SARB CEJ Scholarship in Economics Journalism (Rhodes University)
South African Reserve Bank Centre for Economic Journalism (SARB CEJ), funded by the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) (hosted at the Rhodes University School of Journalism and Media Studies; applications administered by the Rhodes University Postgraduate Funding Office)
The SARB Centre for Economic Journalism (CEJ) offers full South African Reserve Bank scholarships for postgraduate journalism study at Rhodes University, aimed at building skills in economics and community journalism. Awards cover all course-related costs, residence accommodation and meals during term time, and a stipend for living costs, and can be held on the PG Diploma in Journalism, PG Diploma in Economics Journalism, BA Honours (Journalism) or MA (Journalism). Preference is given to female candidates from a previously disadvantaged background who originate from the Eastern Cape, though candidates from a Commerce background are also encouraged to apply. Applications for 2027 close on 23 October 2026.
- Amount
- Full South African Reserve Bank Scholarship covering all course-related costs, residence accommodation and meals during term time, and a stipend for living costs.
- Deadline
- 23 October 2026
- Renewable
- Yes
Eligible Fields of Study
South African Reserve Bank Centre for Economic Journalism (SARB CEJ), funded by the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) (hosted at the Rhodes University School of Journalism and Media Studies; applications administered by the Rhodes University Postgraduate Funding Office) supports students in the following disciplines
Eligibility Requirements
- ✓ South African citizen (certified copy of South African ID required)
- ✓ Must meet Rhodes University's academic entrance requirements for the chosen programme
- ✓ Must apply for, and submit a copy of the application to, the selected degree at Rhodes University
- ✓ Submit a full academic record
- ✓ Submit a motivational essay of 1000 words on your intention to contribute to the field of Economics Journalism and its significance in the South African context
- ✓ Preference given to female candidates from a previously disadvantaged background who originate from the Eastern Cape
- ✓ No previous journalism or media studies qualification is needed; an intention to remain in and develop community and economic journalism in the Eastern Cape is a distinct advantage, and candidates from a Commerce background are encouraged to apply
What's Included
- ✓ Full course-related (tuition) costs
- ✓ Residence accommodation
- ✓ Meals during term time
- ✓ Stipend for living costs
- ✓ Specialist training in economics and community journalism through the SARB Centre for Economic Journalism at Rhodes University
Work Commitment
No formal work-back is specified, but candidates with an intention to remain in and develop community and economic journalism in the Eastern Cape are preferred.
How to Apply
Steps to complete your South African Reserve Bank Centre for Economic Journalism (SARB CEJ), funded by the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) (hosted at the Rhodes University School of Journalism and Media Studies; applications administered by the Rhodes University Postgraduate Funding Office) bursary application
- 1
Confirm you meet Rhodes University's academic entrance requirements for your chosen programme (PG Diploma in Journalism, PG Diploma in Economics Journalism, BA Honours (Journalism) or MA (Journalism))
- 2
Apply for admission to your selected degree at Rhodes University and keep a copy of that application
- 3
Prepare a 1000-word motivational essay on your intention to contribute to the field of Economics Journalism and its significance in the South African context
- 4
Compile your full academic record and a certified copy of your South African ID
- 5
Email your application to the Rhodes University Postgraduate Funding Office at pgfunding@ru.ac.za with the subject line 'SARB CEJ 2027 Scholarship Application – [Degree][Name][ID Number]'
- 6
Submit by 23 October 2026; applications missing any of the required documents are treated as incomplete
- 7
Successful applicants receive a provisional letter of acceptance, which depends on full acceptance into the chosen programme by Rhodes University
Required Documents
- 📄 Full academic record
- 📄 Certified copy of your South African ID
- 📄 Copy of your application to the selected degree at Rhodes University
- 📄 Motivational essay (1000 words) on your intention to contribute to the field of Economics Journalism and its significance in the South African context
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does the SARB CEJ Scholarship cover?
- It is a full South African Reserve Bank Scholarship covering all course-related costs, residence accommodation and meals during term time, and a stipend for living costs, so it funds both your studies and your living costs at Rhodes University.
- Which programmes can I study with the scholarship?
- The scholarship can be held on the Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism (1-year, in residence), the Postgraduate Diploma in Economics Journalism (part-time, weekly online lectures across two years), the BA Honours in Journalism (1-year, in residence) or the MA in Journalism (2-year, in residence) at the Rhodes University School of Journalism and Media Studies.
- How do I apply for the SARB CEJ Scholarship?
- First apply for admission to your chosen Rhodes degree, then email your scholarship application to the Rhodes University Postgraduate Funding Office at pgfunding@ru.ac.za with the subject line 'SARB CEJ 2027 Scholarship Application – [Degree][Name][ID Number]'. Include a full academic record, a certified copy of your South African ID, a copy of your Rhodes degree application, and a 1000-word motivational essay on Economics Journalism.
- Who is given preference, and when does it close?
- Preference goes to female candidates from a previously disadvantaged background who originate from the Eastern Cape, and an intention to develop community and economic journalism in the province is a distinct advantage; candidates from a Commerce background are also encouraged to apply. Applications for 2027 opened on 27 July 2026 and close on 23 October 2026.
Ready to apply?
Applications close on 23 October 2026
Apply on South African Reserve Bank Centre for Economic Journalism (SARB CEJ), funded by the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) (hosted at the Rhodes University School of Journalism and Media Studies; applications administered by the Rhodes University Postgraduate Funding Office)'s official siteNeed help? Contact South African Reserve Bank Centre for Economic Journalism (SARB CEJ), funded by the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) (hosted at the Rhodes University School of Journalism and Media Studies; applications administered by the Rhodes University Postgraduate Funding Office):
Email: pgfunding@ru.ac.za
Information verified 2026-10-12. Always confirm details on the funder's official website before applying.
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