The South African Reserve Bank has opened applications for its 2027 Master’s Scholarship in Data Science and Machine Learning, offering full funding to eligible South African students seeking postgraduate study in advanced analytics and artificial intelligence.
- The South African Reserve Bank has opened applications for its 2027 Master’s Scholarship in Data Science and Machine Learning, offering...
- The scholarship targets students pursuing Master’s degrees in data science, machine learning, and AI, with a focus on financial analytics.
- The Reserve Bank said successful applicants would receive full financial support for the 2027 academic year.
- Candidates must also hold a relevant Honours qualification with a minimum average of 65 per cent.
Keep reading for the full breakdown on AI education — everything you need to know is covered below.
The scholarship targets students pursuing Master’s degrees in data science, machine learning, and AI, with a focus on financial analytics. The programme forms part of the bank’s broader effort to strengthen technical and analytical capacity within South Africa’s financial sector.
Focus on Financial Analytics
According to the central bank, the scholarship is being offered in partnership with the Data Science Academic Committee of the National Graduate Academy for Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, also known as NGA(MaSS).
This initiative supports students whose studies align with financial systems, data-driven decision-making, and emerging analytical technologies.
The Reserve Bank said successful applicants would receive full financial support for the 2027 academic year. The institution added that scholars may also be required to attend workshops and academic sessions organised by the bank and NGA(MaSS).
The scholarship comes at a time when demand for artificial intelligence and machine learning skills continues to rise across banking, fintech and financial regulation. Industry experts increasingly view advanced analytics as a core part of modern financial systems.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify, applicants must be South African citizens under the age of 35 and plan to study full-time towards a Master’s degree in an approved programme. Candidates must also hold a relevant Honours qualification with a minimum average of 65 per cent.
Applicants are expected to show provisional admission into one of the identified Master’s programmes before applying. Their course selection must also include modules related to financial analytics. Supporting documents, such as academic records and proof of university acceptance, will be part of the application process.
The Reserve Bank noted that shortlisted candidates could be invited for interviews before final selection. Successful students will also be required to sign a formal scholarship agreement with the institution.
Application Deadline
Applications for the 2027 scholarship are currently open through the official SARB bursary portal. The deadline for submissions is 31 October 2026, while late applications will not be considered.
The scholarship reflects a growing investment in postgraduate training in financial technology, machine learning, and data analysis within South Africa’s banking sector. The Reserve Bank said the initiative aims to help build a stronger pipeline of data specialists to support economic and financial research in the country.