✅ Attention Job Seekers: Be sure to read through the entire post for important details! You'll find the application link or email provided at the end of the post.
The South African Reserve Bank invites qualified applicants to apply for its Master’s in Data Science and Machine Learning Scholarship 2027. The closing date for applications is Saturday, 31 October 2026.
What the scholarship is for
The Reserve Bank wants to help students who are good at numbers and computers, especially those who come from families that haven’t had many chances before. The scholarship covers the full cost of a Master’s degree in Data Science and Machine Learning for the 2027 academic year.
- It is part of the Bank’s plan to fix the big shortage of skilled workers in South Africa.
- The Bank gives a number of scholarships each year through its External Bursary Scheme.
Who can apply
To be considered, you must meet all of the following conditions:
- Accepted into the right program – You need a provisional place in one of the Master’s courses that the Bank has approved.
- Relevant study modules – Your study plan must include at least some classes on financial analytics.
- Good Honours degree – You should have finished an Honours degree with a minimum overall mark of 65 %.
- Full‑time student – The scholarship is only for students who study full time.
- South African citizen – Only South African nationals can receive the award.
- Age limit – You must be younger than 35 years when you apply.
- Workshop attendance – The Bank may ask you to join special workshops run by the Reserve Bank or the National Graduate Academy (NGA‑MaSS).
If any of these points are not met, your application will not be accepted.
How to apply
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Collect your documents – You will need:
- Your most recent exam results.
- Proof that you have been accepted by a recognized university (your student number works).
- Any other documents that support your request, such as a personal statement or letters of recommendation.
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Use the promo code – When you fill out the online form, enter the code SAR B D S M 27 (no spaces).
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Submit online – Go to the official application page:
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Check your work – Make sure every required field is filled and every file is attached before you click “Submit.”
Important dates
- Application deadline: Saturday, 31 October 2026
- Late applications: Not accepted under any circumstances.
Why this scholarship matters
- No tuition fees: The scholarship pays for all tuition costs for the whole Master’s program.
- Career boost: Graduates often get job offers from the Reserve Bank or other top financial firms.
- Skill development: You will learn how to use data and AI to solve real‑world problems in banking and economics.
Tips for a strong application
- Show your passion – Explain why data science and machine learning interest you and how you want to use these skills in South Africa’s finance sector.
- Highlight community work – If you have helped a local community or taken part in school projects, include that information.
- Proofread – Small spelling or grammar mistakes can make a bad impression. Ask a teacher or friend to read your application before you send it.
Next steps
If you meet the requirements and feel ready, start gathering your documents today. The sooner you begin, the more time you will have to perfect your application. Remember, the deadline is fixed, so aim to submit at least a few days early.
Good luck!