Top Insurance Bursaries and Funding for Students in South Africa

Top Insurance Bursaries and Funding for Students in South Africa 2026

Why Insurance Bursaries Matter

The insurance industry in South Africa is booming, offering careers in actuarial science, risk management, finance, data analysis, and business administration. But getting the right qualification often comes at a high cost.

This is where insurance bursaries and student funding step in. Many of South Africa’s top insurance companies invest in students by covering tuition, accommodation, and even offering work-back opportunities after graduation.

If you’re passionate about numbers, finance, and risk management, here are the top insurance bursaries in South Africa for 2026.

Top Insurance Bursaries in South Africa 2026

1. Old Mutual Bursary Programme

Covers tuition, accommodation, meals, and prescribed textbooks.
Focuses on Actuarial Science, Accounting, and Finance.
Offers vacation work and guaranteed employment upon graduation.
Requires strong academic performance, especially in Mathematics.

2. Sanlam Bursary Scheme

Designed for students studying Actuarial Science and related fields.
Covers tuition, accommodation, and allowances.
Includes mentorship, vacation work, and graduate employment opportunities.
Applicants need excellent academic records and a passion for financial services.

Top Insurance Bursaries and Funding for Students in South Africa

3. Discovery Bursary Programme

Supports degrees in Actuarial Science, IT, Data Science, and Health Sciences.
Covers full tuition plus allowances for study materials.
Offers internships and career opportunities within Discovery Group.
Focused on innovative, tech-driven students.

4. Momentum Metropolitan Bursary

Provides bursaries for Actuarial Science, Business, and Finance students.
Covers study-related costs and offers graduate programme entry.
Applicants must have good results in Mathematics and related subjects.

5. Hollard Insurance Bursary

Funds studies in Risk Management, Insurance, Finance, and Business.
May include mentorship and vacation work.
Encourages applications from historically disadvantaged backgrounds.

6. Liberty Actuarial Science Bursary

Full bursary covering tuition, residence, meals, and allowances.
Focused on Actuarial Science students.
Includes work-back agreements and structured mentorship.

General Requirements for Insurance Bursaries

While requirements differ per company, most expect:

South African citizenship or permanent residency
Strong academic performance (especially in Mathematics and Science)
Acceptance or registration at a recognized university
Commitment to work in the insurance or finance industry after graduation
Good communication and leadership skills

Top Insurance Bursaries and Funding for Students in South Africa

What Insurance Bursaries Typically Cover

Full tuition fees
Accommodation and meals (or allowance)
Prescribed textbooks and study materials
Monthly living allowance
Vacation work and mentorship programmes
Guaranteed employment after graduation (work-back contract)
Top Insurance Bursaries and Funding for Students in South Africa

Benefits of Applying for Insurance Bursaries

Study without the stress of debt
Access to top insurance companies for internships
Mentorship from industry professionals
Higher chance of employment post-graduation
Build strong networks while still studying
Top Insurance Bursaries and Funding for Students in South Africa

How to Apply for Insurance Bursaries

Visit the official bursary page of the company (Old Mutual, Sanlam, Discovery, etc.).
Check eligibility requirements carefully.
Prepare supporting documents:
- ID copy
- Matric certificate/academic transcripts
- Proof of university acceptance/registration
- Motivational letter or essay
Submit your application online before the closing date.
Shortlisted candidates may go through interviews or assessments.

Conclusion

The insurance sector in South Africa is full of opportunities for ambitious students. With top bursaries from Old Mutual, Sanlam, Discovery, Liberty, Momentum, and Hollard, you can focus on your studies while building a career in one of the most secure industries.

If you’re talented in maths, finance, or data science, apply for these insurance bursaries in 2026 and secure your future today.

Top Insurance Bursaries and Funding for Students in South Africa