Higher education can change your future, but many South African students can’t afford it. The Santam Bursary Programme offers a chance to study without the financial burden, and the deadline is fast approaching.
What the opportunity is
Santam Limited, through its Skills Development Academy, runs the Santam Bursary Programme 2027. The bursary fully funds students who want to work in short‑term insurance or related sectors. It is managed in partnership with StudyTrust.
- Programme: Santam Bursary Programme 2027
- Organisation: Santam Limited
- Partner: StudyTrust
- Funding type: Full bursary support
- Closing date: 30 September 2026
Who can apply (eligibility)
You must be a South African citizen who will be studying in 2027. Eligible study levels are:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Postgraduate diploma
- Honours degree
Eligible year groups:
- Second‑year students in 2027
- Third‑year students in 2027
- Final‑year undergraduate students in 2027
- Honours students in 2027
Fields of study that qualify:
- Actuarial Science
- Data Analytics
- Data Science
- Statistics
- Agriculture
- Civil Engineering
- Geomatics Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Construction
- Insurance Technical Accounting
- Economics
- Finance
- Mathematics
- Risk Management
What you gain (benefits and skills)
The bursary covers most study costs, including:
- Tuition and registration fees – tuition, registration and admin fees.
- Accommodation – residence fees, private housing support, deposits and admin costs.
- Learning materials – textbooks, e‑books and study manuals.
- Laptop funding – help to purchase a laptop for online learning.
- Monthly allowance – for day‑to‑day living expenses.
- Transport allowance – travel costs where applicable.
Beyond money, you will join a talent pipeline that offers:
- Professional development programmes
- Mentorship from industry experts
- Networking events
- Leadership and skills‑building initiatives
These experiences aim to improve your employability after graduation.
How to apply (step‑by‑step)
- Gather documents:
- Certified copy of your South African ID
- Latest academic results
- Proof of registration (if you have it)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Proof of residence
- Any other documents requested in the application
- Go to the online portal: Apply via the StudyTrust platform at StudyTrust Bursary Platform.
- Complete the form: Fill in every required field accurately.
- Upload your documents: Ensure files are clear and, where needed, certified.
- Submit before the deadline: Late applications are usually not considered. Deadline is 30 September 2026.
Tips to improve your chances
- Keep your grades strong – bursaries are highly competitive.
- Double‑check that every required document is attached.
- Submit early; don’t wait until the last day.
- Write a clear, professional CV that highlights leadership and extracurricular activities.
- Show genuine interest in your chosen field of study.
Conclusion and next steps
The Santam Bursary Programme 2027 is a valuable option for students in actuarial science, data science, engineering, agriculture, finance or risk management. If you meet the eligibility criteria, gather your paperwork and apply online before 30 September 2026. Taking these steps could give you the financial support and industry exposure you need to launch a successful career in South Africa’s growing insurance and related sectors.
