South African Actuarial Development Programme (SAADP) Bursary

Who can apply

• The bursary will be awarded for studies towards an Actuarial Science and related qualifications, at one of the SAADP partner universities: University of Cape Town (UCT), University of Pretoria (UP) or University of the Witwatersrand (Wits).
• Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying for the bursary (please note that failure to satisfy all the requirements will lead to your application not being considered):
• You must be a South African citizen
• You must be currently in Matric and will be entering your 1st year of study in 2027 OR you must be in 1st, 2nd, 3rd or Honours level of study
• You must be studying or intend on studying towards an Actuarial Science qualification
• You must be studying or intend on studying at one of SAADP partner universities: University of Cape Town (UCT) University of Pretoria (UP) University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) Note: students from non-partner universities are welcome to apply however, they must have applied and accepted to study at any partner university.
• You must achieve a minimum result of 80% for Mathematics (not Mathematics Literacy) in Matric
• You must achieve a minimum result of 80% for English in Matric
• You must achieve a minimum result of 80% for Physical Science in Matric (this may not be required at some universities)
• You must demonstrate strong and consistent academic performance throughout your studies
• You must have proven financial need
• University of Cape Town (UCT)
• University of Pretoria (UP)
• University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
• Note: students from non-partner universities are welcome to apply however, they must have applied and accepted to study at any partner university.

How to apply

Applications are submitted directly to South African Actuarial Development - we do not collect applications. Read the eligibility criteria, prepare your supporting documents, then complete your application on the official page.

Full details

South African Actuarial Development Programme (SAADP) Bursary 2027

WHAT FIELDS OF STUDY DOES THE SAADP BURSARY PROGRAMME COVER?

The South African Actuaries Development Programme (SAADP) is inviting students to apply for their bursary programme, for the 2027 academic year.

The bursary will be awarded for studies towards an Actuarial Science and related qualifications, at one of the SAADP partner universities: University of Cape Town (UCT), University of Pretoria (UP) or University of the Witwatersrand (Wits).

Through their bursary programme, the SAADP aims to support high-potential learners from disadvantaged backgrounds, and at the same time, transforming the actuarial profession in South Africa.

WHAT EXPENSES DOE THE SAADP BURSARY COVER?

Bursaries are renewable each year based on academic performance and availability of funds.

Bursary recipients will receive the following support:

• Financial support, including the cover of tuition fees, accommodation (on-campus or approved residence housing), meal allowance, textbooks and study materials.
• Psychosocial support, including access to tutorials, mentoring, psychosocial, and academic development initiatives.
• Personal and Professional Development, including exposure to work-readiness programmes and leadership development.

WHAT IS THE SELECTION PROCESS FOR THE SAADP BURSARY?

After applications are received, they are initially screened based on the supporting documents submitted, as well as academic performance (Grade 11 final results and Grade 12 June results where applicable). Screened applications are thereafter forwarded to universities for further verification.

Successful candidates will receive a formal bursary offer via the application portal. Applicants must monitor the portal for any change of status.

WHAT ARE THE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR THE SAADP BURSARY?

Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying for the bursary (please note that failure to satisfy all the requirements will lead to your application not being considered):

• You must be a South African citizen
• You must be currently in Matric and will be entering your 1st year of study in 2027 OR you must be in 1st, 2nd, 3rd or Honours level of study
• You must be studying or intend on studying towards an Actuarial Science qualification
• You must be studying or intend on studying at one of SAADP partner universities: University of Cape Town (UCT) University of Pretoria (UP) University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) Note: students from non-partner universities are welcome to apply however, they must have applied and accepted to study at any partner university.
• You must achieve a minimum result of 80% for Mathematics (not Mathematics Literacy) in Matric
• You must achieve a minimum result of 80% for English in Matric
• You must achieve a minimum result of 80% for Physical Science in Matric (this may not be required at some universities)
• You must demonstrate strong and consistent academic performance throughout your studies
• You must have proven financial need

HOW CAN I APPLY FOR THE SAADP BURSARY?

Applications must be submitted online at: SAADP Bursary Application 2027

Applicants will be required to Register an account before they can Login and apply.

Enter “www.zabursaries.co.za” in the field asking how you heard about the SAADP bursary.

WHAT DOCUMENTS MUST I SUBMIT FOR THE SAADP BURSARY?

Submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation along with your completed application (the submission of these documents is compulsory - if any items are missing, your application may be disqualified):

• ID document/ ID card (certified copy)
• Grade 11 final results and Matric June results, if currently in Matric (Matric final results must be submitted as soon as received)
• Academic transcript, if currently at university
• Matric final statement of results/ NSC certificate (to be submitted when Matric results are released) (certified copy)
• Acceptance/ provisional admission letter to one of the partner universities (on institutions letterhead)

WHEN IS THE CLOSING DATE FOR THE SAADP BURSARY?

30 September 2026.(Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted - please apply before the closing date to ensure your application is considered.)

HOW CAN I CONTACT THE BURSARY PROVIDER?

For any queries related to this bursary programme, please contact the SAADP directly:Tel: 011 642 2202Email: myapplication@saadp.co.za

WHAT DOES SAADP DO?

The South African Actuaries Development Programme (SAADP), established in 2003, is an independent and non-profit company. The SAADP was founded when it was identified that the South African economy lacked black actuarial skills. Previously chaired by Cyril Ramaphosa, the SAADP has since produced more than 200 Actuarial Science graduates.

The programme is funded by various donors, including: First Rand Foundation; Deloitte; Discovery; Insight; Sasria SOC Limited; Bankseta and INSETA. The companies core values include: Proudly South African; Excellence; Integrity; Professionalism; Transparency; Gender-agnostic; Supportive and nurturing.

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