If you’re good at Mathematics and dreaming of a high-paying career in finance, the Old Mutual Actuarial Science Bursary 2026 could change your future. This isn’t just about money for university—it’s a guaranteed pathway from your degree straight into a job at one of South Africa’s biggest financial companies. The closing date is 30 May 2026, so if you’re serious about becoming an actuary, you need to act now.
What Is This Bursary?
Old Mutual is offering full funding for students who want to study Actuarial Science at top South African universities. They’ll pay for your tuition, accommodation, meals, books, and travel. In return, you commit to working for them after you graduate.
This is a real opportunity because actuaries earn excellent salaries and are in high demand. But the qualification is expensive and challenging. This bursary removes the money problem and gives you professional support throughout your studies.
The programme starts in the 2026 academic year at universities like UCT, Wits, UP, and Stellenbosch.
Who Can Apply?
You must meet these basic requirements:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be accepted into or applying to a recognised university
- Be genuinely interested in becoming an actuary
- Be willing to work for Old Mutual after graduation
Your academic marks matter a lot. You’ll need:
- At least 80% in Mathematics (this is non-negotiable)
- 60% in English Home Language or 70% in First Additional Language
- At least 70% in all your other subjects
If your Mathematics mark is below 80%, your application won’t be considered. Old Mutual is serious about this because actuarial work is mathematically intense.
What Will You Get?
Beyond the money, this bursary opens doors:
- Full financial support so you can focus on your studies
- Mentorship and career guidance from experienced professionals
- Hands-on experience through internships and industry exposure
- A confirmed job offer when you graduate
- Entry into a respected profession with strong earning potential
You’re not just getting a degree—you’re getting security and direction.
How to Apply
Follow these steps carefully:
- Gather your documents: CV, academic results, ID copy, and school transcripts
- Download and complete the bursary motivation form (be honest and specific about why you want this)
- Submit everything through the Old Mutual careers portal
- Complete an online gamified assessment that tests how you think
- If you pass, you’ll do psychometric testing
- Shortlisted candidates attend a virtual interview
Each stage eliminates more applicants. This is competitive, so your application needs to be complete and honest.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
Many applicants make the same mistakes. Don’t be one of them.
Take your motivation form seriously. Old Mutual doesn’t just look at marks—they want to see clear thinking and genuine passion. Generic answers get filtered out fast. Explain specifically why you chose Actuarial Science and what you plan to do with it.
Submit everything on time and complete. Missing documents, even one, can disqualify you immediately. Double-check every field before you hit send.
Prepare for the assessments. The gamified tests aren’t like school exams. They measure problem-solving, logic, and how you work under pressure. Practice online assessments before you take theirs.
Be honest about your commitment. This programme requires you to work for Old Mutual after graduation. If you’re not ready for that, don’t apply. Recruiters can tell when someone isn’t genuinely interested.
Is This Right for You?
This bursary is excellent if you’re disciplined, love Mathematics, and want a secure career path. Actuaries solve real problems for businesses and individuals. It’s intellectually rewarding and the pay is genuinely good.
But think carefully. Actuarial Science is one of the hardest degrees in South Africa. If you struggle with Mathematics now, this programme will be very difficult. The studies don’t get easier just because you have funding.
Also, you’ll be committed to working for Old Mutual for a set period after graduation. If you want complete freedom to choose your employer immediately after university, this might not suit you.
What to Do Next
If you meet the requirements and you’re serious, start preparing today. Download the motivation form and write a proper draft. Gather all your documents. Research what actuaries actually do so you can speak genuinely about it.
The deadline is 30 May 2026. That might seem far away, but applications close quickly once they’re open, and you want time to do this properly.
If you’re still exploring options, also look at other learnerships, internships, and bursary programmes to make sure you’re choosing the right path for you.
This is a real opportunity. Treat it with the seriousness it deserves, and you could be starting your professional career with Old Mutual in 2026.