Cenfri Bursary 2025-2026
About Cenfri:
Cenfri, the Centre for Financial Regulation, is an independent African economic impact agency with locations in Cape Town, South Africa, and Kigali, Rwanda. The organization’s mission is to promote economic growth and increase the benefits of sustainable development for low-income households and businesses in emerging markets.
Cenfri collaborates with various stakeholders, including private foundations, UN agencies, governments, think tanks, multinational companies, universities, and tech innovators, to drive meaningful change. Over the past two decades, Cenfri has played a significant role in delivering impactful solutions in the economic and development sectors.
About the Cenfri Bursary Program:
Cenfri is offering bursaries for the 2025-2026 academic year to support students pursuing postgraduate (Masters) qualifications in Economics or related fields. The bursary covers tuition fees and provides a monthly stipend to recipients.
In addition to financial support, bursary recipients will benefit from:
- Guidance from a dedicated mentor throughout the academic year.
- Opportunities to gain work experience, including a minimum of six weeks of paid internship time at Cenfri’s offices in Durbanville and remote work options.
- Prospects for full-time employment as research analysts with Cenfri after successfully completing the program.
Selection for the Cenfri Bursary includes a panel interview, technical-ability assessments, and psychometric assessments. Applicants who do not receive feedback should consider their applications unsuccessful.
Eligibility Criteria for the Cenfri Bursary:
To qualify for the Cenfri Bursary, applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
- South African citizenship.
- Enrollment in a one-year or final year of a Masters-level qualification in Economics or a related field for the 2025-2026 academic year.
- Strong interest in research-related activities.
- Passion for development.
- A minimum overall GPA of 65% or higher in the current or most recent academic year at a higher education institution.
- Employment Equity (EE) candidate status.
- Demonstrated financial need.
- Proficiency in writing, presentation, interpersonal, quantitative, and analytical skills.
- Advanced English language skills (both verbal and written).
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Knowledge of Stata and experience in analyzing household survey data is advantageous.
- A strong passion for real-world development.
- Preference will be given to applicants residing in Cape Town to fully leverage workplace experience, mentorship, and company exposure.
How to Apply for the Cenfri Bursary:
Interested candidates can apply for the Cenfri Bursary by completing the online application form, which is available at the following link: Cenfri Bursary Application 2025-2026
When completing the application form, applicants should indicate that they heard about the Cenfri bursary through “Uni24.co.za.”
Ensure that you submit clear copies of the required supporting documentation along with your online application. These documents include:
- Certified copy of your ID document.
- Passport-sized photo.
- Full academic record, including your most recent results on institutional letterhead.
- A motivational essay supporting your application (see tips on how to write a motivational letter for bursary applications).
- Proof of parents or guardians’ income (latest payslips if employed, an affidavit if unemployed, or proof of pension or Sassa grant if applicable).
Closing Date for the Cenfri Bursary:
The closing date for applications for the Cenfri Bursary is 6 October 2025-2026. Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted, so it is important to apply before the deadline to ensure consideration.
Contact Information for Cenfri:
For any inquiries related to the Cenfri Bursary program, you can contact Cenfri directly using the following contact details:
- Telephone: 021 913 9510
- Email: info@cenfri.org
- Contact Page: Cenfri Contact Us
