2025/2026 SAADP Bursary Opened

The South African Actuaries Development Programme(SAADP) has opened its 2025/2026 Bursary program and is inviting all applicants to apply. All interested applicants should apply using the details below.

APPLICATION CLOSING DATE: 31 August 2025/2026.

The bursary is awarded each year for studies towards an Actuarial Science qualification (Bachelor of Science Degree & Bachelor of Economic Science Degree), only at one of the SAADP partner universities: UCT, UP or WITS.
 

MORE ABOUT THE SAADP BURSARY PROGRAMME – RENEWABILITY & COVERAGE VALUE

Bursaries are renewable each year based on academic performance and availability of funds.

The bursary will provide cover for the following expenses: tuition fees, textbooks allowance, accommodation in residence, meal allowance, and a living allowance.

Over and above the monetary coverage, students will also receive mentorship; additional tutorials; academic and social support from full-time programme Managers located at the partner universities.
 

ABOUT THE SAADP BURSARY PROGRAMME – APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS

All candidates will receive acknowledgment of their application via email or SMS, once their application has been received.

  • Step 1: applications will be screened to ensure they meet the basic requirements (the application was submitted before the deadline, in full, with all the required supporting documents and you met the university requirements),
  • Step 2: the Selection Committee screens applications (this is external to the SAADP) and submit a list of shortlisted candidates to the SAADP (students who have been rejected at this stage will be notified via email or SMS),
  • Step 3: Matric students will be required to submit their final matric results – the final screening will be based on your matric results and candidates who have not been successful wil be notified,
  • Step 4:
    • – Matric students who have been approved will be invited to a selection interview, held by the Selection Committee (this is external to the SAADP), at WITS,
    • – University students who have been approved will be assessed by the Selection Committee (this is external to the SAADP), in a special meeting in December, after the final exam results are released,
  • Step 5: successful candidates will be notified.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE SAADP BURSARY

Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying (please note that failure to satisfy all the requirements will lead to your application not being considered):
Matric/ Grade 12 students:

  • You must be a South African citizen
  • You must be currently in Matric
  • You must achieve a minimum result of 80% for Mathematics in Matric
  • You must achieve a minimum result of 80% for Physical Science in Matric
  • You must achieve a minimum result of 80% for English in Matric
  • You must intend on studying towards an Actuarial Science qualification (entering your 1st year of study in 2025/2026)
  • You must have applied to study at one of the SAADP partner universities: University of Cape Town, University of Pretoria or University of the Witwatersrand (to increase your chances of university acceptance, students are encouraged to apply to all 3 universities) (studies at any other university will NOT be accepted)
  • Students from commercial streams: you must apply to study Actuarial Science at UCT (UCT accepts students without Physical Science)

University students:

  • You must be a South African citizen
  • You must be from a previously disadvantaged background
  • You must be currently studying towards an Actuarial Science qualification
  • You must have achieved excellent academic results for your 1st, 2nd or 3rd year of study
  • You must achieve a minimum result of 70% in all major subjects
  • You must be studying at one of the SAADP partner universities: University of Cape Town, University of Pretoria or University of the Witwatersrand
  • Students pursuing studies at other universities: you may apply if you also applied to and were accepted to one of the SAADP partner universities, towards an Actuarial Science qualification (but you turned down the offer and selected another university)

HOW TO APPLY FOR THE SAADP BURSARY

Download and complete the application form in either of the following formats:
SAADP Bursary Application Form 2025/2026 (.xlsx)
SAADP Bursary Application Form 2025/2026 (.pdf)
 

Submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation along with your completed application form (the submission of these documents is compulsory – if any items are missing, your application may be disqualified):
Matric/ Grade 12 students:

  • ID document (certified copy)
  • 1 x recent photograph (passport sized)
  • Grade 11 end of year results (certified copy)
  • Grade 12 June results (certified copy)
  • National Benchmark Tests results (to be submitted by 31 August at the latest, via the fax number below)

University students:

  • ID document (certified copy)
  • 1 x recent photograph (passport sized)
  • Full academic transcripts, including most recent results (on institutions letterhead)

Applications must be submitted in one of the following ways:
1) Email: applications@saadp.co.za
(Insert the words “SAADP Bursary Application – Your Full Name” in the email subject line).

2) Post or courier:
PO Box 2460
Houghton
2041

3) Hand delivery:
60 Riviera Road
Office 115 Killarney Mall Office Towers
Houghton
Johannesburg
2041
 

CLOSING DATE FOR THE SAADP BURSARY

31 August 2025/2026.
(Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted – please apply before the closing date to ensure your application is considered.)
 

CONTACT THE BURSARY PROVIDER

For any queries related to this bursary programme, please contact the SAADP directly:
Tel: 011 642 2202
Fax: 011 486 1859 / 086 635 2372
Email: applications@saadp.co.za

Or contact the Programme Manager at your university (they will ensure that bursary recipients receive academic and psychosocially support):
University of the Witwatersrand:
Tel: 011 717 6296
Email: moses.mkhize@wits.ac.za
Physical address: West Campus, 2nd Floor, School of Actuarial Science, T. W. Kambule Mathematical Building

University of Pretoria
Tel: 012 420 6664
Email: refilwe.lehobo@up.ac.za
Physical address: Corner of Lynnwood Road and Roper Street, Hatfield Campus, Department of Actuarial Science, Office 1 -19 Mathematics Building, 1st Floor

University of Cape Town: they do not have a full-time Programme Manager, students must enquire with the SAADP Head Office
Tel: 011 642 2202
Email: nokwanda@saadp.co.za
Physical address: Level 5, Robert Leslie Commerce Building on Upper Campus, University of Cape Town


Did You Know : Top 15 Free Online Learning Platforms

  1. Free Online Education Degrees : Coursera:

    Coursera partners with universities and organizations worldwide to offer a wide range of courses. While many courses are free, a fee is often required for certification.

  2. Free Online Education Degrees: edX:

    Founded by MIT and Harvard, edX offers high-quality courses from top universities and institutions around the world. Certificates are available for a fee.

  3. Free Online Education Degrees : Khan Academy:

    Khan Academy provides free educational content in various subjects, especially mathematics and science, using instructional videos and practice exercises.

  4. Free Online Education Degrees : Udacity:

    Udacity focuses on tech-related courses and nanodegree programs, offering free content as well as more in-depth paid programs.

  5. Free Online Education Degrees : MIT OpenCourseWare (OCW):

    MIT OCW provides a vast array of MIT's course content for free, covering a wide range of disciplines.

  6. Free Online Education Degrees : Harvard Extension School:

    Harvard Extension School offers a selection of free online courses. While some courses are free, others may require payment for a certificate.

  7. Free Online Education Degrees: Stanford Online:

    Stanford Online offers a variety of free courses in different disciplines, including computer science, engineering, and business.

  8. Best Free Online Courses : Carnegie Mellon Open Learning Initiative (OLI):

    OLI offers free online courses and resources designed to improve learning outcomes through research-based methodologies.

  9. Best Free Online Courses : FutureLearn:

    FutureLearn partners with universities and institutions to offer a diverse range of free online courses. Certificates are available for a fee.

  10. Best Free Online Courses: Alison:

    Alison offers a wide range of free online courses, including diploma and certificate programs, covering various subjects.

  11. Best Free Online Courses: Open Yale Courses:

    Yale University provides free access to a selection of introductory courses through Open Yale Courses.

  12. Best Free Online Courses : UC Berkeley Online:

    UC Berkeley offers free online courses on a variety of subjects, ranging from computer science to humanities.

  13. Best Free Online Courses : Google Digital Garage:

    Google Digital Garage provides free courses on digital skills, including online marketing, data analysis, and more.

  14. Best Free Online Courses : Codecademy:

    Codecademy offers free coding courses, interactive exercises, and coding projects to help individuals learn programming languages.

  15. Best Free Online Courses : LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com):

    LinkedIn Learning provides a variety of video courses on professional development, technology, and creative skills. It offers a free trial period.




Did you know : International Scholarships 2024

There are several international scholarships available for South Africans to study abroad. Here are a few examples:

  1. Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Program: This program provides fully funded scholarships to study at selected universities in Africa, Europe, and North America. It is open to African students, including South Africans, who are committed to giving back to their communities.
  2. Commonwealth Scholarships: The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission offers scholarships for postgraduate study in the UK for citizens of Commonwealth countries, including South Africa. The scholarships cover tuition fees, travel costs, and a living allowance.
  3. Fulbright Foreign Student Program: The Fulbright program offers scholarships for South Africans to study at U.S. universities for a Master’s or PhD degree. The scholarship covers tuition, travel, living expenses, and health insurance.
  4. Erasmus+ Programme: The Erasmus+ programme offers scholarships for South Africans to study in Europe for a Master’s or PhD degree. The scholarship covers tuition fees, travel, and living expenses.
  5. Australia Awards Scholarships: The Australian government offers scholarships for South Africans to study at Australian universities. The scholarship covers tuition fees, travel costs, and a living allowance.

These are just a few examples of the many international scholarships available to South Africans. It is important to research the eligibility requirements and application deadlines for each scholarship program.