If actuarial science is the goal and your Mathematics marks are strong enough, the South African Actuaries Development Programme (SAADP) Bursary is one of the most relevant funding routes to consider. It supports young South Africans who want to pursue Actuarial Science and combines financial support with academic and social-development support.
At a glance
Sponsor/host: South African Actuaries Development Programme (SAADP)
Opportunity type: Actuarial Science bursary
Who it’s for: South African students studying or intending to study Actuarial Science full-time
Location: South Africa; partner/university route includes Wits and related actuarial pathways
Study field: Actuarial Science
Closing date: 30 September 2026
Last verified: 20 May 2026
High-value notes (read this first)
This bursary is not a general finance bursary. It is focused on students who want to become actuaries and who can handle a demanding Actuarial Science degree. Grade 12 applicants need very strong marks, especially in pure Mathematics, and students are strongly advised to write the National Benchmark Test (NBT).
The support model is also broader than fees alone. SAADP’s university information confirms tuition, residence, meals, living allowance and textbook-fee support, together with mentorship, life-skills workshops, tutorials and social support. Continued funding depends on maintaining good academic progress.
About the sponsor
SAADP works to address the shortage of actuarial skills in South Africa, with a particular focus on developing young Black students with potential and interest in Actuarial Science. The programme is supported through donor and industry partnerships and is linked to university actuarial-science pathways.
Source Link: Wits – South African Actuaries Development Programme
What it covers
- Tuition
- Residence
- Meals
- Living allowances
- Textbook fees
- Academic and social support, including mentorship, life-skills workshops and tutorials
Eligibility
- Must be a South African national
- Must intend to study, or already be studying, Actuarial Science full-time
- Grade 12 applicants must have a passion for Actuarial Science and meet minimum entry requirements
- Grade 12 applicants should have Level 7 / 80% in pure Mathematics, Physical Science and English First Additional Language, or at least 70% in English Home Language
- Grade 12 applicants must have good Grade 11 final and Grade 12 June results
- University applicants must have a good academic record in first, second or third year of study
- Students from other universities may apply if they have applied and been accepted by Wits for Actuarial Science
Documents to prepare
Prepare your ID, latest academic results, university application or acceptance details, proof of household income and any supporting documents requested on the SAADP online application portal. Grade 12 learners should also plan around the NBT step early.
Closing date
30 September 2026.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Applying for a general finance or commerce qualification instead of Actuarial Science
- Applying with Maths Literacy instead of pure Mathematics
- Ignoring the NBT recommendation
- Submitting weak or incomplete academic records
- Not preparing proof of household income and supporting documents in advance
How this opportunity was verified
Verified against the SAADP online application portal, which shows the annual March-to-September application window, and the Wits SAADP information page, which confirms the bursary purpose, cover, eligibility expectations, support model and annual closing date.
How to apply
- Open the SAADP online application portal.
- Register or log in and complete the application form.
- Prepare and upload the supporting documents requested in the portal.
- Submit before the closing date.