Old Mutual Actuarial Science Bursaries 2026: A Structured Pathway Into a High-Demand Career
The Old Mutual Actuarial Science Bursaries 2026 programme has opened applications, presenting a structured and fully funded pathway for academically strong South African students to enter one of the most technically demanding and financially rewarding professions in the market. With a closing date set for 30 May 2026, the programme targets learners and university students committed to pursuing actuarial science at selected institutions across South Africa.
- A Strategic Investment in Actuarial Talent
- Comprehensive Financial Coverage
- Beyond Funding: Integrated Career Development
- Approved Universities for Study
- Academic and Eligibility Requirements
- Application Process: Structured Multi-Stage Selection
- Required Supporting Documentation
- Equity Considerations and Selection Preferences
- Key Deadlines and Communication Timeline
- Why This Bursary Matters in the Current Market
- Application and Enquiries
- Conclusion
Unlike standard bursary schemes, this initiative extends beyond academic funding. It integrates education, professional development, and employment into a single pipeline, aligning talent development directly with workforce demand in the financial services sector.
A Strategic Investment in Actuarial Talent
The bursary programme, offered by Old Mutual, is positioned as a long-term investment in actuarial talent. Actuarial science plays a critical role in risk assessment, insurance modeling, and financial forecasting—areas that are central to modern financial systems.
The programme is designed for candidates who intend to qualify as actuaries, a profession that requires rigorous academic performance, specialized examinations, and practical experience. By linking funding with employment, Old Mutual effectively reduces the uncertainty often associated with long-term professional qualification paths.
Comprehensive Financial Coverage
The bursary provides full financial support, removing the primary barriers to entry for students pursuing actuarial studies. The coverage includes:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation in university residences
- Meals
- Study materials
- Return flights home for students studying away from their primary residence
Students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance may also receive additional incentives, reinforcing a performance-driven structure within the programme.
Beyond Funding: Integrated Career Development
The programme’s design extends beyond financial assistance. It incorporates several professional development components intended to prepare candidates for the actuarial profession:
- Vacation work opportunities within the company
- Structured networking with industry professionals
- Ongoing mentorship and career guidance
- Personal and professional development programmes
- Guaranteed employment at Old Mutual upon graduation
This integrated model positions the bursary as both an academic support system and a direct employment pipeline.
Approved Universities for Study
Applicants must either be enrolled or planning to enroll at one of the following South African universities:
- University of Cape Town
- University of Pretoria
- University of the Witwatersrand
- University of Johannesburg
- Stellenbosch University
- North-West University
- University of the Free State
- University of KwaZulu-Natal (noted as no longer ASSA accredited)
These institutions are recognized for their actuarial science programmes, ensuring that bursary recipients are trained within academically rigorous environments.
Academic and Eligibility Requirements
The selection criteria are explicitly performance-driven, reflecting the technical demands of actuarial science. Applicants must:
- Be South African citizens
- Achieve at least 80% in Mathematics
- Achieve 60% in English Home Language or 70% in English First Additional Language
- Achieve 70% in all other subjects
- Be accepted or applying to one of the listed universities
- Demonstrate commitment to qualifying as an actuary
- Be willing to work for Old Mutual after graduation
These requirements establish a high academic threshold, consistent with the profession’s analytical rigor.
Application Process: Structured Multi-Stage Selection
The application process is designed to assess both academic capability and professional suitability.
What the process achieves
It filters candidates through multiple evaluation stages, ensuring alignment between technical competence, behavioral attributes, and long-term career commitment.
Steps involved
- Apply online via the Old Mutual careers portal
- Download and complete the bursary motivation form
- Submit a one-page CV
- Complete a gamified assessment
- If shortlisted, complete psychometric assessments
- Attend a virtual interview (final stage)
This multi-layered approach reflects industry hiring standards for high-skill roles.
Required Supporting Documentation
Applicants must submit the following:
- One-page CV
- Completed bursary motivation form
- Grade 10–12 school reports
- Matric certificate (if available)
- University acceptance letter (if available)
- Academic transcript (for current students)
- Certified copy of ID
Incomplete applications are not considered, reinforcing the programme’s strict compliance requirements.
Equity Considerations and Selection Preferences
The programme incorporates targeted inclusion measures. Preference is given to:
- Candidates from disadvantaged backgrounds
- Persons with disabilities
Additionally, applicants under the age of 18 must provide parental or guardian consent.
Key Deadlines and Communication Timeline
- Application closing date: 30 May 2026
- Feedback cut-off date: 31 July 2026
Applicants who do not receive communication by the feedback deadline should consider their application unsuccessful. This defined timeline provides clarity and avoids prolonged uncertainty for candidates.
Why This Bursary Matters in the Current Market
The actuarial profession remains one of the most specialized and high-demand fields within financial services. The Old Mutual bursary model addresses several structural challenges:
- Access to education: Full funding eliminates financial barriers
- Skills development: Integrated mentorship and training improve qualification rates
- Employment alignment: Guaranteed job placement reduces graduate unemployment risk
For students with strong mathematical ability, this programme offers a rare combination of academic funding, professional development, and career certainty.
Application and Enquiries
Applications must be submitted via the official Old Mutual careers platform.
For further enquiries:
Email: earlycareers@oldmutual.com
Conclusion
The Old Mutual Actuarial Science Bursaries 2026 programme represents a structured, end-to-end pathway into one of the most technically demanding professions in finance. By combining full financial support, academic development, and guaranteed employment, it creates a controlled pipeline from education to industry placement.
For eligible candidates, the programme is not simply a bursary—it is a long-term career framework with clearly defined outcomes.
