National Treasury Bursary South Africa

As part of our commitment, the department’s bursary scheme provides financial support to South Africa students studying in the fields deemed critical and scarce to the National Treasury. It aims to build critical skills capacity and provide students with the opportunity to further their studies.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q1. What criteria do I need to meet to be considered for a bursary?

You are a South African citizen
You meet the entry requirements for your chosen field of study (provide proof of registration or provisional acceptance at the university)
Financial need
You must be studying or intending to study in the fields stated in Q2 below
If you are in matric: You have a grade 12 certificate with university exemption and an aggregate of 65% or higher
If you are already in university: You have obtained an average of 65% or higher for the previous year of study at university.

Q2. Which fields of study are bursaries awarded for?

Economics
Accounting
Financial Management
Econometrics
Development Economics
Financial Engineering
Tax Law
Banking

No bursary will be awarded for studies outside the list above
Q3. What does the bursary cover?

Tuition fees
Registration fees
Prescribed books only
Accommodation at an official university residence and meals

Q4. How long would I have to work for the National Treasury once I have completed my degree?
The department offers bursaries with a work-back contract obligation. You will be obliged to work for the length of time that the bursary was allocated to you (i.e. if you obtained a bursary for one year, you would work for the department for one year).
However, if the department cannot accommodate you after you complete your degree and you cannot be employed elsewhere in the public service, you will be released from this obligation. Should you wish to work elsewhere upon completing your degree without giving the National Treasury the first right to employ you, you will be obliged to pay the full costs of the bursary sponsorship.
Q5. If I fail some courses, will I continue to receive the bursary?
This depends on whether your overall results allow you to proceed to the following academic year of study. In terms of the contract that bursars sign, the department may withdraw further payments of the bursary should the bursar fail subjects and not be allowed to proceed to the following year of study.
Q6. If I change my course halfway through the year, will I lose my bursary?
If you change your courses without prior discussion with the department, and study something outside the list in Q2 above, you will be required to repay in full all funds paid by the department and your contract may be terminated.
Q7. How will the bursary be paid?
All fees will be paid directly to the institution you have registered with, for all costs as stated in Q3 above. The department may refund you should there be delays in payment by the department and the costs are paid by you directly, provided you have the relevant supporting documents. No other costs other than those stated in Q3 will be paid for.
Q8. What happens if I receive a job offer from a company once I’ve completed my studies?
In terms of the contract that you sign, the department has first option on your employment. However, the department may negotiate your release from contract if formally approached by the company concerned. This means that the said company will repay the department back for all costs incurred in funding your studies.
Q9. If I need work experience during my studies, would the department accommodate me?
Yes, the department may provide vacation work to its bursars. However, it is your responsibility to inform us of such a need, and this will be organised through the Human Resources Development unit.
Q10. How do I apply?
Complete and submit the National Treasury Bursary Application Form (pdf) (or available on National Treasury’s website: www.treasury.gov.za), and attach the following:

Cover letter stating your field of interest and motivation
Certified copy of the applicant’s South African ID
Full official academic record or the latest statement of Grade 12 results
Proof of registration or provisional acceptance at university
Certified copies of parent/s or guardian’s South African IDs
Proof of Parent’s/Guardian income (salary advice) or affidavit if unemployed
Death certificate if parent/s are deceased

Submit completed applications via post to:
The GDP Specialist
Talent Management
National Treasury
Private Bag X 115
Pretoria
0001
E-mailed, faxed and late applications will not be accepted.
Closing date for applications is 12 June annually.
Q11: What is the process once I have submitted my application?
After the closing date, the department will conduct paper screening and case studies where applicable, on the criteria listed above. Shortlisted candidates will then be interviewed by a panel and the final selection will be made thereafter.
Candidates that are successful will be formally notified.
In addition to the process explained above in Q11, the bursary will be awarded pending the successful completion of matric with an aggregate of 65%, or the completion of the current year of study with an average of 65% if already enrolled at the university.
Please note that preference will be given to high performing students with top grades, and in some instances for bursaries, awards will be for postgraduate studies.