Can I apply for a Sanlam bursary if I want to study at a university outside of Cape Town?

Yes. Sanlam funds students at any accredited South African university, though the main offices for vacation work are in Bellville and Johannesburg.

Does Sanlam fund students who are already in their second or third year of actuarial science?

Yes. Sanlam considers applications at various stages of study, though first-year applicants receive the most competitive packages.

What actuarial exams will I write while on the Sanlam bursary?

You will write exams set by the Actuarial Society of South Africa (ASSA). Sanlam provides study support for professional actuarial exams alongside your university studies.

Is there a minimum number of actuarial subjects I need to pass to keep my bursary?

Yes. You must maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined in your bursary agreement. Failing to progress may result in suspension of funding.

Last updated: June 2026— Information is subject to change. Always verify with the relevant government department.

Sanlam Bursary 2026 — Actuarial Science, Finance and Mathematics

Sanlam is one of South Africa's largest insurance and financial services groups, and its bursary programme focuses on actuarial science, mathematics, statistics, computer science and finance. The programme is one of the most competitive in the private sector and comes with significant mentorship and networking benefits.

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About the Sanlam Group Bursary

Sanlam was founded in 1918 and is today a diversified financial services group listed on the JSE. The group operates in over 40 countries and manages hundreds of billions of rands in assets. Sanlam is one of the largest employers of actuaries and data scientists in South Africa. The Sanlam bursary is aimed at top-performing students in quantitative disciplines. Recipients receive financial support from first year through to honours level, along with structured vacation work and a clear career path within the group.

What the Bursary Covers

Full tuition and registration fees at a South African university
Annual book and laptop allowance
Monthly living stipend
Paid vacation work at Sanlam offices in Bellville or Johannesburg
Mentorship from senior actuaries and data scientists

Eligibility Requirements

Citizenship: South African citizen or permanent resident
Study level: Undergraduate or honours degree at a South African university
Fields of study: Actuarial Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Quantitative Finance, Data Science
Academic average: Minimum 80% for actuarial science; 70% for other disciplines. Strong Mathematics results essential.
Financial need: Financial need is considered but academic merit is the primary requirement
Work-back obligation: One year of work-back for every year of funding, at Sanlam or a Sanlam subsidiary

When to Apply

Applications typically open in August and close in October. First-year university students should apply between August and October before their first year of study.

How to Apply — Step by Step

Visit the Sanlam careers portal at www.sanlam.co.za/careers
Search for the bursary programme under graduate opportunities
Register and complete the online application form
Upload academic results, ID and supporting documents
Shortlisted candidates complete online assessments
Final candidates attend interviews at Sanlam offices in Bellville or Johannesburg

Documents Required

Certified copy of South African ID
Matric certificate with results
Most recent academic transcript
Proof of registration or conditional acceptance at university
Motivational letter
Two reference letters from teachers or professors
Proof of household income

Tips and Additional Information

The Sanlam actuarial bursary is widely regarded as one of the top corporate bursaries in South Africa. Actuarial students at UCT, Wits and the University of Pretoria frequently receive Sanlam support. The company also runs an Actuarial Graduate Programme that bursary recipients can enter directly after graduating.

Contact Details

Official website: https://www.sanlam.co.za
Email: graduates@sanlam.co.za
Phone: 021 947 9111
Sanlam head office is in Bellville, Western Cape. The bursary programme is administered from Bellville.

Frequently Asked Questions

Disclaimer: CitizenHelp is an independent information resource and is not affiliated with any government department. This content is for general guidance only. Always verify with official sources before taking action.