scholarship 2027
SARB is inviting prospective Master’s students in Data Science and Machine Learning to apply for a full scholarship for the 2027 academic year.
The current TTI portal lists this programme as SARBDSM27, with a closing date of 31 October 2026.
SARB Economics Bursary Requirements
For the Economics External Bursary, applicants must:
- Have provisional acceptance into an undergraduate degree in Economics or an eligible economics-related field.
- Have achieved an average pass mark of 70% in the current year of study.
- Have a good command of English and Mathematics, with 70% or higher specified.
- Be younger than 30 years of age.
- Demonstrate financial need.
The official SARB economics advert confirms these requirements.
SARB External Bursary Requirements
The current SARB/TTI application information states that applicants for the External Bursary must:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Have provisional acceptance into an undergraduate degree at a South African university.
- Have achieved an average pass mark of at least 70% in the June Grade 12/Matric examinations.
- Be younger than 30 years of age.
- Demonstrate financial need.
The final awarding of the bursary is subject to the applicant’s final results meeting the required academic threshold.
What Does the Bursary Cover?
The TTI material you supplied describes the multi-segment programme as providing support such as:
- Tuition
- Accommodation allowance
- Monthly living support
- Book/data allowance
- Laptop allowance
- Mentorship
- Wellness support
- Bursary administration support
However, I would not publish these as guaranteed benefits for every SARB programme without qualification, because SARB’s official programme pages describe the different opportunities separately and their funding details can differ.
For NextStepZA, the safer wording is:
Funding and benefits vary according to the specific SARB bursary or scholarship programme. Applicants should consult the official programme information and application form for the applicable funding package.
Documents to Prepare
Applicants should be prepared to submit supporting documentation such as:
- Academic/examination results
- Proof of provisional acceptance at a recognised university
- Student number
- Supporting financial information
- Other documents requested during the application process
The SARB External Bursary application instructions specifically require examination results and proof of acceptance/student number.
How to Apply
Applications can be submitted online through the TTI/SARB bursary application platform:
Apply for SARB 2027 opportunities
Applicants should select the specific SARB programme relevant to their studies and carefully follow the requirements displayed on the application portal.
For the Economics Bursary, the official SARB advert gives the promotional code:
SARB ERD27 / SARBERD27
For the general External Bursary, the TTI platform identifies the programme as SARBEXT27.
Alternative Application Methods
The official Economics Bursary advert also provides email and postal application options:
Email: sarbbursary@ttibursaries.co.za
Post:
Dimpho Nkoana
POSTNET Suite 101
Private Bag X153
Bryanston
2021
Closing Dates
External Bursary 2027
30 September 2026
Economics External Bursary 2027
30 September 2026
Art Scholarship 2027
30 September 2026
Data Science & Machine Learning Scholarship 2027
31 October 2026
The TTI portal currently displays these dates for the four SARB opportunities.
Important: Late applications should not be submitted, as the SARB Economics advert explicitly states that late applications will not be considered.
Selection Process
Shortlisted applicants may be required to participate in an interview.
Successful applicants are expected to enter into a formal bursary agreement with SARB.