Getting real work experience in economics right now can set you ahead of the job market, and the South African Reserve Bank together with the Bureau for Economic Research is offering exactly that.
What the internship is
The SARB and BER are running the Economist Internship Programme 2027. It is a full‑time, year‑long placement that starts in January 2027 and ends in December 2027. Interns are paid a competitive salary and work at the Bureau for Economic Research in Stellenbosch, Western Cape.
Who can apply
- South African citizens only.
- Completed an Honours or Master’s degree in Economics.
- Finished postgraduate macro‑economics by January 2027.
- Fluent in English with strong written and oral communication.
What you will gain
- Hands‑on economic research and data analysis.
- Experience in macro‑economic modelling and forecasting.
- Practice in writing professional reports and presenting findings.
- Exposure to business‑oriented macro‑economic analysis.
- Optional Data Science for Economics pathway for those strong in programming, coding, and data tools.
- Networking with senior economists at the central bank and university.
How to apply
- Visit the official application page and click the apply button: SARB and BER Economist Internship Programme 2027.
- Complete the online form before the deadline (30 June 2026 at 09:00).
- Upload your academic transcripts, a CV, and a cover letter that explains why you want the role.
- Submit any supporting documents such as research reports, publications, or a GitHub portfolio if you are interested in the data‑science pathway.
- Wait for the short‑listing notice. Interviews will be held in July and August 2026.
Tips to improve your chances
- Show clear evidence of quantitative work – econometrics, statistics, Python, R, SQL or Excel modelling.
- Highlight any research projects, academic awards, or publications.
- If you have programming experience, include a link to a GitHub profile.
- Proofread your CV and cover letter for spelling and grammar errors.
- Prepare for possible psychometric tests and be ready for reference checks.
- Emphasise teamwork, communication, and presentation skills in your application.
Next steps
This internship can launch a career in central banking, policy research, consulting, or finance. Apply early, double‑check every document, and keep an eye on your email for interview invitations. Good luck – your future as an economist could start this year!
