The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) and the Bureau for Economic Research (BER) have opened applications for the 2027 Economist Internship Programme, one of the most respected entry routes into professional economics in South Africa. Successful candidates are employed full time by the SARB and spend a full year training at the BER in Stellenbosch. If you hold an Honours or Master’s degree in Economics, this is your chance. Applications close on 30 June 2026 at 09:00, so act quickly.
About the Programme
The South African Reserve Bank is the central bank of the Republic of South Africa, responsible for protecting the value of the rand and keeping the financial system stable. The Bureau for Economic Research, attached to Stellenbosch University since 1944, is one of the country’s most authoritative independent economic research institutes, known for its business and consumer confidence indices and macroeconomic forecasts.
Since the internship programme started in 2006, it has trained many economists who went on to build careers at South Africa’s leading financial institutions, the SARB itself, the National Treasury and top research institutes. The programme runs from January 2027 to December 2027 and equips trainees to function as economists in both the private and public sector. Interns work alongside experienced BER economists and gain exposure to every aspect of business-oriented economic analysis, from data work to forecasting and report writing.
What You Will Learn
- Practical macroeconomic analysis and forecasting alongside senior BER economists
- Business-oriented economic research, including survey-based indices and sector analysis
- Professional report writing and presentation of economic findings
- Exposure to the work of the SARB, with full-time employment from day one
- A professional network across the Reserve Bank, National Treasury and major banks
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Who Can Apply
- South African citizens
- Graduates holding an Honours or Master’s degree in Economics
- Candidates who will have completed macroeconomics at postgraduate level by January 2027
- Fluent English speakers with excellent communication skills
- Strong writing ability and good presentation skills
- Willingness to be based in Stellenbosch, Western Cape for the 2027 training year
Required Documents
- A comprehensive CV
- Certified copy of your South African ID
- Full academic transcripts for all completed qualifications
- Proof of your Honours or Master’s degree in Economics, or proof of current postgraduate registration
- Any additional documents requested on the BER online application platform
How to Apply
- Visit the BER Trainee Programme page on the official BER website.
- Click the “Apply for 2027” link and register on the BER online application platform.
- Complete every section of the online form accurately.
- Upload your CV, ID, transcripts and supporting documents.
- Submit before 09:00 on 30 June 2026 and keep your confirmation.
Submit your application online here: Apply at the Bureau for Economic Research.
Closing Date
The closing date for the SARB and BER Economist Internship Programme 2027 is 30 June 2026 at 09:00. No late applications will be accepted.
Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed in July and August 2026, and may be asked to complete psychometric assessments, reference checks and security clearance. The stipend and salary package is confirmed during the application process.
Why It Matters
South Africa’s youth unemployment remains one of the highest in the world, and even graduates struggle to land that critical first professional role. This programme removes the biggest barrier young economists face: real, paid experience at a credible institution. You are not an unpaid intern here.
You are a full-time SARB employee from the start, learning from some of the best research economists in the country. Past trainees now work at major banks, the National Treasury and the Reserve Bank itself. For a young economics graduate, twelve months at the BER can change the entire direction of a career and open doors that stay open for decades.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need work experience to apply?
No. The programme is designed for graduates. What you need is an Honours or Master’s degree in Economics with postgraduate macroeconomics completed by January 2027.
Where is the internship based?
The training year takes place at the BER in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, from January to December 2027. You are employed full time by the SARB while you train.
How much does the internship pay?
You are employed full time by the SARB for the duration of the programme. The exact salary package is confirmed during the application process.
What happens after the programme ends?
Past trainees have gone on to careers at the SARB, National Treasury, commercial banks and leading research institutes. The programme is widely regarded as a springboard into professional economics.
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