The National Treasury Bursary Scheme 2027 has officially opened its doors, and it’s one of the most comprehensive government-funded bursaries currently available offering fully funded financial support to academically outstanding students pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications in priority fields.
Let’s break down exactly who qualifies, what’s covered, and how to get your application in before time runs out.
What Is the National Treasury Bursary Scheme?
The National Treasury Bursary Scheme is a government-funded scholarship programme built to support deserving South African students studying at accredited higher education institutions. But it’s not just about paying fees it’s an investment in future professionals who go on to contribute to government institutions and the country’s broader economic development.
In plain terms: Treasury is looking for its next generation of finance and economics talent, and it’s willing to pay for your education to find them.
Who Should Apply?
This bursary is specifically aimed at students in fields Treasury considers critical to how the country manages its public finances. If you’re studying or planning to study Accounting, Economics, Finance, or Law, this is squarely built for you.
To be eligible, applicants generally need to:
- Be South African citizens
- Be accepted or already registered for full-time studies at a registered and accredited South African higher education institution
- Be entering third-year undergraduate studies, Honours, or Master’s level in the 2027 academic year
- Show strong academic performance preference goes to high-performing students Youthhubafrica
It’s also worth noting that the National Treasury positions itself as an equal opportunity institution and actively encourages applications from women and persons with disabilities. Global South Opportunities
What Does the Bursary Actually Cover?
This isn’t a token contribution toward your studies. Successful applicants can expect full funding that covers tuition, accommodation, and a monthly allowance, alongside other study-related costs like materials and, in many cases, meals. Essentially, it’s designed to remove the financial stress that so often derails otherwise capable students.
Beyond the money, there’s a career angle too. Completing your studies through this scheme gives you practical exposure to how South Africa’s finances are managed a genuine head start in a job market where relevant experience matters just as much as a degree. NASI iSPANI
Documents You’ll Need to Prepare
Before you sit down to apply, gather these together so you’re not scrambling at the last minute:
- A completed National Treasury Bursary Application Form
- A certified copy of your South African ID document
- A certified copy of your matric certificate or most recent academic transcript Applyscholars
- Your official tertiary academic record, from first year through to your most recent results CrispNG
- Proof of household income recent payslips, three months of bank statements, or a SASSA grant letter where applicable
- An affidavit of unemployment, if a parent or guardian is currently without work
- A death certificate, if one or both parents have passed away
A word of advice: certified documents typically need to be certified within three months of your submission date, so don’t dig out an old certified copy from last year’s job application get a fresh one.
How to Apply, Step by Step
- Download the official application form from the National Treasury’s bursary page don’t rely on third-party copies.
- Register on the Treasury e-Recruitment portal, if you haven’t already.
- Complete every section of the form carefully. Incomplete applications are one of the most common reasons candidates get disqualified.
- Attach all required supporting documents as certified digital copies.
- Submit through the e-Recruitment portal, or alternatively email your full application to bursaries@treasury.gov.za.
- Double-check everything before the deadline there’s no room for error here.
One important detail: applications must be submitted directly through the e-Recruitment portal or by email, and no late, posted, hand-delivered, or faxed applications will be accepted. Treasury has been consistent and firm about this across previous funding cycles, so don’t assume an exception will be made.
When Is the Deadline?
Mark this down now: applications close on 30 September 2026 at 12:00 PM. That’s a hard cutoff, not a soft suggestion submissions that arrive even minutes late are typically not considered. NASI iSPANI
Given how strict the process is, our honest advice is to aim to submit at least a week early. Portals tend to slow down or experience technical hiccups when thousands of students try to upload documents in the final 48 hours.
Why This Bursary Is Worth the Effort
There’s no shortage of bursaries out there, but few combine full financial coverage with a realistic pathway into a stable, respected government career. Graduates who come through this scheme walk away with both a qualification and hands-on exposure to how South Africa’s finances are actually managed something that looks very different on a CV compared to a degree alone. NASI iSPANI
If you’re studying Accounting, Economics, Finance, or Law and you’ve been putting off applying for bursaries because the process feels overwhelming, this is a good one to start with. The requirements are clear, the funding is substantial, and the long-term payoff both financially and professionally is hard to match.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this bursary open to international students?
No. It’s reserved for South African citizens studying at accredited South African institutions.
Can first- or second-year students apply?
Generally, the scheme prioritizes students entering third-year, Honours, or Master’s level study so check the current year’s specific criteria closely before assuming you qualify.
What happens if I miss the deadline?
Late applications, however submitted, are not accepted. You’d need to wait for the next application cycle.
Do I have to work for Treasury after graduating?
Applicants are typically asked to indicate willingness to serve National Treasury or the wider Public Service after completing their studies, so it’s worth thinking through that commitment before applying.