The SARB Data Science Scholarship 2027 is now open for applications. If you are a South African citizen under 35 years old, with a relevant Honours degree and a passion for Data Science, Machine Learning, or Artificial Intelligence, this full scholarship could help you pursue your Master’s degree. The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) serves the economic well-being of all South Africans by maintaining price stability and financial stability. In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about the SARB Data Science Scholarship 2027: who qualifies, what fields are covered, which universities are eligible, and how to apply before the closing date.
About the SARB Data Science Scholarship
The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) is inviting prospective Master’s degree students in Data Science and Machine Learning to apply for a full scholarship for the 2027 academic year. The SARB serves the economic well-being of all South Africans by maintaining price stability and financial stability. It is responsible for regulating the South African financial sector, designing and distributing banknotes and coins, managing interest rates, setting cash reserve requirements for banks, and ensuring the stability of the banking sector and the wider financial system.
The South African Reserve Bank (SARB), in partnership with the National Graduate Academy for Mathematical and Statistical Sciences (NGA(MaSS)), is inviting prospective Master’s degree students in Data Science and Machine Learning to apply for a full scholarship for the 2027 academic year.
Organisation: South African Reserve Bank (SARB) • Partner: NGA(MaSS) • Focus: Data Science, Machine Learning, AI • Study level: Master’s degree • Academic Year: 2027
What Fields of Study Are Covered?
As part of addressing the shortage of critical skills in South Africa, the SARB provides scholarships and bursaries to students from disadvantaged backgrounds studying relevant fields. The SARB offers competitive scholarships for Master’s degrees in:
- Data Science
- Machine Learning
- Artificial Intelligence
with a focus on financial analytics.
Eligible Universities and Programmes
The SARB Data Science Scholarship 2027 is available for the following programmes at these universities:
- North-West University – MSc (Business, Mathematics and Informatics)
- University of the Western Cape – MSc (Statistical Science, specialising in Data Science)
- University of the Witwatersrand, University of Pretoria, North-West University, University of Venda, University of Limpopo, and Sol Plaatje University – MSc (eScience)
- Stellenbosch University – MSc (Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence)
- Stellenbosch University – MCom (Financial Risk Management)
- University of KwaZulu-Natal – MSc (Data Science)
- University of Pretoria – MIT (Big Data Science)
- University of Cape Town – Master’s degree (Analytics or Data Science)
- University of Pretoria – MCom (Advanced Data Analytics)
Eligibility Requirements for the SARB Data Science Scholarship 2027
Before you apply for the SARB Data Science Scholarship 2027, check that you meet all the requirements below. If you miss any requirement, your application will not be considered.
- You must have provisional acceptance into one of the approved Master’s programmes
- You must have selected modules that include financial analytics topics
- You must hold a relevant Honours degree with an overall average of at least 65%
- You must be registered as a full-time student
- You must be a South African citizen
- You must be younger than 35 years of age
Note: Successful applicants may also be required to attend workshops organised by the SARB and NGA(MaSS).
Required Documents
Submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation along with your completed application form for the SARB Data Science Scholarship 2027:
- South African Identity Document
- Examination results
- Proof of acceptance at a recognised institution (with a student number)
- Any other supporting documents
Important Information
- Bursary holders must submit their examination results by 31 December 2026
- Shortlisted applicants may be invited for interviews
- Successful candidates will be required to sign a scholarship agreement with the SARB
How to Apply for the SARB Data Science Scholarship 2027
Follow these steps to submit your application for the SARB Data Science Scholarship 2027. Applications are submitted online.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Make sure you meet all the eligibility requirements listed above, including being a South African citizen under 35, holding a relevant Honours degree with 65% average, and having provisional acceptance into an approved Master’s programme.
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents
Gather all the required documents listed above, including your ID, examination results, and proof of acceptance.
Step 3: Complete the Online Application
Click the button below to go to the official SARB application portal. Fill in all required fields carefully and upload your documents. Use the promo code SARBDSM27.
Direct application link: https://sarb-bursary-manager.replit.app/
Promo Code: SARBDSM27
Step 4: Submit Before the Deadline
⏰ Closing Date for the SARB Data Science Scholarship 2027: 31 October 2026. Late applications will not be considered. Please apply before the closing date to ensure your application is considered.
Contact Information
If you have any queries related to the SARB Data Science Scholarship 2027, please contact the administrators for the SARB bursary directly:
- Telephone: 010 746 4366
- Email: info@ttibursaries.co.za
SARB Data Science Scholarship 2027 – Quick Summary
- Organisation: South African Reserve Bank (SARB) with NGA(MaSS)
- Scholarship Name: SARB Data Science Scholarship
- Academic Year: 2027
- Who can apply: South African citizens under 35
- Fields of study: Data Science, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence (focus on financial analytics)
- Study level: Master’s degree
- Minimum Honours requirement: 65% overall average
- Key requirement: Provisional acceptance into approved Master’s programme
- Study type: Full-time
- Eligible universities: NWU, UWC, Wits, UP, UCT, Stellenbosch, UKZN, UNIVEN, UL, Sol Plaatje
- Additional requirement: Selected modules must include financial analytics topics
- Workshop requirement: Successful applicants may attend SARB/NGA(MaSS) workshops
- Required documents: ID, examination results, proof of acceptance, supporting documents
- Application method: Online via SARB portal
- Promo code: SARBDSM27
- Closing date: 31 October 2026
Frequently Asked Questions About the SARB Data Science Scholarship 2027
1. Can I apply if I am over 35 years old?
The SARB Data Science Scholarship 2027 requires applicants to be younger than 35 years of age. If you are 35 or older, you are not eligible.
2. What is the minimum Honours degree requirement?
The SARB Data Science Scholarship 2027 requires a relevant Honours degree with an overall average of at least 65%.
3. Can I apply if I am not a South African citizen?
The SARB Data Science Scholarship 2027 is for South African citizens only. Non-citizens are not eligible.
4. What is the promotional code for this scholarship?
Use the promotional code SARBDSM27 when applying for the SARB Data Science Scholarship 2027.
5. Do I need to have provisional acceptance before applying?
Yes. The SARB Data Science Scholarship 2027 requires that you have provisional acceptance into one of the approved Master’s programmes before applying.
6. What is the focus area of the scholarship?
The SARB Data Science Scholarship 2027 focuses on Data Science, Machine Learning, and Artificial Intelligence with a focus on financial analytics. Your selected modules must include financial analytics topics.
7. When must bursary holders submit their examination results?
Bursary holders for the SARB Data Science Scholarship 2027 must submit their examination results by 31 December 2026.
8. Where can I find more data science and AI scholarships?
Visit EduFunds data science bursaries page or scholarships section for more funding opportunities.
Looking for more study funding? Explore all bursaries for 2027 on EduFunds.co.za
South African Reserve Bank (SARB)
Data Science Scholarship 2027
Developing critical skills • Advancing financial analytics • Building South Africa’s future