Cenfri Bursary

Who can apply

• Be a South African citizen
• Be entering a 1 year, or final year of a Masters-level qualification in Economics or a related field, in 2026
• Have a strong interest in research-related activities
• Have a passion for development
• Have achieved a minimum overall GPA of 65% or higher, in the current or most recent academic year of enrolment at a higher education institution
• Be an Employment Equity candidate
• Be in need of financial support
• Have good writing skills
• Have good presentation skills
• Have good interpersonal skills
• Have good quantitative skills
• Have good analytical skills
• Have advanced English language skills (verbal and written)
• Be proficient in MS Office applications
• Be able to work independently and as part of a team
• Have knowledge of Stata and the analysis of household survey data (advantageous)
• Be passionate about real-world development
• Preference will be given to students residing in Cape Town (in order to fully take advantage of the workplace experience, mentorship and company experience)

What the bursary covers

• Tuition
• A monthly stipend

Documents you will need

• ID document (certified copy)
• Full academic record including most recent results (on institutions letterhead)
• Motivational essay to support your application (2 pages) (read our tips on how to write a motivational letter for your bursary application)
• Parents or guardians proof of income (latest payslips if employed/ affidavit if unemployed/ proof of pension or Sassa grant if applicable)

Full bursary documents checklist

How to apply

1. Check the requirements

   Make sure you meet every requirement listed above. Applications that miss one are usually rejected automatically.

2. Prepare your documents

   Scan clear copies of everything the provider asks for, certified where required.

3. Apply through the official channel
   Cenfri Bursary Application 2026

   Applications must be submitted online at: Cenfri Bursary Application 2026

4. Submit before the closing date

   Usually closes around October. Late applications are almost never accepted.

Applications for the current cycle have closed. This bursary usually opens again each year, so prepare your documents now and check back.

Genuine bursaries never charge an application fee. How to spot bursary scams

Contact the bursary provider

• Email [email protected]
• Phone 021 913 9510

Contact the provider only with questions about this bursary. StudentBursaries.co.za does not process applications.

About Cenfri

Cenfri is an independent economic research and advisory organisation, based in Cape Town and Kigali, that works on financial inclusion and inclusive growth in Africa.