Bursary Provider: Sanlam Group
Programme: Actuarial Bursary Programme
Academic Year: 2027
Location: Bellville, Western Cape (with national study placement)
Closing Date: 30 June 2026

Sanlam Group has officially opened applications for its prestigious Actuarial Bursary Programme for 2027, offering full financial support to high-performing South African learners and university students who aspire to become professional actuaries.

This bursary is among the most competitive finance bursaries in South Africa, combining full funding, mentorship, vacation work, and guaranteed employment after successful completion of studies.

About Sanlam Group

Sanlam is one of South Africa’s largest and most respected financial services groups, with a legacy of over 100 years in insurance, investments, and financial planning.

Through Sanlam Life and Savings (SLS), the group actively invests in developing future actuarial professionals to strengthen South Africa’s financial sector and ensure long-term skills sustainability.

About the Sanlam Actuarial Bursary Programme

The Sanlam Actuarial Bursary supports:

• Matric learners who plan to study Actuarial Science in 2027
• Current full-time Actuarial Science students in their 1st, 2nd, or 3rd year

The programme is designed for candidates with exceptional mathematical ability, discipline, and long-term commitment to the actuarial profession.

Who Can Apply?

1. Undergraduate Actuarial Science Students

Applicants must:

• Be South African citizens
• Be registered full-time for Actuarial Science (1st–3rd year)
• Demonstrate strong academic performance
• Show leadership potential and commitment to the profession

2. School-Leaving Learners (Class of 2026)

Applicants must:

• Intend to study Actuarial Science in 2027
• Achieve 90%+ in Mathematics
• Have an overall A aggregate
• Demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving ability

⚠️ This bursary is highly selective. Only top-performing learners and students are considered.

What the Sanlam Actuarial Bursary Covers

Successful candidates receive comprehensive financial and professional support, including:

• Full tuition and accommodation fees
• Book allowance and general living allowance
• Ongoing mentorship from Sanlam actuaries
• Vacation work and structured workplace exposure
• Support for actuarial board examinations
• Rotational work exposure across Sanlam business units
• Guaranteed employment after successful completion of studies

This makes the bursary a direct pathway into a professional actuarial career.

Required Documents

For University Students

• Full academic transcripts
• Proof of registration / fee statement
• Matric certificate
• Certified copy of ID
• Comprehensive CV (academics, leadership, activities)
• Motivation answering:
  • What does an actuary do?
  • Why actuarial science?
  • Why you can succeed as an actuary
  • Why Sanlam should select you
  • Alternative career plans if actuarial studies are unsuccessful

For School-Leaving Learners

• Final Grade 11 (2025) results
• Grade 12 mid-year (2026) results
• NBT results (if available)
• Comprehensive CV
• Motivation covering the same questions above

How to Apply for the Sanlam Actuarial Bursary 2027

Click here to apply for the Sanlam Actuarial Bursary Programme

Important:

• Applications must be completed online only
• No email or late applications will be accepted
• If you do not receive feedback by 1 October 2026, please consider your application unsuccessful

Employment Equity

Sanlam is committed to transformation, diversity, and inclusion. Bursaries are awarded on merit while considering the Group’s Employment Equity Plan and targets.

Career Opportunities After Completion

Graduates supported through the Sanlam Actuarial Bursary may progress into roles such as:

• Actuarial Analyst
• Pricing Actuary
• Risk Analyst
• Corporate & Retail Actuary
• Senior Actuarial Specialist

Long-term pathways include:

• Qualified Actuary (FASSA)
• Executive leadership roles in finance and insurance
• International actuarial opportunities

YouthScope Advice for Applicants

To improve your chances:

• Maintain excellent Mathematics results
• Strengthen logical reasoning and data analysis skills
• Prepare a clear, structured motivation
• Demonstrate long-term commitment to actuarial science
• Apply early and double-check all documents

📌 Also explore: Internships & Graduate Programmes in Finance

Closing Date

 30 June 2026
Late applications will not be considered.