Time is running out to apply for the Santam Bursary Programme, a chance for South African students to study for a career in short‑term insurance. Applications close on 30 September 2026, so act now if you want funding for the 2027 academic year.
What is the Santam Bursary Programme?
The bursary is run by Santam’s Skills Development Academy. It funds students who study subjects that support the short‑term insurance sector, such as actuarial science, data science, agriculture, engineering, finance, mathematics and risk management.
Who can apply?
- South African citizens only.
- Students in their second, third or final year of an undergraduate degree, or those about to start an Honours or Postgraduate Diploma in the 2027 year.
- Must be studying one of the approved fields (see list below).
- Must have an average of 65 % or higher in your current studies.
- Should show motivation for a future career with Santam.
What fields of study are funded?
Only qualifications that match the following areas are eligible:
- Actuarial Science
- Data Analytics / Data Science
- Statistics
- Agriculture (crop production focus)
- Civil Engineering
- Geomatics Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Construction
- Insurance Technical Accounting
- Economics
- Finance
- Mathematics
- Risk Management
What does the bursary cover?
The bursary can pay for several study‑related costs, each subject to a set cap:
- Registration or tuition fees
- Accommodation – including deposit and admin fees
- Learning materials – books, e‑manuals, etc.
- Laptop support
- Monthly living allowance
- Travel or transport allowance
What will you gain?
Besides financial help, the programme aims to develop both technical knowledge and leadership potential. Successful bursars may receive:
- Structured exposure to Santan’s insurance and agricultural businesses
- Vacation work placements
- Mentorship from experienced staff
- Automatic entry into Santam’s graduate programme
- Possible permanent roles such as trainee area manager (especially for agriculture graduates)
- Invitations to industry events and conferences
How to apply – step by step
- Visit the official Santam Bursary Programme application page.
- Create a StudyTrust account or log in if you already have one.
- Fill in the personal and academic details exactly as requested.
- Upload all required documents (ID, academic transcripts, proof of citizenship, proof of enrollment, etc.).
- Write a brief motivation letter explaining why you want to work for Santam.
- Review everything carefully and submit before the deadline.
Tips to improve your chances
- Check that your qualification matches one of the approved fields before you start.
- Maintain a consistent average of at least 65 % and include the latest exam results.
- If you’re applying through the agriculture route, demonstrate knowledge of crop production, risk factors, weather impact and why insurance matters to farmers.
- Highlight core competencies such as clear communication, teamwork, problem‑solving, self‑drive and, where applicable, multilingual ability.
- Proofread your motivation letter – avoid generic statements like “I love farming” without supporting details.
- Apply early to avoid last‑minute technical issues.
Final thoughts
The Santam Bursary Programme offers a realistic pathway into South Africa’s short‑term insurance sector. It supports tuition, living costs and provides hands‑on experience, especially for students in agriculture, data, engineering, finance and risk‑related studies. If you meet the eligibility criteria, start your application now and submit it before 30 September 2026. Good luck!