SAADP Bursary Programme 2026/2027 The South African Actuarial Development Programme (SAADP) Bursary Programme provides financial and developmental support to talented South African students who aspire to pursue a career in Actuarial Science and related quantitative fields. The programme is designed to help address financial barriers while developing a more diverse and inclusive actuarial profession in South Africa. In addition to financial assistance, successful beneficiaries can receive academic support, mentorship, psychosocial assistance, personal development opportunities and professional readiness support. The SAADP focuses on supporting talented Black and Coloured students who demonstrate strong academic potential, particularly in Mathematics, and who come from financially needy backgrounds. Bursary Coverage The SAADP bursary provides comprehensive support to successful applicants. Depending on the approved funding package, support may include: University tuition fees Accommodation or residence Meals Prescribed textbooks and study materials Living allowances Academic support Mentorship Psychosocial support Personal development workshops Professional and workplace readiness development Leadership development Alumni networking opportunities The programme is designed to provide more than financial assistance by offering wraparound support to help students succeed academically and develop professionally. The exact funding package and support provided should be confirmed with SAADP during the application and selection process. Fields of Study The primary focus of the bursary is Actuarial Science. Applicants interested in related quantitative degree programmes may also be considered as part of SAADP's broader development pathway. Related fields listed by SAADP include: Actuarial Science Statistics and Data Science Mathematical Statistics Statistical Sciences Mathematical Science Applied Statistics Applied Mathematics Computational and Applied Mathematics Mathematical Science – Computer Science Economics and Mathematical Statistics Eligibility for funding may depend on the specific qualification, university and SAADP's current programme requirements. Applicants should carefully confirm whether their chosen qualification and institution are supported before applying. Who Can Apply? The SAADP bursary is aimed at talented students who meet the programme's academic, demographic and financial requirements. Applicants should generally: Be a South African citizen. Be Black or Coloured. Demonstrate strong academic potential. Have a strong academic performance, particularly in Mathematics. Come from a financially needy or underprivileged family background. Be applying to or studying towards Actuarial Science or an eligible related quantitative qualification. Be studying or applying to study at an accredited university supported by the SAADP programme. The current SAADP application portal states that applicants should be studying or applying for Actuarial Science at an accredited university, while SAADP's broader programme information also identifies selected related quantitative degree programmes. Applicants should therefore check the latest requirements for their specific qualification and institution. Grade 12 Learners Grade 12 learners who are interested in pursuing Actuarial Science are encouraged to apply if they meet the relevant academic and financial criteria. SAADP's published requirements indicate that Grade 12 applicants should demonstrate the potential to achieve at least 80% (Level 7) in key subjects, particularly: Mathematics English Physical Sciences, where applicable Physical Sciences may not be compulsory at every university offering Actuarial Science, so applicants should check the specific admission requirements of their chosen institution. Students are also encouraged to write the National Benchmark Tests (NBT) where required and apply for admission to their chosen university as early as possible. Current University Students The programme may also support students who are already studying Actuarial Science. SAADP's published information indicates that current students in their: First year Second year Third year may be considered, subject to meeting the programme's academic, financial and other eligibility requirements. Students should confirm the current participating universities and programme requirements before applying. Participating Universities SAADP's current programme information identifies the following universities as participating institutions: University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) University of Pretoria (UP) University of Cape Town (UCT) SAADP has also indicated plans to expand its university partnerships. Applicants should check the latest information directly with SAADP to confirm whether their chosen institution and qualification are currently supported. Students interested in studying at other ASSA-accredited universities may still need to apply for admission to a participating institution to qualify for SAADP support, depending on the current programme rules. Academic Requirements Strong academic performance is an important part of the SAADP selection process. Applicants should have a strong academic record, particularly in Mathematics and other relevant subjects. For prospective Grade 12 applicants, SAADP's published guidance recommends aiming for at least: 80% (Level 7) in Mathematics 80% (Level 7) in English 80% (Level 7) in Physical Sciences, where applicable Because Actuarial Science is highly competitive, SAADP also advises learners to aim for the highest marks possible. Meeting the minimum academic requirements does not necessarily guarantee admission to university or selection for the bursary. Financial Need Applicants should come from a financially needy or underprivileged background. The programme aims to help talented students who have the academic potential to pursue Actuarial Science but may face financial barriers that could prevent them from accessing or completing their studies. Applicants may be required to provide supporting information or documentation relating to their household and financial circumstances during the application process. What Makes the SAADP Bursary Different? The SAADP programme goes beyond traditional financial assistance. Successful beneficiaries can receive support throughout their academic journey, including: Financial support Academic development Mentorship Psychosocial assistance Personal development Leadership development Professional readiness Workplace exposure Networking opportunities The programme aims to help students not only enter the actuarial profession but also develop the skills, confidence and support network needed to succeed in a demanding academic and professional environment. How to Apply Applicants can apply online through the SAADP bursary application portal. The application process generally involves: Create your application profile. Complete the online application form. Provide accurate personal, academic and financial information. Upload the required supporting documents. Submit your application before the closing date. Applicants who progress through the selection process may be contacted for further assessment or information. The current SAADP application portal indicates that the application takes approximately 15 minutes to complete and allows applicants to save their progress and continue later. Applicants should prepare their required documents before starting the application. Application Closing Date The current SAADP application portal states that applications close on: 30 September Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline and not wait until the final day. Because application deadlines and programme requirements can change, applicants should verify the current closing date on the official SAADP application portal before submitting their application. Important Information for Applicants Applicants must provide accurate and truthful information. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee that an applicant will receive funding. Bursary awards are subject to the SAADP selection process and availability of funding. Applicants should also apply for other relevant bursary opportunities where possible. Students should ensure they meet the admission requirements of their chosen university and qualification. Applicants should confirm that their chosen qualification and institution are supported by SAADP. Students pursuing Actuarial Science through the ASSA examination-only route are not funded by SAADP; SAADP funding is linked to eligible degree pathways at supported universities. Contact Details For bursary application enquiries: Email: myapplication@saadp.co.za Telephone: +27 (0) 11 642 2202 SAADP Head Office: 17 Fricker Road Illovo Sandton Johannesburg, 2196 Applicants should contact SAADP directly if they have questions about eligibility, required documents, funding coverage or the application process. Apply Now If you are a talented South African student with a passion for Mathematics, strong academic potential and an ambition to pursue a career in Actuarial Science, the SAADP Bursary Programme could provide valuable financial, academic and professional support throughout your journey. Application Deadline: 30 September Similar Opportunity Interested in pursuing a career in Actuarial Science? You may also be interested in the Momentum Actuarial Science Youth Bursary 2027, which provides financial and developmental support to eligible university students studying Actuarial Science-related qualifications. View the Momentum Actuarial Science Youth Bursary 2027 https://careerunified.com/bursary/actuarial-science-youth-bursary-2027