Sanlam Actuarial Science Bursary 2027 — Sanlam Life and Savings is offering actuarial science bursaries to both matriculants intending to study in 2027 and current undergraduate students. For over 100 years, Sanlam has been in the business of planning futures, and these bursaries represent their commitment to developing the next generation of actuarial professionals through comprehensive financial support and career development opportunities.
About Sanlam Life and Savings
Sanlam Life and Savings (SLS) is focused on serving retail and corporate clients in South Africa and further developing strategic advantages in the South African market. SLS consists of three clusters – Sanlam Corporate, Sanlam Retail Mass and Sanlam Retail Affluent – with the SLS Office providing strategic direction, coordination, support, and governance oversight.
Who Can Apply for Sanlam Actuarial Science Bursary 2027
- Current Undergraduate Students: South African citizens in 1st, 2nd or 3rd year of full-time Actuarial Science studies who demonstrate academic ability and a will to succeed
- Matriculants (2027 Intake): School-leaving learners with exceptional mathematics skills who intend to study Actuarial Science in 2027, willing to remain focused and disciplined through years of studying and training
Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence, problem-solving abilities, and commitment to the actuarial profession.
Bursary Coverage
- Full tuition fees
- Accommodation fees
- General allowance (books and pocket money)
- Mentoring and academic support from Sanlam actuarial professionals
- Vacation work opportunities
- Networking opportunities with Sanlam staff
- Guaranteed employment after completion of studies
- Continued support for actuarial board exams
- Work rotation opportunities across various disciplines
This comprehensive bursary package includes both financial support and career development opportunities.
Academic Requirements
- Current Students: Strong academic transcripts, proof of registration, and academic excellence
- Matriculants: Above 90% in Mathematics, overall A aggregate, excellent Grade 11 and Grade 12 results
- National Benchmark Tests (NBT) results if available
- Final Grade 12 results as determining factor
- Demonstrated mathematical aptitude and problem-solving skills
Exceptional mathematics performance is a critical requirement for all applicants.
Required Documents for Sanlam Actuarial Science Bursary 2027
- Current Undergraduate Students:
- Full academic transcripts
- Proof of registration and/or fee statement
- Copy of matric certificate
- Copy of ID document
- Comprehensive CV focusing on academics, extra-mural activities, and leadership skills
- Motivation letter answering specific questions
- Matriculants (2027 Intake):
- Final 2025 Grade 11 results
- Grade 12 mid-year 2026 results
- NBT results (if available)
- Comprehensive CV focusing on academics, extra-mural activities, and leadership skills
- Motivation letter answering specific questions
All documents must be submitted as part of the online application process.
How to Apply
Application Method: Online application only via the Sanlam careers portal.
⏰ Closing Date: Applications close on 30 June 2026.
No email applications accepted. Consider application unsuccessful if no feedback received by 1 October 2026.
Motivation Letter Questions
- In your own words, can you describe what an actuary does?
- Why do you want to study actuarial science?
- Why do you believe you have what it takes to become an actuary?
- Why should Sanlam choose you to be a bursary holder?
- If you are not successful at becoming an actuary, what other career paths are you considering?
The motivation letter is a critical component of the application and should demonstrate clear understanding of the actuarial profession.
Additional Benefits & Opportunities
- Professional mentoring from experienced actuaries
- Exposure to real-world actuarial work during vacation periods
- Networking with Sanlam professionals and fellow bursary holders
- Guaranteed employment pathway upon qualification
- Support for professional actuarial board examinations
- Rotational work experience across different actuarial disciplines
- Career guidance and development planning
- Integration into Sanlam’s actuarial community
Beyond financial support, Sanlam provides comprehensive career development for future actuarial professionals.
Important Application Notes
- All applications must be completed online through the official portal
- No applications accepted via email
- No applications accepted after the closing date
- Feedback provided by 1 October 2026 – consider application unsuccessful if no contact by this date
- Bursaries awarded on merit with employment equity considerations
- Sanlam is committed to transformation and diversity
- Employment Equity plan considered in selection process
- Demonstrated mathematical aptitude is essential
- Commitment to actuarial career path must be evident
The Sanlam Group is committed to achieving transformation and embraces diversity as key components of a thriving and sustainable business.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Sanlam Actuarial Science Bursary?
A comprehensive bursary programme for current actuarial science students and matriculants intending to study in 2027, covering tuition, accommodation, living expenses, and providing career development opportunities including guaranteed employment after studies.
2. Who can apply for this bursary?
Two categories: 1) Current South African actuarial science students in 1st, 2nd or 3rd year with strong academic records, and 2) Matriculants with above 90% in Mathematics and A aggregate who intend to study actuarial science in 2027.
3. What does the bursary cover?
Full tuition and accommodation fees, general allowance for books and pocket money, mentoring, vacation work, networking opportunities, guaranteed employment, continued exam support, and work rotation opportunities across various actuarial disciplines.
4. How do I apply?
Online only via the Sanlam careers portal before 30 June 2026. No email applications accepted. Required documents include academic transcripts, ID, CV, and a motivation letter answering specific questions about the actuarial profession.
5. What are the academic requirements?
Current students: strong academic performance. Matriculants: above 90% in Mathematics, overall A aggregate, excellent Grade 11 and Grade 12 results. NBT results beneficial but not mandatory.
6. What questions must the motivation letter answer?
Description of what an actuary does, reasons for studying actuarial science, belief in having what it takes to become an actuary, why Sanlam should choose you, and alternative career paths if not successful as an actuary.
7. Is there guaranteed employment?
Yes, successful bursary recipients are guaranteed employment with Sanlam after completion of their studies, subject to meeting academic and professional requirements.
8. When will I know if my application is successful?
Feedback will be provided by 1 October 2026. If you haven’t received any contact by this date, consider your application unsuccessful.
9. Does Sanlam consider transformation in bursary awards?
Yes, Sanlam is committed to embracing and accelerating transformation. Bursaries are awarded on merit with Sanlam’s employment equity plan in mind as part of their commitment to diversity and inclusion.
10. What additional support is provided besides financial aid?
Mentoring from actuarial professionals, academic support, vacation work, networking opportunities, exam preparation support, work rotation experience, career guidance, and integration into Sanlam’s professional community. For more actuarial opportunities, explore our actuarial science database or check finance bursaries.
For more actuarial science and financial sector bursaries, visit EduFunds.co.za
Sanlam Life and Savings
Over 100 Years of Planning Futures
Actuarial Science Bursary Programme 2027