Sanlam Actuarial Bursary Programme 2027 – A Real‑world Chance to Become an Actuary
If you’re a South African high‑school graduate or a university student who is ready to dive into actuarial science, the Sanlam Group has a scholarship that could change the course of your life. The Sanlam Actuarial Bursary Programme gives you a full‑time place in a university course, covers all your tuition and living costs, and guarantees you a job after you finish. The program is open for the 2027 academic year and the application deadline is 30 June 2026.
About the Sanlam Group
Sanlam Life and Savings is part of a long‑standing South African company that has been helping people plan their future for more than a century. The group works with individual customers and big businesses, and it has a strong focus on risk and money management. Sanlam sees the actuarial bursary as a way to bring fresh talent into the world of risk calculation and financial planning.
Who Can Get the Bursary?
The program is split into two clear groups:
- School‑leaving students who plan to start Actuarial Science in 2027.
- Current university students who are in their first, second or third year of Actuarial Science.
If you fit into one of these categories and you’re a South African citizen, you may be able to apply.
For Actuarial Science students
- You must be a full‑time student in year 1, 2 or 3.
- You need good grades and evidence that you can lead or work well in a team.
For school‑leaving students
- You should be planning to study Actuarial Science in 2027.
- Your maths grade must be above 90 %.
- You should have an overall A aggregate.
- You must show that you can solve problems, stay focused, and keep discipline.
What the Bursary Covers
If you win, you will receive a bundle of support that covers every major expense and gives you a smooth path to a career.
- Tuition and accommodation – your university fees and a place to live are paid.
- Allowance – a stipend to buy books and cover small living costs.
- Mentorship – experienced actuaries at Sanlam will guide you.
- Work experience – you’ll get paid jobs on holidays and a chance to network with people in the industry.
- Job guarantee – once you finish your studies, you’ll get a job at Sanlam.
- Exam support – the company will continue to help you pay for the board exams that you need to pass.
- Rotation across business areas – you’ll see how different parts of Sanlam work, which helps you decide where you want to focus.
What You Need to Send In
When you apply, put all the paperwork together. The list is a bit long, but it’s straightforward.
For university students
- Full academic transcripts.
- Proof that you’re registered at a university and a copy of your fee statement.
- Your matric certificate.
- A certified copy of your ID.
- A detailed CV that shows your studies, leadership roles and other activities.
- A short essay that answers:
- What does an actuary do?
- Why do you want to study actuarial science?
- Why do you think you can succeed?
- Why should Sanlam pick you?
- What would you do if you had to change your career path?
For school‑leaving applicants
- Grade‑11 results from 2025.
- Mid‑year results from Grade‑12 (2026).
- NBT results (if you have them).
- Final Grade‑12 results – these may be used to decide if you get in.
- A comprehensive CV.
- The same motivational essay as above.
How to Apply
The process is fully online.
- Go to the application page.
- Fill in the form, upload all the documents, and submit before 30 June 2026.
- Wait for feedback. If you haven’t heard by 1 October 2026, assume your application was not successful.
To apply for the Sanlam Actuarial Bursary Programme, visit the application link below:
Apply for the Sanlam Actuarial Bursary Programme
A Note on Diversity
Sanlam wants people from all backgrounds to join. Bursaries are awarded based on merit, but the company also keeps its Employment Equity Plan and targets in mind.
Deadline
The final date to submit is 30 June 2026. After that, no further applications will be considered.
Want to Know More?
If you’d like to find out what it’s like to work at Sanlam or to explore other opportunities, head over to the home page.