Aspiring economists and financial professionals have an exciting opportunity to enhance their knowledge and career prospects through the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) Economics Winter School 2025. This week-long, in-person training programme is designed for postgraduate economics students who are eager to deepen their understanding of economic research, policymaking, and financial services.
Hosted by SARB’s Economic Research Department (ERD), the Economics Winter School 2025 will take place from 30 June to 4 July 2025 at the Protea Hotel Balalaika Sandton in Johannesburg, South Africa. The programme is set to provide participants with access to global economic insights, central banking operations, and a first-hand experience of SARB’s organisational culture.
Programme Overview
The SARB Economics Winter School is more than just a training programme; it is an immersive learning experience where participants will engage with leading local and international economic experts. The programme will cover emerging economic research topics and provide participants with an opportunity to apply their academic knowledge to real-world economic challenges.
In addition to expert-led lectures and discussions, students will take part in action-based learning projects, designed to expose them to the intricate workings of a central bank. These projects will challenge students to solve economic problems in a practical setting, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills.
One of the key highlights of the programme is the team competitions, where students will put their knowledge to the test for a chance to win exciting prizes. Moreover, participation in the winter school will be closely monitored, and top-performing students may be considered for SARB’s internship selection process.
Who Should Apply?
SARB has outlined specific eligibility criteria for applicants who wish to be part of this prestigious programme. To qualify, students must:
- Be pursuing or have recently completed a postgraduate degree in Economics, Statistics, Mathematics, Finance, or Actuarial Science.
- Have achieved or expect to achieve an average of at least 70% in their final year of study.
- Demonstrate a strong interest in financial services and policymaking.
- Have a proven academic track record of excellence.
- Exhibit strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Show a keen curiosity and willingness to learn.
- Be currently unemployed.
Preference will be given to candidates from designated groups in line with SARB’s commitment to workforce diversification. Additionally, individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
What to Include in the Application?
To be considered for the programme, applicants must submit a complete online application that includes the following:
- A certified copy of their full academic record, including proof of 2025 registered courses.
- A curriculum vitae (CV), limited to a maximum of two pages.
- A 600-word motivation research paper on the topic:
“How the South African Reserve Bank Can Modernise Payments”.
The paper must be formatted in Arial, size 12, with 1.5 line spacing, and submitted in an MS Word document.
Application Deadline
The closing date for applications is 17 March 2025. SARB has emphasised that late applications will not be considered. Students are encouraged to submit their applications well before the deadline to ensure they meet all the necessary requirements.
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted within four weeks of the closing date. If an applicant has not received any correspondence within this period, they should assume that their application was unsuccessful.
Why Apply?
Participating in the SARB Economics Winter School presents a unique opportunity for students to gain valuable insights into the workings of the South African financial system. The programme serves as an excellent platform for networking with renowned economists, policymakers, and professionals in the financial sector.
By joining the winter school, students will:
- Enhance their knowledge of macroeconomic research, central banking, and financial stability.
- Develop practical skills through real-world projects and team competitions.
- Engage with leading experts in economics, finance, and statistical research.
- Increase their employability by showcasing their abilities in an industry-relevant setting.
- Gain potential entry into the SARB internship programme, opening doors to a promising career in economic research and financial policymaking.
About SARB and the Economic Research Department (ERD)
The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) is the country’s central bank, responsible for maintaining the stability and value of the rand. SARB plays a critical role in ensuring monetary policy effectiveness, financial stability, and economic research.
Key functions of SARB include:
- Monetary Policy – Managing interest rates to control inflation and maintain price stability.
- Financial Stability – Identifying and mitigating risks that could threaten South Africa’s financial system.
- Prudential Regulation – Ensuring the safety and soundness of financial institutions.
- Financial Markets and Surveillance – Overseeing gold and foreign exchange reserves and monitoring cross-border transactions.
- Payments and Settlements – Maintaining a secure and efficient national payment system.
- Statistics and Research – Providing economic data and conducting research to support policymaking.
The Economic Research Department (ERD), which oversees the Economics Winter School, is dedicated to conducting high-quality economic and financial research that informs SARB’s policy decisions.
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The SARB Economics Winter School 2025 is a highly sought-after programme for postgraduate students with an interest in economics, finance, and policymaking. This in-person experience promises to be educational, competitive, and career-enhancing, providing students with a chance to interact with leading professionals in the industry.
With accommodation and transport covered for those outside of Pretoria and Johannesburg, SARB ensures that all qualifying students have equal access to this prestigious opportunity.
Interested students are encouraged to apply before 17 March 2025 to secure their place in this transformative learning experience. For more information, visit SARB’s official website and submit your application before the deadline.
