National Treasury Bursaries 2027: Your Guide to Applying

The National Treasury is offering bursaries for the 2027 academic year to South African students. This program aims to support students pursuing degrees in fields identified as having scarce skills within the National Treasury. If you are studying Accounting, Economics, Finance, or Law and meet the eligibility criteria, this bursary could provide valuable financial assistance. The application deadline is fast approaching on September 30, 2026, so understanding the requirements and process is key to a successful application.

About the National Treasury Bursary Programme

The National Treasury Bursary Programme is designed to help students who are studying in areas where there is a high demand for skilled professionals within the government’s finance department. For the 2027 academic year, the focus is on students who are either entering their third year of undergraduate study or are pursuing postgraduate degrees like Honours or Master’s. To be eligible, you must be a South African citizen studying full-time at a registered and accredited higher education institution in South Africa. The program particularly encourages applications from students with strong academic records, as well as female students and those with disabilities.

Fields of Study Supported

The bursary specifically targets students in fields that are considered scarce skills for the National Treasury. These include:

• Accounting: Essential for managing public finances and ensuring accountability.
• Economics: Important for understanding and shaping economic policy.
• Finance: Covers areas like public finance management and financial planning.
• Law: Specifically, law degrees that are relevant to public finance and governance.

If your field of study is not listed, it’s advisable to check the official application details to confirm eligibility.

What the Bursary Covers

Successful applicants can receive financial support for a range of educational expenses. The National Treasury Bursary aims to provide comprehensive assistance, which may include:

• Registration fees
• Tuition fees
• Accommodation costs
• Prescribed study materials
• Board examination fees
• Editing costs for postgraduate work
• A monthly allowance to help with living expenses

This broad coverage helps ease the financial burden on students, allowing them to focus more on their studies.

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for the National Treasury Bursary, you must meet several key criteria:

• Citizenship: You must be a South African citizen.
• Field of Study: You must be studying Accounting, Economics, Finance, or Law.
• Level of Study: You must be entering your third year of undergraduate study or pursuing Honours or Master’s studies.
• Institution: You must be studying full-time at a registered and accredited South African higher education institution.
• Academic Performance: You need to have a strong academic record. High-performing students with top grades will be given preference.
• Personal Circumstances: Female students and students with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply.

Meeting these requirements is the first step in the application process.

The Application Process and Required Documents

Applications for the National Treasury Bursary Programme must be submitted online through the National Treasury’s bursary application system. Before you begin, ensure you have all the necessary documents ready. These typically include:

• Completed Application Form: The official National Treasury Bursary Application Form for 2027.
• Identification: A certified copy of your South African ID document.
• Academic Records: Your Matric statement of results and certificate, along with official tertiary academic records from your first year up to your latest available results.
• Qualification Certificates: Copies of any tertiary qualification certificates you have already obtained.
• Motivational Letter: A letter explaining why you deserve the bursary and your career aspirations.
• Proof of Registration: Proof of registration for the 2026 academic year.

It is crucial to ensure all documents are complete, clear, and correctly uploaded. Missing documents can lead to disqualification.

How to Apply Online

The online application process involves a few key steps:

1. Register an Account: Visit the National Treasury bursary application portal and create a new account.
2. Log In: Use your registered details to log in to the system.
3. Complete Application Form: Fill out all sections of the online application accurately.
4. Upload Documents: Upload all required supporting documents as specified. Make sure they are clear and certified where necessary.
5. Review and Submit: Before submitting, carefully review all the information you have provided and all uploaded documents to ensure everything is correct and complete.
6. Submit: Submit your application before the closing date and time.

It is recommended to apply well before the deadline to avoid any last-minute technical issues.

Important Dates and Selection

The application closing date for the National Treasury Bursary Programme for the 2027 academic year is September 30, 2026, at 12:00 PM. Late applications will not be considered.

After the closing date, applications will be assessed. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted directly by the National Treasury. If you do not hear back from them within three months after the application closing date, you should assume your application was unsuccessful. It is therefore essential to provide accurate and up-to-date contact information on your application.

Conclusion

The National Treasury Bursary Programme offers a significant opportunity for students in Accounting, Economics, Finance, and Law to receive financial support for their studies in 2027. By carefully reviewing the eligibility criteria, gathering all required documents, and submitting a complete online application before the September 30, 2026 deadline, you can position yourself for success. This bursary can be a vital step towards a career in public finance and governance.

Frequently Asked Questions