Higher education remains one of the biggest investments a young South African can make in their future. Unfortunately, many talented students face financial barriers that make it difficult to complete their studies.
Check if you Qualify for this Bursary Before you Apply
To address this challenge while simultaneously building the future skills needed in South Africa’s financial services sector, Santam Limited has established the Santam Bursary Programme through its Skills Development Academy.
The bursary programme is specifically designed to support academically talented students who wish to pursue careers linked to the short-term insurance industry and other critical economic sectors.
If you are currently studying towards a qualification in actuarial science, engineering, agriculture, data science, finance, risk management or related fields, this bursary could provide the financial support you need to complete your studies and launch a successful career.
Quick Overview
- Programme: Santam Bursary Programme 2027
- Organisation: Santam Limited
- Partner Organisation: StudyTrust
- Funding Type: Full Bursary Support
- Closing Date: 30 September 2026
Study Levels Supported:
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Postgraduate Diploma
- Honours Degree
Eligible Applicants:
- South African citizens
- Second-year students in 2027
- Third-year students in 2027
- Final-year undergraduate students in 2027
- Honours students in 2027
Fields of Study:
- Actuarial Science
- Data Analytics
- Data Science
- Statistics
- Agriculture
- Civil Engineering
- Geomatics Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Construction
- Insurance Technical Accounting
- Economics
- Finance
- Mathematics
- Risk Management
Application Method: Online
Why Santam Invests in Bursaries
The insurance industry is becoming increasingly dependent on specialised skills.
Modern insurers need professionals who can:
- Analyse large datasets
- Assess and manage risk
- Develop financial models
- Evaluate climate-related risks
- Support agricultural sustainability
- Assess infrastructure and property risks
- Drive innovation through technology
By funding students in these critical disciplines, Santam aims to create a sustainable pipeline of future professionals who will help strengthen South Africa’s economy and insurance sector.
The programme is intended to produce graduates who possess:
- Strong technical expertise
- Leadership potential
- Professional ethics
- Analytical thinking skills
- Problem-solving abilities
- Industry-relevant knowledge
Who Can Apply?
Applications are open to South African citizens who will be studying in 2027.
Students pursuing the following qualifications are encouraged to apply:
Actuarial and Data-Related Fields
- Actuarial Science
- Data Analytics
- Data Science
- Statistics
- Mathematics
These qualifications are highly sought after within the insurance and financial services industries due to the growing importance of predictive modelling, artificial intelligence and risk analysis.
Agriculture
Students studying agriculture-related qualifications may also apply.
Agriculture remains a major focus area for insurers because farming operations face risks associated with weather conditions, natural disasters, crop damage and livestock losses.
Engineering
The programme supports students studying:
- Civil Engineering
- Geomatics Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
Engineering professionals play an important role in insurance assessments, infrastructure evaluations and risk mitigation strategies.
Construction
Students pursuing construction-related qualifications are also eligible.
Construction expertise assists insurers when evaluating building projects, property risks and claims assessments.
Finance and Insurance Disciplines
The bursary supports students studying:
- Insurance Technical Accounting
- Economics
- Finance
- Risk Management
These qualifications align directly with many specialist careers within the insurance sector.
What Does the Santam Bursary Cover?
One of the most attractive features of this programme is the comprehensive financial support offered to successful applicants.
The bursary covers various study-related expenses, subject to approved limits.
Funding may include:
Tuition and Registration Fees
- Registration costs
- Tuition fees
- Academic administration fees
Accommodation Costs
- Student residence fees
- Private accommodation support
- Deposits
- Administration costs
Learning Materials
- Prescribed textbooks
- E-books
- Study manuals
- Learning resources
Laptop Funding
Successful students may receive assistance towards obtaining a laptop to support their studies.
In today’s digital learning environment, access to technology is essential for academic success.
Monthly Allowance
Students may receive a monthly allowance to assist with everyday living expenses while studying.
Transport Allowance
The bursary may also provide assistance with travel and transport expenses where applicable.
Benefits Beyond Financial Support
The Santam Bursary Programme offers more than just funding.
Successful bursary recipients become part of a talent development pipeline designed to prepare them for future careers.
Additional benefits may include:
- Professional development opportunities
- Industry exposure
- Mentorship
- Networking opportunities
- Skills development initiatives
- Leadership development programmes
This exposure can significantly improve employability after graduation.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online before the closing date.
Step 1: Prepare Your Documents
Gather the following:
- Certified copy of your South African ID
- Latest academic results
- Proof of registration (if available)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Proof of residence
- Any supporting documents requested during the application process
Step 2: Complete the Online Application
Applications are managed through StudyTrust.
Visit: StudyTrust Bursary Platform here
Complete all required sections carefully and accurately.
Step 3: Upload Supporting Documents
Ensure all documents are clear, certified where required and submitted before the deadline.
Step 4: Submit Before the Deadline
Late applications are generally not considered.
Closing Date: 30 September 2026
Tips to Improve Your Chances of Selection
Competition for bursaries is usually very strong.
To increase your chances:
- Maintain strong academic performance
- Submit all required documents
- Ensure information is accurate
- Apply well before the closing date
- Demonstrate commitment to your chosen field
- Prepare a professional CV
- Highlight leadership and extracurricular activities
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Edupstairs Advice
The Santam Bursary Programme 2027 is one of the most valuable opportunities currently available for students pursuing scarce and future-focused qualifications.
If you are studying in any of the eligible fields, do not wait until the last minute to apply. Start preparing your documents now, update your academic records, and ensure your application is submitted before the closing date.
Students pursuing actuarial science, data science, engineering and risk management qualifications should particularly consider this opportunity because these sectors continue to offer strong career prospects and long-term growth potential in South Africa.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Who can apply for the Santam Bursary Programme 2027?
South African citizens studying towards approved Bachelor’s, Postgraduate Diploma or Honours qualifications in eligible fields.
- Does the bursary cover accommodation?
Yes. Accommodation support may be provided, including deposits and administration fees, subject to approved limits.
- Does the bursary provide a laptop?
Yes. The bursary includes laptop funding where applicable.
- Can Honours students apply?
Yes. Honours students are encouraged to apply.
- Can first-year students apply?
The programme primarily targets students who will be in their second, third or final undergraduate year, as well as Honours students in 2027.
- What is the application deadline?
Applications close on 30 September 2026.
- Is the bursary only for insurance students?
No. The programme also supports fields such as engineering, agriculture, actuarial science, finance, data science, statistics and risk management.
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Disclaimer
Edupstairs is not affiliated with Santam or StudyTrust. Information provided in this article is based on the official bursary advertisement. Applicants should always verify details and application requirements on the official application platform before submitting their applications.
EDUPSTAIRS IS A REGISTERED NON-PROFIT ORGANISATION NPO No: 232 – 182, PUBLIC BENEFIT ORGANISATION (PBO): 930066984. EDUPSTAIRS DOES NOT, IN ANY WAY OR FORM, SOLICIT MONEY OR CV’S FROM PEOPLE FOR JOBS. PLEASE BE AWARE OF PHONY JOB POSTINGS AND RECRUITMENT FRAUD. USE THE EDUPSTAIRS SCAM DETECTOR TOOL TO SPOT A SCAM BEFORE YOU APPLY