National Treasury

About National Treasury

National Treasury is the national government department that manages South Africa's public finances. It sits in Pretoria and prepares the national budget, oversees how state money is spent, and guides economic and fiscal policy. It also supports provinces and municipalities with financial management. Few departments handle money matters on such a large scale.

Because of this work, the department needs strong specialists. Budget analysts, economists, accountants and legal advisers all keep its divisions running. The National Treasury Bursary Scheme exists to build that skills pool. It funds students in fields the department calls critical and scarce, so that it can grow its own talent instead of competing for graduates in a tight job market.

How the National Treasury bursary supports students

The scheme backs South African students in four fields: Accounting, Economics, Finance and Law. Funding is open to full-time students at registered and accredited local higher education institutions. In the most recent call, the department focused on students in their third year of an undergraduate degree, or at Honours or Masters level.

The package is wide. According to the department's advert, it covers registration, tuition, board exams, accommodation, prescribed study material, editing costs and a monthly allowance. As a result, a successful student carries far less financial pressure during the year.

Funding comes with a work-back obligation. Recipients are expected to work for National Treasury after they graduate, for a period linked to the length of the funding. The exact contract terms are set out when an award is made, so read them closely before you sign.

What to know before applying

Applications are made online through the National Treasury e-Recruitment system. You must be a South African citizen and show strong marks. Preference goes to high-performing students with top grades. Applicants who are still in matric need a Grade 12 certificate with university exemption, while those already at university must show a solid average from the previous year of study.

Prepare your documents early. The department asks for the completed application form from its website, a certified copy of your South African ID, your Grade 12 results and certificate, and your official academic record from first year up to your latest results. Late, posted, faxed or hand-delivered applications are not accepted.

Closing dates and eligible study levels change from year to year. The most recent call closed on 30 September at midday. Always check the current advert on the National Treasury website before you apply. If you hear nothing within three months after the closing date, the department treats your application as unsuccessful.