The portal for 2027 South African Reserve Bank External Bursary Scheme are now open, Every year, thousands of South African students leave high school with excellent results and ambitious goals. They dream of becoming economists, engineers, financial experts, researchers, and business leaders. Yet, for many families, the cost of higher education feels like standing at the foot of a mountain without the equipment needed to climb it.
The closing date for applications is Wednesday, 30 September 2026.
Apply Scholarship below:
The good news is that you don’t have to make that journey alone.
Applications are now officially open for the 2027 South African Reserve Bank (SARB) External Bursary Scheme, a program created to help academically talented students from disadvantaged backgrounds pursue their university education.
The South African Reserve Bank understands that a country’s greatest resource isn’t gold, diamonds, or natural minerals. It’s people.
That’s why the SARB continues to invest in students who have the potential to become tomorrow’s leaders.
Think of this bursary as a bridge. On one side is your current reality. On the other side is the future you’ve always imagined. The bursary simply helps you cross the gap.
Why This Bursary Matters
University education can be expensive.
Tuition fees continue to rise, while many families struggle to keep up with the increasing cost of living. As a result, talented students are sometimes forced to postpone their education or abandon their dreams altogether.
The SARB External Bursary Scheme was created to ensure that financial hardship doesn’t determine a student’s future.
Instead of allowing circumstances to become a roadblock, the bursary provides students with the support they need to continue their education.
After all, a seed cannot grow without water, and talent cannot flourish without opportunity.
Who Can Apply?
Before you submit your application, ask yourself these important questions:
- Have you received provisional acceptance into an undergraduate degree program at a South African university?
- Did you achieve an average of 70% in your June Grade 12 or Matric examinations?
- Are you younger than 30 years old?
- Do you need financial assistance to attend university?
If you answered “yes” to these questions, then this opportunity may be exactly what you’re looking for.
Keep in mind that the final awarding of the bursary will depend on your final examination results.
Documents You’ll Need
Imagine preparing for an important journey without packing your bags. Chances are, you’ll forget something important.
The same principle applies to bursary applications.
Before applying, make sure you have the following documents ready:
- Examination results
- Proof of acceptance from a recognized South African university
- Your student number
- Any additional supporting documents requested during the application process
Preparing these documents ahead of time can save you stress and help you avoid last-minute mistakes.
How to Apply for the 2027 SARB External Bursary Scheme
Applicants can submit their applications through any of the following methods:
- Online application
- Email submission
- Postal submission
When completing your application, remember to use the PROMO CODE: SARBEXT2027.
Don’t wait until the final day to apply.
Late applications will not be considered.
Opportunities like this are like trains. If you miss one, you may have to wait a long time for another to arrive.
Your future is knocking on your door.
Will you answer?
Visit: Visit the Official Webpage of the South African Reserve Bank External Bursary Scheme