Economics Bursaries in South Africa 2026
Economics, development economics bursaries. Browse 18 funding opportunities — updated May 2026.
If you're hoping to study economics, the good news is that this is a field employers and government genuinely want to invest in. Economics bursaries often cover the big costs that put a degree out of reach, like tuition and prescribed textbooks, and many add an accommodation allowance, a monthly stipend for living expenses, and sometimes a laptop or data. The stronger awards tend to be more comprehensive, aiming to carry you through the whole qualification rather than just one year. Quite a few also build in something extra, like mentorship, holiday work, or a job at the end through a work-back arrangement, where you agree to work for the funder for a set period once you graduate.
The organisations behind these bursaries tend to come from sectors where economists, analysts and policy thinkers are in demand. Think banks and financial-services firms, asset managers, big corporates and consulting houses, state-owned entities, and government departments and economic-development bodies. Universities themselves offer merit and need-based awards, and SETAs (especially in finance and banking) along with private trusts and foundations also fund commerce and economics students. This mix matters because each funder has its own focus, so it's worth applying to several rather than pinning your hopes on one.
Eligibility is fairly consistent across the field. You'll usually need to be a South African citizen, show financial need, and have strong marks, particularly in Mathematics (pure maths, not maths literacy) and often good English and Accounting results. Most funders want you enrolled in or accepted for a relevant BCom or economics degree at a recognised public university. Because economics is maths-heavy, a solid matric or NSC maths mark is often the single biggest factor that opens or closes doors. Remember that NSFAS covers many students from lower-income households, and a bursary can sit alongside or beyond it to help cover gaps that NSFAS doesn't.
Timing matters a lot. Many corporate and SOE bursaries open for the following academic year around the second half of the year, so prepare early and apply as soon as applications open rather than at the deadline. Get your certified documents ready, write a clear, honest motivation that explains why economics and how you'll use it, and apply widely. A genuine interest in how the economy and people's livelihoods connect goes a long way in interviews.
Quick tips
- →Lead with your Maths mark: most economics funders weigh pure Mathematics heavily, so highlight it (and Accounting) clearly in your application.
- →Apply early and apply widely. Have your certified documents and motivation letter ready before applications open so you're not rushing at the deadline.
- →Check the work-back terms before you sign. A guaranteed job is great, but understand how many years you'll owe the funder after graduating.
- →Stack your funding. A bursary can work alongside NSFAS or cover what NSFAS doesn't, so don't assume one rules out the other.
Related fields:
Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Fellowship
Allan Gray Orbis Foundation
The Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Fellowship is South Africa's most prestigious entrepreneurship-focused bursary, open to any field of study. No workback obligation.
Standard Bank Bursary Programme
Standard Bank
Standard Bank bursaries support commerce, finance, actuarial science, and IT students. Recipients join Standard Bank's vacation programme and are fast-tracked into the graduate pipeline.
Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme 2027/2028 for Postgraduate Study in Ireland
Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme
A fully-funded fellowship for South African postgraduate students to study in Ireland, aiming to nurture future leaders and develop in-country capacity.
Entrepreneurial Skills Development Programme
BANKSETA
This programme assists Small and Micro Enterprises (SMEs), including Cooperative Financial Institutions (CFIs), in the banking and alternative sector to gain entrepreneurial skills and knowledge over a 3-month period.
NIHSS Postgraduate Bursary (Humanities & Social Sciences)
National Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences (NIHSS)
NIHSS funds postgraduate research in humanities, social sciences, law, and education. One of the few dedicated postgraduate bursaries for humanities students in South Africa.
South African Reserve Bank External Bursary Scheme 2026 (Economics)
South African Reserve Bank (SARB)
The SARB invites aspiring economists to apply for its 2026 External Bursary Scheme, specifically supporting undergraduate studies in Economics.
Rhodes Southern Africa Scholarships Programme 2027
Rhodes Trust
A fully-funded postgraduate award for talented Southern African students to study at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom.
CECIL Renaud Overseas Scholarships 2027
The Cecil Renaud Educational and Charitable Trust
Dr Cecil Renaud's Trust offers scholarships for young South Africans to pursue postgraduate study in the United Kingdom.
University of Pretoria MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program (MCFSP) 2027
University of Pretoria
A fully-funded scholarship for undergraduate and postgraduate study at the University of Pretoria, supported by the Mastercard Foundation.
German Bundestag International Parliamentary Scholarships (IPS) 2027
German Bundestag
A fully-funded scholarship for young African graduates to gain parliamentary experience in Berlin, Germany, with a monthly stipend.
South African Reserve Bank External Bursary Scheme 2026 for Economics Students
South African Reserve Bank (SARB)
The SARB invites aspiring economists to apply for its 2026 External Bursary Scheme, supporting undergraduate and postgraduate studies.
PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers) Bursary
PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)
PwC offers bursaries for accounting and finance students pursuing a CA(SA) qualification. One of the most prestigious routes into the Big Four accounting firms.
Capitec Bank Foundation Bursary
Capitec Bank Foundation
The Capitec Bank Foundation funds commerce and mathematics students — primarily in Western Cape, Gauteng, and KZN — with tuition and accommodation support. No workback obligation.
Old Mutual Bursary Programme
Old Mutual Limited
Old Mutual funds actuarial science, finance, statistics, and IT students. Financial need is not required, making this accessible to middle-income families.
FNB (First National Bank) Bursary
First National Bank (FNB)
FNB funds finance, accounting, actuarial science, and IT students with tuition and a living allowance. Part of the FirstRand Group talent pipeline.
Nedbank Bursary Programme
Nedbank Group
Nedbank funds accounting, finance, actuarial science, and IT students. Full bursary with vacation employment and a structured graduate pipeline.
NRF Postgraduate Funding (Honours, Masters & PhD)
National Research Foundation (NRF)
The NRF funds postgraduate research students (Honours through PhD) across science, engineering, humanities, and social science fields. No workback, no financial need requirement.
Absa Bank Bursary Programme
Absa Group
Absa offers a full bursary for commerce, finance, accounting, and IT students. Includes tuition, accommodation, and a living allowance with vacation employment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Economics bursaries are available in South Africa in 2026?
There are 18 economics bursaries currently listed on our platform, including corporate, government, and SETA-funded opportunities. They range from partial tuition bursaries to full cost-of-study awards.
When do Economics bursary applications open?
Most corporate bursaries open between August and October for the following academic year. Some government bursaries accept applications year-round. Always check the official provider website for exact dates.
What marks do I need for a Economics bursary?
Academic requirements vary by provider. Most economics bursaries require a minimum average of 60–70%. Some merit bursaries require 75%+ while others prioritise financial need over marks.