National Treasury has opened its 2027 Bursary Scheme for South African students studying Accounting, Economics, Finance or Law. If you are entering third-year, Honours or Master’s studies in 2027 and need financial support to complete your degree, this bursary covers tuition, accommodation, study material and a monthly allowance. Applications close on 30 September 2026 at 12:00pm, so start preparing your documents now.
About the Programme
National Treasury is the government department responsible for managing South Africa’s public finances, from the national budget to economic policy and financial regulation. Every year the department relies on skilled accountants, economists, finance professionals and legal experts to keep the country’s finances on track.
The National Treasury Bursary Scheme was created to build a pipeline of young South African talent in these scarce-skills fields. Rather than only recruiting graduates once they finish studying, the department invests in students while they are still at university, covering the cost of their education in exchange for the chance to develop future public finance professionals. For many students from financially disadvantaged households, this bursary is the difference between completing a degree and having to drop out.
For young South Africans interested in public finance, this is one of the most respected bursary programmes in the country, offering both funding and a possible route into a National Treasury career after graduation.
What Is Covered
- Registration fees
- Full tuition fees
- Board examination fees (where applicable to your qualification)
- Accommodation costs
- Prescribed study material and textbooks
- Thesis or dissertation editing costs (postgraduate students)
- A monthly living allowance
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must be accepted or already registered for full-time undergraduate or postgraduate study at an accredited South African higher education institution
- Must be entering third-year undergraduate studies, Honours or Master’s studies in 2027
- Must be studying Accounting, Economics, Finance or Law
- Must show strong academic performance; preference is given to high-performing students with top grades
- Female students and students with disabilities are encouraged to apply
RELATED: SANRAL Bursary 2027: Fully Funded Engineering & IT, Closes 30 September
Required Documents
- Completed National Treasury Bursary Application Form.
- Certified copy of your South African ID
- Grade 12 statement of results and certificate
- Official tertiary academic record, from first year up to your latest available results
- A motivational letter explaining why you should be considered
How to Apply
- Download the application form from the official National Treasury website.
- Complete every section of the form carefully and in full.
- Gather your certified ID copy, Grade 12 certificate, tertiary academic record and motivational letter.
- Log in to the National Treasury e-Recruitment portal to submit your application, or email your complete application to bursaries@treasury.gov.za before the closing date.
- Keep a copy of everything you submit for your own records.
Closing Date
The closing date for the National Treasury Bursary Scheme 2027 is 30 September 2026 at 12:00pm. No late, posted, hand-delivered or faxed applications will be accepted.
Why It Matters
South Africa’s youth unemployment rate remains one of the highest in the world, and the cost of university study is one of the biggest reasons talented students never finish their degrees. A fully funded bursary like this one removes that barrier entirely, covering not just tuition but accommodation and daily living costs so students can focus on their studies instead of worrying about money.
For students studying Accounting, Economics, Finance or Law, the National Treasury Bursary Scheme also opens a door into one of the most stable and respected employers in the public sector. Graduates who complete their studies through this scheme gain both a qualification and practical exposure to how South Africa’s finances are managed, giving them a genuine head start in a competitive job market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to already be studying at university to apply?
You must be registered or accepted for full-time study at an accredited South African higher education institution, entering third-year, Honours or Master’s level in 2027.
Is this bursary available in all provinces?
Yes. The bursary is open to South African citizens studying at any accredited institution in the country, regardless of province.
Will I have to work for National Treasury after graduating?
The application form asks about your willingness to serve National Treasury or the wider Public Service after completing your qualification. Confirmed during the application process.
What happens if my application is late?
Late, posted, hand-delivered or faxed applications will not be considered under any circumstances, so submit well before the 30 September 2026 deadline.
Applying for this opportunity?
Make sure your application stands out with these free tools:
