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Introduction

Are you a South African student studying Accounting, Economics, Finance, or Law and looking for financial assistance to complete your studies? The National Treasury Bursary Scheme 2027 offers funding to academically deserving students who aspire to build a career in South Africa’s public finance sector.

This bursary goes beyond covering tuition fees. Successful applicants may receive funding for registration, accommodation, prescribed textbooks, board examination fees, a monthly living allowance, and other approved study-related expenses, allowing them to focus on achieving academic success.

In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about the National Treasury Bursary Scheme 2027, including the eligibility requirements, required documents, application process, practical tips, common mistakes to avoid, and answers to frequently asked questions.

Application Closing Date: 30 September 2026 at 12:00 PM
Late applications will not be considered.

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Who This Guide Is For

This guide is intended for:

• South African citizens pursuing tertiary studies
• Students entering their third year of undergraduate study in 2027
• Students enrolling for Honours or Master’s studies in 2027
• Students studying:
  • Accounting
  • Economics
  • Finance
  • Law
• Students looking for government-funded bursary opportunities

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Requirements

To qualify for the National Treasury Bursary Scheme 2027, applicants must meet the following minimum requirements.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be a South African citizen.
• Be accepted or registered for full-time study at an accredited South African higher education institution.
• Be studying one of the approved fields:
  • Accounting
  • Economics
  • Finance
  • Law
• Be entering:
  • Third-year undergraduate study,
  • Honours, or
  • Master’s degree in 2027.
• Have an excellent academic record.
• Demonstrate strong academic performance.

Preference will be given to applicants with outstanding academic results.

Documents Required

Prepare the following before starting your application:

• Completed National Treasury Bursary Application Form
• Certified copy of your South African ID
• Certified Grade 12 Certificate
• Grade 12 Statement of Results
• Official tertiary academic transcript
• Proof of registration for 2026
• Any additional documents listed in Annexure A

Ensure all documents are clear, complete, and certified where required.

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Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Download the Application Form

Download the official National Treasury Bursary Application Form from the National Treasury Graduate Programme webpage.https://www.treasury.gov.za/graduate/default.aspx

Complete the form in full before beginning your online application.

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Step 2: Visit the National Treasury e-Recruitment Portal

Create an account if you are a first-time applicant.

Existing users can simply log in.

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Step 3: Search for the Bursary

Locate:

National Treasury Bursary Scheme 2027

Read the advertisement carefully to ensure you meet all requirements.

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Step 4: Complete the Online Application

Fill in all required sections accurately, including:

• Personal information
• Contact details
• Academic information
• Institution details

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Step 5: Upload Supporting Documents

Upload all required supporting documents.

Important: When uploading documents to the attachment section labelled Curriculum Vitae (CV), do not upload your CV.

Instead, upload the completed National Treasury Bursary Application Form as instructed in the advertisement.

This is one of the most important requirements and is often overlooked by applicants.

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Step 6: Review Your Application

Before submitting:

• Verify your personal details.
• Ensure all required documents are attached.
• Confirm documents are readable.
• Check for spelling or typing errors.

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Step 7: Submit Before the Deadline

Submit your application before:

30 September 2026 at 12:00 PM

Save your confirmation email or application reference number for future reference.

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My Experience or Practical Insights

After reviewing this bursary opportunity and using the online application portal, I found the process to be straightforward and easy to follow. The portal clearly guides applicants through each step, making it simple to complete your application provided you carefully follow the instructions and upload all the requested documents.

One instruction deserves special attention: applicants must download and complete the official National Treasury Bursary Application Form and upload it in the attachment field labelled “Curriculum Vitae (CV).” It is easy to assume that this field requires your actual CV, but the advertisement specifically instructs applicants to upload the completed bursary application form instead. Failing to do so could result in an incomplete application.

Before starting your application, prepare all the required documents and save them in a dedicated folder on your computer. Name each file clearly and save them as PDF documents where required. This will make the application process quicker and help prevent uploading the wrong document.

I also recommend saving your login credentials, including your username or email address and password, in a secure place. This will allow you to log back into the portal if you need to update your application, check its status, or retrieve information before the closing date.

Finally, submit your application well before the deadline. Government recruitment portals can become busy as the closing date approaches, and applying early reduces the risk of technical issues or failed submissions.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common mistakes:

• Applying after the closing date.
• Uploading your CV instead of the completed bursary application form.
• Forgetting to complete the downloaded application form.
• Uploading incomplete or unreadable documents.
• Leaving sections of the online application blank.
• Providing incorrect contact information.
• Applying without meeting the eligibility requirements.
• Forgetting to attach certified documents where required.
• Waiting until the last day to submit your application.
• Not reviewing your application before submission.

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Troubleshooting

I cannot log into the e-Recruitment Portal.

Use the “Forgot Password” option or create a new account if you are a first-time user.

My documents won’t upload.

Ensure your documents are saved as PDF files, are within the allowed file size, and are clearly readable.

I accidentally uploaded my CV.

If the application period is still open and edits are allowed, replace it with the completed National Treasury Bursary Application Form.

I submitted my application but received no confirmation.

Check your email (including your spam folder) and log back into the portal to verify your application status.

I haven’t received any feedback.

If you do not receive communication within three months after the closing date, consider your application unsuccessful.

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Helpful Tips and Best Practices

• Download and complete the official application form before applying.
• Read the bursary advertisement carefully from start to finish.
• Save all documents as PDF files.
• Use clear, certified copies where required.
• Keep copies of everything you upload.
• Double-check every attachment before submitting.
• Apply several days before the closing date.
• Use a reliable internet connection.
• Keep your email and cellphone available for communication.
• Save your application reference number after submission.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who can apply?

South African citizens studying Accounting, Economics, Finance, or Law at an accredited South African higher education institution who meet the academic requirements.

2. Can first-year or second-year students apply?

No. Applicants must be entering their third year of undergraduate study, Honours, or Master’s in 2027.

3. Is there an application fee?

No. Applying for the bursary is free.

4. What expenses does the bursary cover?

Successful applicants may receive funding for:

• Registration
• Tuition
• Accommodation
• Prescribed textbooks
• Study materials
• Board examination fees
• Monthly living allowance

5. Can international students apply?

No. Only South African citizens qualify.

6. Can I email or hand-deliver my application?

No. Applications must be submitted through the National Treasury e-Recruitment Portal.

7. What should I upload in the “Curriculum Vitae” attachment field?

You must upload the completed National Treasury Bursary Application Form, not your CV, as instructed in the official advertisement.

8. When is the application closing date?

Applications close on 30 September 2026 at 12:00 PM.

9. What happens after I apply?

Applications will be assessed according to the National Treasury’s selection criteria. Only successful applicants will be contacted.

10. What if I don’t hear back?

If you do not receive communication within three months after the closing date, consider your application unsuccessful.

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Official Resources and References

Use only the official National Treasury resources when applying.

National Treasury Graduate Programme (Application Form & Annexures)

https://www.treasury.gov.za/graduate/default.aspx

National Treasury e-Recruitment Portal

https://erecruitment.treasury.gov.za/eRecruitment/#/browseJobs

Always refer to these official resources for the latest application requirements, forms, deadlines, and announcements.

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Conclusion

The National Treasury Bursary Scheme 2027 is an excellent opportunity for academically talented South African students who want to pursue careers in public finance, economics, accounting, finance, or law. In addition to covering tuition fees, the bursary provides comprehensive financial support that can significantly reduce the cost of higher education.

To maximise your chances of success, ensure that you meet all the eligibility requirements, carefully complete the official application form, upload the correct supporting documents, and submit your application well before the closing date. Paying close attention to the application instructions—particularly the requirement to upload the completed bursary application form instead of a CV—can help you avoid unnecessary mistakes.

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Disclaimer

This article is intended for informational purposes only and is based on the information provided in the National Treasury Bursary Scheme 2027 advertisement. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this guide, application requirements, funding conditions, and deadlines may change without notice.

We are not affiliated with the National Treasury and do not process applications on its behalf. Always refer to the official National Treasury website and the e-Recruitment Portal for the latest information before submitting your application. Submission of an application does not guarantee selection, as all applications are assessed according to the National Treasury’s official selection criteria and recruitment process.