Economics Bursaries in South Africa 2026
Economics, development economics bursaries. Browse 10 funding opportunities — updated May 2026.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
Nedbank Bursary Programme
Nedbank Group
Nedbank funds accounting, finance, actuarial science, and IT students. Full bursary with vacation employment and a structured graduate pipeline.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Economics bursaries are available in South Africa in 2026?
There are 10 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.