STANLIB-ABSIP Bursary Fund
The STANLIB-ABSIP Bursary Fund is a comprehensive, fully-funded undergraduate bursary for talented black South African students pursuing an Investment Management or financial services career. Funded by STANLIB and administered by ABSIP, it targets high-achieving students from historically disadvantaged backgrounds studying commerce, economics, finance and related degrees at participating South African universities.
Eligible Fields of Study
STANLIB (administered by the Association of Black Securities and Investment Professionals - ABSIP) supports students in the following disciplines
Eligibility Requirements
- ✓ Black South African citizen as defined by the B-BBEE Act
- ✓ From a historically disadvantaged background and able to demonstrate financial need
- ✓ Minimum 75% average in core academic subjects/modules
- ✓ Full-time student with no permanent work experience (vacation work acceptable)
- ✓ Accepted at or enrolled at one of the participating universities (UCT, UWC, Stellenbosch, UJ, UP, Wits, Rhodes, UFS, Fort Hare, Limpopo, UKZN, Zululand, Venda, Walter Sisulu, Nelson Mandela University and others)
- ✓ Studying or intending to study toward an Investment Management career-related qualification
- ✓ Preferably able to demonstrate leadership and extracurricular involvement (e.g. sports, debating, chess)
What's Included
- ✓ Tuition fees
- ✓ Book allowance for textbooks and course material
- ✓ Laptop (based on financial need)
- ✓ Accommodation (preferably on campus)
- ✓ Stipend / living allowance (based on financial need)
How to Apply
Steps to complete your STANLIB (administered by the Association of Black Securities and Investment Professionals - ABSIP) bursary application
- 1
Confirm the current application window is open at absipconnect.com/bursary (the most recent cycle closed on 17 January)
- 2
Complete the online application form on the ABSIP Connect bursary portal
- 3
Upload your certified supporting documents
- 4
Submit your application before the closing date - late applications are not accepted
- 5
Complete any assessments or interviews if shortlisted
- 6
Receive the bursary award decision from ABSIP
Required Documents
- 📄 Certified copy of South African ID
- 📄 Certified matric certificate or latest university academic transcript
- 📄 Proof of acceptance or registration at a participating South African university
- 📄 Proof of household income (payslips, SASSA letters or an affidavit if unemployed)
- 📄 Motivational letter
- 📄 CV detailing leadership and extracurricular involvement
- 📄 Academic references
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who can apply for the STANLIB-ABSIP Bursary?
- The bursary is for black South African citizens (as defined by the B-BBEE Act) from historically disadvantaged backgrounds, with a minimum 75% average in core subjects, who are studying or intend to study toward an Investment Management or financial services career at a participating university.
- What does the bursary cover?
- It is a comprehensive, fully-funded bursary covering tuition, a book allowance and accommodation. A laptop and a living stipend are also provided based on the applicant's financial need.
- When do STANLIB-ABSIP Bursary applications close?
- This is an annual programme with a January application window. The most recently confirmed cycle closed on 17 January and late applications were not accepted. Check absipconnect.com/bursary or contact ABSIP to confirm the dates for the current cycle.
- Which degrees and universities qualify?
- Qualifying studies include Investment Management, Economics, Business Finance, Financial Analysis, Mathematics and Statistics within BBusSc, BCom or BSc degrees. Participating universities include UCT, UWC, Stellenbosch, UJ, UP, Wits, Rhodes, UFS, UKZN and others across South Africa.
Ready to apply?
Applications close on 17 January 2027
Apply on STANLIB (administered by the Association of Black Securities and Investment Professionals - ABSIP)'s official siteNeed help? Contact STANLIB (administered by the Association of Black Securities and Investment Professionals - ABSIP):
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 010 203 9025
Information verified 2026-06-08. Always confirm details on the funder's official website before applying.
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