South African Reserve Bank Bursary (SARB) 2026

By | August 7, 2024

South African Reserve Bank Bursary (SARB) is the central bank of South Africa that strives to achieve and maintain the country’s price stability of balanced and sustainable economic growth.

On 30 June 2026 SARB celebrates its 100 years of service to the citizens of South Africa and continues to be committed to its constitutional mandate.

They are mandated to protect the value of the Rand by keeping inflation low and steady through interest rates. They are responsible for Monetary Policy, Financial Stability, Prudential Regulation, Financial Markets, Financial Surveillance, Payments and Settlements, Statistics, Research, and Banknotes and Coin.

They identify and mitigate risks that may disrupt the financial system, prevent abuse of the financial system, regulate cross-border transactions, financial institutions, and market infrastructures, and support financial stability.

SARB has the sole mandate to create and destroy banknotes and coins in South Africa and they manage South Africa’s gold and forex reserves. They focus on economics, financial stability, banking, and financial emerging trends.  

They are responsible to ensure the banking, money, and financial systems and meet the community requirements and are consistent with international developments. They assist South Africa with data on the macroeconomic policy and provide the South African community and stakeholders regular feedback regarding the country’s monetary and economic status. 

Closing date of the bursary

The application deadline is 31 October 2026 

If you have not received feedback within one month of the closing date, consider your application has been unsuccessful. 

About This Bursary

South African Reserve Bank Bursary (SARB) has identified a shortage of skills in South Africa and will provide bursaries to those who are from disadvantaged backgrounds and want to study in the desired fields where there is a shortage of skills.

The Bank fully supports corporate social initiatives and through its External Bursary Scheme, it offers many annual Bursary options for Matriculants who need financial aid to attend university for full-time studies. 

All bursaries granted from the first academic year, including costs incurred, will be reviewed annually and the student does not need to re-apply for a bursary. Students must submit their final examination results to SARB before 31 December each year.

To be eligible for further funding the student must complete the academic year. Successful applicants will need to sign a contractual agreement with SARB where the applicant will need to work for the Bank for the duration of the study time that the bursary was awarded.

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Students awarded with bursaries will be provided work vacation opportunities funded by SARB. 

What Does the Bursary Cover?

  • University Accommodation
  • Full Tuition
  • Once-off payment for textbooks

Who Can Apply?

Students who are currently studying Matric or have passed Matric and need financial help for full-time studies. Bursaries may be awarded to those who are interested in the following academic fields:

  • Economics
  • Actuarial Science
  • Mathematical Statistics
  • Information Technology
  • Finance
  • Law 
  • Accounting
  • Medicine
  • Dentistry
  • Social Work

Minimum Criteria Requirements: 

  • South African Citizen
  • Proof of acceptance from an accredited South African University
  • Matric / Grade 11 Examination Results to be a minimum average of 70%
  • Proof of Financial Circumstances
  • Younger than 30 years of age

Application Requirements:

Submit the following documents with the application form:

  • Certified copy of ID Document 
  • Certified copy of Matric certificate  
  • Motivational letter of 250 words
  • If current – Certified copy of Matric June results or certified copy of final Matric results

How to Apply?

To apply for the bursary, please ensure that you have completed the application form with all the required information. The application form needs to be sent to the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) before the closing date on 31 October 2026.

You can apply for the bursary online, post, fax, or email.

Once you have downloaded and completed the application form, you can forward it to Mr. John Legoete.

P.O. Box 30632

Braamfontein

Fax: 086 609 7183

Email: applications@careerwise.co.za

To apply online, you need to do so via the Career Wise website using promotional code: SARB2026

You can find further information on the SARB website: www.resbank.co.za

Contact information

CareerWise administers the bursary on behalf of SARB and for further information or any queries they can be contacted directly.

Tel.No. 086 100 7787 / 011 258 4464

Email: info@careerwise.co.za

Need Information or Confused about Something ?

Ask a Question

 


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Complete Guide to NSFAS Online Loan Application for South African Students (2025)

If you are a South African student looking to pursue higher education but are facing financial difficulties, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is one of the most accessible funding options available. NSFAS provides financial aid in the form of bursaries and loans to qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.

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This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the NSFAS loan application process, from eligibility requirements to application steps and frequently asked questions.


📌 What is NSFAS?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded financial aid scheme aimed at helping students from low- and middle-income households to access tertiary education without the burden of upfront fees.

NSFAS offers both bursaries and income-contingent loans:

  • Bursaries: For eligible students who meet academic and household income criteria (especially for TVET and university students).
  • Loans: For students who do not meet all bursary criteria or who are pursuing postgraduate qualifications not funded under bursary schemes.

✅ Who Qualifies for an NSFAS Loan?

To qualify for an NSFAS loan (especially for postgraduate students or programs not funded under the bursary system), you must:

  • Be a South African citizen.
  • Be financially needy, with a household income of less than R350,000 per year.
  • Have a valid South African ID.
  • Be enrolled or accepted to study at a public university or TVET college.
  • Not be funded through another bursary program that covers all expenses.
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress (returning students).

📚 Courses Funded by NSFAS

NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate qualifications, but certain postgraduate programs (e.g., PGCE, postgraduate diplomas in education, and professional courses like LLB) may be considered under the NSFAS loan scheme, not bursaries.

If you’re studying:

  • Undergraduate degree or diploma: You are likely eligible for a full NSFAS bursary.
  • Postgraduate study: You may qualify for a loan, depending on the course and funding availability.

📄 Required Documents for NSFAS Application

When applying, make sure you have the following documents scanned and ready:

  1. Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
  2. Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
  3. Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
  4. Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
  5. Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
  6. Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).

🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online

Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)

  1. Visit the NSFAS Website

    Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za

  2. Create an Account

    • Click on “MyNSFAS” and register your profile.
    • You’ll need a valid email address and South African cellphone number.
    • Choose a strong password and verify your account via email or SMS.
  3. Login and Start the Application

    • After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
    • Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.
  4. Fill in Your Personal Details

    • Input your ID number, name, surname, and other details exactly as they appear on your ID.
    • Provide household income information and living arrangements.
  5. Upload Required Documents

    • Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
    • Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.
  6. Submit Your Application

    • Review your application for accuracy.
    • Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.
  7. Track Your Application

    • Log in regularly to check your application status.
    • You will be notified via SMS and email at each stage of the process.

🗓️ Important NSFAS Dates (2025)

  • Application Opening Date: September 1, 2025
  • Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
  • Appeals Period: February 2026 (if rejected)
  • Disbursement: After registration and approval

Note: Dates are subject to change; always confirm on the official NSFAS website.


💸 What Does the NSFAS Loan Cover?

NSFAS funding typically includes:

  • Tuition fees
  • Registration fees
  • Accommodation (if living away from home)
  • Meals and transport
  • Learning materials (e.g., textbooks)

For loans, repayment is only required once you start working and earn above a threshold (around R30,000 annually, but subject to change).


🔄 NSFAS Loan Repayment

Repayments are:

  • Income-contingent – you only repay when you can afford to.
  • Administered by DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training).
  • Interest-bearing, but interest rates are low and favorable.

You can also apply for a partial loan conversion to a bursary if you perform well academically.


🔁 How to Appeal a Rejected NSFAS Application

If your application is rejected, you may submit an appeal via your MyNSFAS portal:

  1. Log into your MyNSFAS account.
  2. Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
  3. If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
  4. Upload any missing or corrected documents.
  5. Provide a clear explanation or motivation.

📱 NSFAS Contact Information


📝 Final Tips Before Applying

  • Apply early to avoid system overload near the deadline.
  • Use your own email and cellphone number (do not use someone else’s).
  • Double-check that all your documents are certified and legible.
  • Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for reference.

By following this guide, you can confidently apply for NSFAS funding and move one step closer to achieving your academic and career dreams—without the burden of immediate financial pressure.