Cenfri 2026 Bursary Programme: Secure Your Future with a Fully Funded Career Path
Cenfri Invites suitably qualified applicants to apply for their Cenfri Bursary Programme 2026 vacancies. The closing date for applications is the 17 October 2025
What the Cenfri Bursary Gives You
If you get the bursary, you’ll receive more than just a wallet boost:
- Full tuition help and a monthly stipend while you study.
- A personal mentor who is an experienced researcher and can answer all your career questions.
- At least six weeks of paid internship at Cenfri’s Cape Town office, plus remote research projects.
- A chance to land a full‑time job at Cenfri after you finish your master’s, if you perform well.
This is not just money – it’s a stepping stone into real research that shapes Africa’s future.
Why You Should Apply
By joining the bursary you’ll be in a place where your work matters.
You’ll:
- Study real data on how digital tools help people get fair jobs and money.
- Meet leaders from ministries, banks, NGOs and businesses across Africa.
- See how your research can lift people’s living standards through better financial tools.
This is your ticket to solve real problems and grow fast as a researcher.
Who Can Apply
To be considered for the Cenfri Bursary Programme 2026 you need to:
- Be a master’s student in economics, finance, data science, or a related field.
- Be in the final year or last year of your degree.
- Hold a GPA of 65 % or higher (grade average).
- Show you love research and want to help development projects.
- Write well, speak clearly, and be good at explaining ideas.
- Know how to use MS Office and have strong math or data analysis skills.
- Speak English fluently, both written and spoken.
- Knowing Stata or other survey‑analysis software is a plus.
The bursary is strictly for South African citizens who can prove financial need.
If you live in Cape Town, you’ll get extra on‑site learning and mentorship, but anyone in South Africa can apply.
What You’ll Go Through in the Selection
After you apply, the short‑list will face:
- A panel interview with professors and Cenfri staff.
- Technical tests that look at how you solve research problems.
- Psychometric checkups to see how you fit with a team and a research role.
How to Get Started
If you think you fit the bill, collect these before you click “Apply”:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) – keep it simple and clear.
- Academic transcripts – from your most recent year.
- Motivational letter – tell us why you want this bursary, what you want to study, and how it ties to Africa’s needs.
- Proof of South African citizenship – a passport or ID.
- Financial need statement – a short note on why you need support.
Once you have all this, you can apply here:
Apply for the Cenfri Bursary Programme for 2026
More Resources to Check Out
- Learn how the SETA Bursary Online Application works:
SETA bursary online application guide - Find out how many people get paid courses from SETA:
SETA funded courses - Explore the SETA learnerships that pay and train you on the job:
SETA learnerships - Get more info about funding through SETAs:
SETAs provide funding for bursaries
The Cenfri Bursary Programme 2026 is a fast track to a career that matters. If you are ready to mix hard science, real data and a chance to change lives, grab this opportunity before the 17 October 2025 deadline.
