South African Reserve Bank (SARB) Master's Scholarships in Data Science, Machine Learning, or AI 2026

If you're a South African citizen aspiring to pursue a Master's degree in Data Science, Machine Learning, or Artificial Intelligence with a focus on financial analytics, the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) is offering a fully funded scholarship for the 2026 academic year. This initiative, in collaboration with the National Graduate Academy for Mathematical and Statistical Sciences (NGA(MaSS)), aims to address the skills shortage in these critical fields. Applications are now open.

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🎓SARB Scholarship Summary

• Location: South Africa

• Host Institution: Various South African universities

• Study Level: Master’s degree

• Target Group: South African citizens under 35 years

• Fields of Study: Data Science, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Financial Analytics

• Funding: Full scholarship covering tuition, accommodation, study materials, and allowances

• Duration: Duration of the Master's program

• Application Deadline: October 31, 2025

• Start Date: Academic year 2026

• Eligibility: South African citizens under 35 with a relevant Honours degree and provisional acceptance into an approved Master's program

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📘 Scholarship Overview

The SARB, in partnership with NGA(MaSS), offers scholarships to students pursuing Master's degrees in fields related to data science and financial analytics. The scholarship is available for specific programs at various South African universities.

🏛️ Participating Institutions and Programs:

• North-West University: MSc (Business Mathematics and Informatics)

• University of the Western Cape: MSc (Statistical Science with specialization in Data Science)

• University of the Witwatersrand, University of Pretoria, North-West University, University of Venda, University of Limpopo, Sol Plaatje University: MSc (eScience)

• Stellenbosch University: MSc (Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence), MCom (Financial Risk Management)

• University of KwaZulu-Natal: MSc (Data Science)

• University of Pretoria: MIT (Big Data Science), MCom (Advanced Data Analytics)

• University of Cape Town: Master's degree (Analytics or Data Science)

ℹ️ Students may be required to attend specific workshops as part of the scholarship program.

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🎁 Scholarship Benefits

• Full coverage of tuition fees

• Accommodation expenses

• Study materials

• Monthly allowances for meals and transport

• Mentoring and coaching support

• Psychosocial support services

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✅ Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be South African citizens

• Be under the age of 35

• Have a relevant Honours degree with at least a 65% average

• Have provisional acceptance into one of the specified Master's programs

• Be enrolled as full-time students

• Have selected modules that include financial analytics topics

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📝 Application Procedure

🗓️ Application Deadline: October 31, 2025

Application Process:

1. Apply online through the TTI Bursary Management portal: https://ttibursaries.co.za/students/

2. Use the promotional code: SARBDSM26

3. Submit the following documents:

   • Certified copy of ID document

   • Most recent academic transcripts

   • Honours degree certificate or statement of results

   • Proof of provisional acceptance into an approved Master's program (including student number)

Additional Requirements:

• Bursary holders must submit their final examination results by December 31, 2025

• Shortlisted candidates may be required to attend interviews

• Successful applicants will sign an agreement with the SARB

ℹ️ For more information download the call for applications document PDF here

🔗 OFFICIAL LINK

South African Reserve Bank (SARB) Master's Scholarships in Data Science, Machine Learning, or Artificial Intelligence 2026

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