Do you want to explain money and the economy to ordinary people? The South African Reserve Bank Centre for Economic Journalism has opened the SARB CEJ Scholarship 2027. It pays for advanced journalism study at Rhodes University. The scholarship covers course costs and accommodation. It also covers meals and a living stipend.
Applications opened on 27 July 2026 and close on 23 October 2026. Time is short.
Quick Facts
Last Information Checked: 18 October 2026
| Item | Details |
| Scholarship | SARB CEJ Scholarship in Economics Journalism 2027 |
| Funder | South African Reserve Bank Centre for Economic Journalism |
| Where you study | Rhodes University School of Journalism and Media Studies |
| Programmes | Four journalism qualifications |
| Intake | 2027 academic year |
| Deadline | 23 October 2026 |
What the Scholarship Is For
The scholarship supports students who care about both media and economics. The goal is to train a new group of journalists and economic communicators. These people help the public understand economic issues that affect citizens, communities, businesses and industries in South Africa.
Scholars learn to explain complex economic news in a clear way. They help build journalism that supports openness, accountability and better decisions. The programme suits people who want to use journalism for public education and social development.
The scholarship shows the South African Reserve Bank’s wish to invest in education and in economic journalism across the South African media.
Programmes You Can Study
The funding is for selected programmes at the Rhodes University School of Journalism and Media Studies.
| Programme | Length | How you study |
| Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism | 1 year | Full time on campus |
| Postgraduate Diploma in Economics Journalism | 2 years | Part time with weekly online lectures |
| Bachelor of Arts Honours in Journalism | 1 year | On campus |
| Master of Arts in Journalism | 2 years | On campus |
The Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism gives professional training and practical media skills. The Economics Journalism diploma is for people who want to specialise in reporting and analysing economic issues. The Honours degree builds your understanding of journalism theory, research and practice. The Master of Arts supports advanced research and prepares you for leadership in media and communication.
Scholarship Benefits
- Course-related academic costs are covered
- Residence accommodation is covered
- Meals during academic terms are covered
- A living stipend is paid to you
- A provisional scholarship acceptance letter once you are chosen
- The freedom to focus on your studies with less money stress
Who Can Apply and Who Gets Preference
You must meet the academic entry rules of the Rhodes University programme you choose.
You do not need a degree in journalism or media studies. People from commerce, economics, business or related fields are encouraged to apply. This is especially true if you want to become a media professional.
The scholarship supports development work in the Eastern Cape. So preference goes to applicants who:
- Are female
- Come from previously disadvantaged backgrounds
- Come from the Eastern Cape
- Show a commitment to staying in the province and help grow economic and community journalism there
You get an added advantage if you clearly plan to strengthen journalism skills in the province. The same goes if you plan to make useful economic content for Eastern Cape communities.
The application asks for a certified copy of a South African identity document. The call does not say more about nationality rules. Ask the Postgraduate Funding Office if you are unsure.
What Your Application Needs
- Your full academic record
- A certified copy of your South African identity document
- Proof that you applied to your chosen Rhodes University programme
- A motivational essay of 1000 words
Your essay should cover three things. Explain your interest in economics journalism. Explain how you will contribute to the field in future. Give your view on why economic journalism matters in South Africa.
Applications with a missing document are incomplete and may not be considered.
Key Dates
- 27 July 2026: Applications opened
- 23 October 2026: Applications close
- 2027: Scholarship year and academic intake
How To Apply
- Choose one of the four programmes.
- Apply to that programme at Rhodes University. You need proof of this application.
- Collect your full academic record.
- Get a certified copy of your South African identity document.
- Write your 1000 word motivational essay.
- Write your email subject line in this format: SARB CEJ 2027 Scholarship Application – [Degree][Name][ID Number].
- Attach all documents and send the email to pgfunding@ru.ac.za.
- Send it before 23 October 2026.
Your scholarship is only provisional at first. It is confirmed only after you are fully admitted to your chosen programme at Rhodes University.
Mistakes To Avoid
- Sending an incomplete application
- Forgetting proof that you applied to the Rhodes programme
- Using the wrong email subject line format
- Writing an essay that is shorter or longer than 1000 words
- Writing an essay that does not answer the three questions
- Thinking the scholarship is confirmed before you are admitted
- Waiting until the last day because you also need a Rhodes application
Contact Details
Rhodes University Postgraduate Funding Office
Email: pgfunding@ru.ac.za
Telephone: +27 46 603 8111
Address: Rhodes University PO Box 94 Makhanda (Grahamstown) 6140 Eastern Cape South Africa
