Time is short – the Old Mutual Imfundo Trust Scholarship 2027 closes on 30 September 2026, and it can cover all the costs of a university degree for a deserving black South African student.
What the scholarship is
The scholarship is a funding programme run by the Imfundo Trust, an Old Mutual Investment Group initiative. It uses dividend income to support students studying fields that feed the investment‑management sector and other future‑focused industries.
While the main aim is to develop black investment professionals, the Trust gives particular priority to black women who come from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Who can apply
To be eligible you must:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be in Grade 12 or in your first year of university (post‑graduate climate‑studies are an exception)
- Apply for an approved field of study (see below)
- Plan to study at one of the listed partner universities (see below)
- Have strong academic results (see marks section)
- Be able to complete the online StudyTrust application
Academic marks required
For Grade 12 applicants you need at least 70 % overall in your mid‑year exams, plus:
- 70 % in Mathematics
- 70 % in English First Additional Language or 60 % in English Home Language
First‑year university applicants must have an average of at least 65 % in their mid‑year results.
Preference
Applicants from rural or township backgrounds are given preference. This helps students who have strong potential but limited access to funding and networks.
What you gain
The scholarship provides a full package that can remove most financial worries:
- Full tuition fees
- Accommodation costs
- Book allowance
- Meal support
- Spending allowance
- Psychosocial support through ICAS (from the start of the programme)
- Mentorship beginning in the third year of study
Fields of study that are funded
- Business, Commerce, Finance
- Management Sciences or Management Studies
- Computer Science and related qualifications
- Computational Thinking
- Data Science
- Engineering
- Post‑graduate Climate Studies
Partner universities
- Stellenbosch University
- University of Cape Town
- University of the Witwatersrand
- University of Johannesburg
- University of KwaZulu‑Natal
- University of Pretoria
How to apply – step by step
- Gather all required documents before you start the online form:
- Certified copy of your South African ID
- Full academic record (Matric/NSC results, Grade 11 results, latest term report if you are in Grade 12)
- Proof of address
- Proof of household income (salary slips, SASSA letters, affidavits, death certificates, etc.)
- Recent head‑and‑shoulders photograph
- Visit the official StudyTrust online application platform and create an account.
- Enter your personal details, study programme, university, qualification level and dates exactly as they appear on your enrolment documents.
- Upload the documents listed above.
- Answer the essay questions in your own voice. You may use AI tools only to check spelling or grammar, not to write the answers.
- Review all information carefully, then submit the application before the deadline.
Tips to improve your chances
- Start early – the platform can become slow close to the deadline.
- Double‑check that your chosen programme is on the approved list.
- Proofread your essays and make sure they reflect your personal story, goals and challenges.
- Ensure your marks certificates are certified and clearly legible.
- Keep all documents in a single folder on your computer to avoid missing uploads.
Conclusion and next steps
The Old Mutual Imfundo Trust Scholarship 2027 offers a rare chance to study for free in high‑demand fields while receiving mentorship and psychosocial support. If you meet the eligibility criteria, gather your documents now and submit a complete application before 30 September 2026.
Take the first step today – your future could start with this scholarship.