Students planning to start their first year of undergraduate economics in 2027 have until 30 September 2026 to apply for the South African Reserve Bank’s Economic Research Department (ERD) Economics External Bursary.
The bursary is aimed at aspiring economists heading into their first year at a recognised tertiary institution in 2027. If that’s you, the sensible move is to check the criteria and get your documents sorted well before the end of September rather than leaving it to the wire.
What the bursary is for
This is for students beginning undergraduate study in an economics field during the 2027 academic year. You’ll need proof of acceptance into an economics field at a recognised institution, and the application form also asks for details of the qualification and institution you’re planning on.
One thing worth being straight about: the application form reviewed for this article does not state a bursary value. So don’t go by stipend or allowance figures floating around elsewhere unless the bank itself confirms them.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Provider | South African Reserve Bank |
| Department | Economic Research Department |
| Programme | ERD Economics External Bursary |
| Academic year | 2027 |
| Study level | First-year undergraduate |
| Field | Economics |
| Age requirement | Younger than 30 |
| Citizenship | South African |
| Closing date | 30 September 2026 |
Who qualifies
The application form sets out the selection criteria. You must be:
- A South African citizen
- Younger than 30
- Entering first-year undergraduate study in 2027
- Accepted to study in an economics field at a recognised tertiary institution
- Able to show financial need
On academics, the requirement is a 70% average pass mark in your current year of study. Note this: the official form reviewed here does not separately list a 70% Mathematics requirement, so go by the current SARB documentation rather than unofficial versions of the criteria that add extra conditions. Financial need is defined plainly on the form — you must be unable to afford university without the bursary.
University acceptance is a must
Proof of acceptance into an economics field at a recognised institution is one of the key documents, and the form specifically reminds applicants to attach their university acceptance form. So keep a close eye on your university application and acceptance status — without it, your bursary application isn’t complete.
Documents you’ll need
The form lists these supporting documents:
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- A certified copy of your South African ID
- A certified copy of your June matric results if you’re currently in matric, or your final matric results if you’ve already finished
- Proof of acceptance into an economics field at a recognised institution
- A 250-word essay motivating your application
Check everything is complete and legible before you submit.
The 250-word motivation matters
The essay section asks you to write 250 words motivating your application. Use it properly. It’s your chance to explain why you’re applying and share something about your circumstances and goals, so write to this bursary specifically rather than pasting in a generic statement that could go to any funder.
The deadline is firm
The closing date is 30 September 2026, and the form says outright that late applications won’t be accepted. It also notes that if you haven’t been contacted within a month of the deadline, you should treat your application as unsuccessful. All the more reason not to wait for the last day, especially if you still need to get documents certified or sort out your university acceptance.
How to apply
The SARB’s official bursary page carries the 2027 application form and programme information. The form gives three submission routes:
- Online: through the portal specified on the official form
- Email: sarbbursary@ttibursaries.co.za
- Post: Dimpho Nkoana, POSTNET Suite 101, Private Bag X153, Bryanston, 2021
Follow the instructions on the current official form, make sure every required document is attached, and use the promotional code SARBERD27 where the form asks for it.
Quick checklist
- South African citizen, younger than 30
- Entering first-year undergraduate economics in 2027
- 70% average pass mark met
- Proof of university acceptance obtained
- Certified ID and academic documents ready
- 250-word motivation written
- Application form completed in full
- Promotional code used where required
- Submitted before 30 September 2026
Watch the unofficial sources
Be careful with bursary “opportunities” doing the rounds on social media, WhatsApp groups and third-party sites. Requirements change between cycles, and old posts can carry outdated criteria — which is exactly how some people end up applying on wrong information. Compare anything you see against the latest SARB form and official bursary page before you hand over personal documents. And be wary of anyone asking for payment to “secure” the bursary; a legitimate bursary doesn’t work that way.
Source: Checked against the South African Reserve Bank’s official ERD Economics External Bursary 2027 webpage and its 2027 application form. The SARB page identifies the programme as an opportunity for aspiring economists entering first-year undergraduate studies in 2027, while the application form provides the eligibility criteria, document checklist, submission options and closing date.
Editorial policy: We aim to publish opportunity information that is useful, accurate and clearly attributed. Requirements, deadlines and procedures are checked against available official documentation where possible. We don’t present unverified claims as fact — where the official form doesn’t state something, such as a bursary value, we say so rather than filling the gap from other sources.
Corrections policy: If an error is identified, we review the relevant source and correct the article where appropriate. Significant factual corrections are clearly reflected so readers aren’t left relying on outdated or incorrect details.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes. The SARB is responsible for the official bursary programme, its selection process and final decisions. Consult the latest official SARB documentation before applying, particularly if requirements or instructions are updated, and never pay anyone to “secure” a bursary.
Closing date: 30 September 2026
