South Africa needs fresh economic talent now, and the 2027 Economist Internship Programme is opening its doors. If you finish an Honours or Master’s in Economics, this could be your chance to start a professional career.
What the opportunity is
The programme is a partnership between the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) and the Bureau for Economic Research (BER) at Stellenbosch University. You will be employed full‑time by SARB while you spend a year training and working at BER.
Quick overview
- Programme: 2027 Economist Internship Programme
- Host organisations: SARB and BER
- Location: Stellenbosch, Western Cape
- Duration: January 2027 – December 2027
- Employment type: Full‑time with SARB
- Salary: Competitive salary during the training year
- Closing date: 30 June 2026 at 09:00
- Minimum qualification: Honours or Master’s degree in Economics
- Citizenship: South African citizens only
- Additional opportunity: Data Science for Economics pathway (for qualified candidates)
- Interview period: July–August 2026
Who can apply (requirements)
You must meet all of the following:
- South African citizenship
- Honours or Master’s degree in Economics (must have completed postgraduate macro‑economics by January 2027)
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Professional presentation ability
If you want the Data Science pathway, you should also have:
- Quantitative coursework
- Programming experience (Python, R, etc.)
- A GitHub profile or portfolio showing code
What you gain (benefits and skills)
During the year you will:
- Work side‑by‑side with experienced BER economists
- Help with macro‑economic analysis for businesses and the public sector
- Develop forecasting and economic modelling skills
- Conduct real‑world research and write policy reports
- Improve professional communication and presentation abilities
- Earn a competitive salary while you train
- Gain a professional network in central banking, government, consulting and finance
How to apply (step‑by‑step)
- Gather the required documents:
- Updated CV
- Academic transcripts and certified degree copies
- South African ID
- Proof of postgraduate study (if applicable)
- Any research papers, awards or certifications you want to showcase
- Visit the official application page and fill in the online form.
- Upload all documents and submit before the 30 June 2026 deadline.
- If shortlisted, you will be invited to psychometric tests, reference checks and security clearance.
- Interviews will be held in July and August 2026.
Tips to improve your chances
- Tailor your CV to highlight economics research, data analysis and any forecasting projects.
- Include a concise cover letter that explains why macro‑economics and the SARB‑BER partnership interest you.
- If applying for the Data Science pathway, showcase Python or R scripts and a live GitHub repo.
- Gather strong references from professors or previous supervisors who can speak to your analytical abilities.
- Proofread every document; clear, error‑free writing reflects the communication skills the role demands.
- Apply early to avoid last‑minute technical issues.
Next steps
This internship offers a solid bridge from university to a professional economics career. Prepare your documents, follow the steps above, and submit your application before the deadline. Good preparation can set you apart in a competitive pool.
Apply for the SARB and BER Economist Internship Programme 2027 here
