Students hoping to start a first-year undergruate economics degree in 2027 have until 30 September 2026 to apply for the South African Reserve Bank’s ERD Economics External Bursary. The Reserve Bank has published the 2027 opportunity on its official website, and with the deadline close, it’s worth getting your ducks in a row now rather than scrambling at the end.
The bursary comes from the SARB’s Economic Research Department and is squarely aimed at aspiring economists — specifically students entering their first year of undergraduate study in the 2027 academic year.
The essentials
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Provider | South African Reserve Bank |
| Programme | ERD Economics External Bursary |
| Academic year | 2027 |
| Study level | First-year undergraduate |
| Target applicants | Aspiring economists |
| Closing date | 30 September 2026 |
Who qualifies
There are a few boxes to tick. You need to be a South African citizen and younger than 30. On the academic side, the bar is fairly high: at least a 70% average overall, plus 70% or more in Mathematics. And you have to show financial need — meaning university would be out of reach for you without help.
The bursary is for economics-related undergraduate study, so before you apply, make sure the qualification you’re planning to take actually fits the study requirements set out in the official 2027 documentation. Don’t assume any economics-adjacent course counts.
Documents to get ready
The 2027 information lists what you’ll need to submit:
- A certified copy of your ID
- Your matric June results if you’re currently in matric, or your final results
- Proof of university acceptance
- A 250-word motivational essay
Make sure your documents are clear and legible, and that everything you enter on the application is accurate. A blurry certificate or a wrong detail is an easy way to trip yourself up.
About the promotional code
The supplied 2027 information includes a promotional code, SARBERD27. Only use it where the official application form or portal specifically asks for it — don’t force it in somewhere it isn’t requested.
Don’t leave it late
The closing date is 30 September 2026, and there’s a good reason not to wait for the final day. Applying early gives you time to spot a missing document or a mistake and fix it before the deadline. Don’t count on a late application being accepted — assume it won’t be.
How to apply
Use the official SARB information and application documentation for the 2027 ERD Economics External Bursary, available through the Reserve Bank’s website. Read the requirements carefully before you submit anything.
Quick checklist
- South African citizen
- Younger than 30
- Starting first-year undergraduate study in 2027
- At least a 70% average
- 70% or more in Mathematics
- Able to demonstrate financial need
- Proof of university acceptance ready
- All required supporting documents prepared
- Submitted before 30 September 2026
A word of caution
Be wary of unofficial websites or anyone asking for payment to submit a SARB bursary application. A legitimate bursary won’t charge you to apply, so if someone wants money to “process” or “guarantee” your application, treat it as a scam and stick to the official SARB channels.
Since eligibility criteria and instructions can be updated, rely on the latest official SARB documentation for the final requirements, document list and application steps before you apply.
Source: Based on the South African Reserve Bank’s published information for the ERD Economics External Bursary 2027, including the eligibility criteria, required documents, promotional code and closing date, as made available on the SARB’s official website.
Editorial policy: Our education coverage helps South African students understand funding opportunities and how to apply. We report eligibility criteria, documents and deadlines as officially stated, and we don’t add requirements or figures that haven’t been provided or verified.
Corrections policy: If a factual error is identified, we check it against the official SARB documentation or another authoritative source and correct confirmed mistakes promptly, flagging significant corrections where appropriate.
Disclaimer: Meeting the stated criteria doesn’t guarantee a bursary. The South African Reserve Bank runs its own selection process, and eligibility and outcomes are determined by the SARB. Requirements can change, so verify the latest official information before applying, and never pay anyone to submit or “secure” your application.
Closing date: 30 September 2026
