General South African Actuaries Development Programme (SAADP)

SAADP Actuarial Bursary

The SAADP bursary is South Africa's flagship actuarial bursary programme — a non-profit consortium funded by FirstRand, Deloitte, Discovery, Old Mutual, Sasria, BankSETA and INSETA that funds actuarial science students at UCT, the University of Pretoria and Wits.

Amount:
Full tuition + residence + meals + textbooks + personal development
Deadline:
31 August 2026
Duration:
Full degree duration
Renewable:
Yes

Eligible Fields of Study

South African Actuaries Development Programme (SAADP) supports students in the following disciplines

Actuarial Science

Eligibility Requirements

  • South African citizen
  • Currently in Grade 12 or in 1st–3rd year of university
  • Minimum 80% in Mathematics (not Mathematical Literacy)
  • Minimum 80% in English
  • Minimum 80% in Physical Science (where required by the university)
  • Strong overall academic performance
  • Demonstrate financial need
  • Intend to study Actuarial Science at UCT, the University of Pretoria, or Wits
  • Applicants from non-partner universities may apply if accepted to study at a partner university

What's Included

  • Full university tuition fees
  • Accommodation
  • Meal allowance
  • Textbooks and study materials
  • Academic support and tutoring
  • Personal and professional development workshops
  • Mentorship from practising actuaries
  • Vacation work placements with SAADP sponsors

How to Apply

Steps to complete your South African Actuaries Development Programme (SAADP) bursary application

  1. 1

    Visit the SAADP Online Application Portal at saadp.co.za

  2. 2

    Register a profile and create your application

  3. 3

    Complete the online application form

  4. 4

    Upload your supporting documents (results, ID, proof of income)

  5. 5

    Submit before the closing date

  6. 6

    Shortlisted applicants are invited to assessments and interviews

Required Documents

  • 📄 Certified ID copy
  • 📄 Latest academic results (Grade 11 final, matric, or tertiary transcripts)
  • 📄 Proof of acceptance at UCT, UP or Wits (or another partner university)
  • 📄 Proof of household income
  • 📄 CV
  • 📄 Motivational essay

Frequently Asked Questions

Which universities does the SAADP bursary cover?
SAADP funds actuarial science students at the University of Cape Town (UCT), the University of Pretoria (UP) and the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits). Applicants from non-partner universities may apply if they have been accepted to study at one of these partners.
What grades do I need for the SAADP bursary?
You need at least 80% in Mathematics (not Maths Literacy), 80% in English, and 80% in Physical Science (where required by your chosen university). Strong overall academic performance is essential.
Who funds the SAADP bursary?
SAADP is a non-profit consortium funded by major actuarial employers including FirstRand Foundation, Deloitte, Discovery, Old Mutual, Sasria, BankSETA and INSETA. This shared funding allows SAADP to support significant numbers of students each year.
What does SAADP cover beyond tuition?
Full tuition, accommodation, meals, textbooks, academic tutoring, personal and professional development workshops, mentorship from practising actuaries, and vacation work placements with sponsor companies.

Ready to apply?

Applications close on 31 August 2026

Apply on South African Actuaries Development Programme (SAADP)'s official site

Information verified 2026-05-14. Always confirm details on the funder's official website before applying.