The closing date has passed. Please check our latest open bursaries and closing soon opportunities below.
The Santam Bursary Program helps train young South Africans for jobs in the short-term insurance world. Santam Limited, the country’s leading general insurer, created this through its Skills Development Academy. The aim is to produce skilled graduates with technical know-how for the financial services sector. Short-term insurance covers things like car, home, and business risks, and South Africa needs more experts in these areas to handle claims, assess risks, and use data smartly.
Santam invests in education because the industry faces a skills shortage. Many jobs need people who understand math, data, engineering, or agriculture – think assessing farm risks or using stats for pricing policies. This bursary supports students so they can study without money worries. It is administered by Study Trust, a trusted organization that handles many corporate bursaries in SA.
What makes this bursary stand out? It looks at both your marks and your interest in insurance. Successful applicants often get chances for vacation work or mentoring. After graduating, many join Santam or related companies. This helps build a pipeline of talent for the sector. In South Africa, where insurance protects people from unexpected events, having local experts is key.
The program fits Santam’s role as a top employer. They focus on diversity and inclusion, so they encourage applications from different backgrounds. If you like numbers, problem-solving, or helping communities manage risks, this could be for you. It is for university studies, mostly undergrad and honors levels. For other funding, check Open Bursaries or field-specific ones like Engineering Bursaries.
Santam has been a leader in insurance for years, with a big market share. By funding students, they help grow the economy and create jobs. Past bursary holders have gone on to roles in underwriting, risk management, and data analysis. This is a solid step for a stable career in finance
Quick Summary of the Santam Bursary Program
| Bursary Name | Santam Bursary Program |
|---|---|
| Company / Organisation | Santam Limited (via Study Trust) |
| Fields Covered | Actuarial Science, Data Analytics, Data Sciences, Statistics, Agriculture, Civil Engineering, Geomatics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Accounting, Economics, Finance, Mathematics, Statistics (and related) |
| Who Can Apply | South African citizens studying towards relevant degrees, strong academics (65%+ average), motivation for insurance career |
| Closing Date | 30 September 2025 (closed) |
| How to Apply | Online via Study Trust platform |
Table of Contents
- Bursary Overview
- Who the Bursary is For
- Fields of Study Covered
- What the Bursary Covers
- Eligibility Requirements
- Required Documents
- Step-by-Step How to Apply
- Closing Date
- Selection Process
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Important Notes & Warnings
- Related Searches Section
Who can apply for the Santam Bursary Program
The Santam Bursary Program is for South African citizens who want to build a career in short-term insurance or related fields. It suits students who are motivated, do well in their studies, and see themselves working in insurance one day.
It is mainly for those in 2nd, 3rd, final year undergrad, or honors. First-years might not qualify, depending on the year. The bursary targets people from various backgrounds, with emphasis on academic potential and passion for the industry. If you come from a financially needy home, it can help, but the main focus is merit and fit.
This is perfect for matric leavers or current students aiming for insurance jobs. For more options, see Closing Soon bursaries.
Fields of Study Covered by the Santam Bursary Program
Santam supports degrees linked to insurance needs. These include technical and analytical fields.
Main areas:
- Actuarial Science, Data Analytics, Data Sciences, Statistics, Mathematics
- Agriculture (for agriculture-insurance)
- Civil Engineering, Geomatics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering
- Accounting, Economics, Finance
These fields help with risk assessment, pricing policies, claims handling, and more. For example, data science is big for predicting risks using tech. If your field matches, like engineering, explore Engineering Bursaries for extras.
What does Santam Bursary Program Cover
The Santam Bursary Program provides financial support for study costs. It is often partial to full, depending on need and performance. Coverage typically includes:
- Tuition fees
- Books and study materials
- Accommodation (if needed)
- Living allowance
- Possible laptop or other tools
It may include extras like mentoring or work exposure. The exact amount is not officially specified for every case, but it aims to ease financial stress so you can focus on studies. No work-back is always required, but motivation for insurance careers is key.
Who qualifies for the Santam Bursary Program
To qualify:
- South African citizen
- Studying towards a relevant Postgraduate Diploma, Bachelor’s, or Honors degree in listed fields
- Entering 2nd, 3rd, final year undergrad or honors
- Minimum 65% average in undergrad studies and latest exams
- Strong motivation for a career in short-term insurance
- Academic potential and good performance
Financial need may be considered, but merit is primary.
Required Documents when applying for the Santam Bursary Program
Required documents are not officially specified in detail, but typical for Study Trust bursaries include:
- Certified ID copy
- Matric certificate
- Full academic transcripts
- Proof of university registration/acceptance
- Proof of household income (if need-based)
- Motivation letter or essay
Upload clear copies online.
Step-by-Step How to Apply for the Santam Bursary Program
- Visit Study Trust bursary applications page: https://www.santam.co.za/about-us/graduate-programme/
- Read instructions carefully
- Register and start online form
- Select Santam as one of your choices (or primary)
- Fill personal, academic, and motivation details
- Upload required documents
- Submit before deadline
If applying for multiple, one form covers many.
Closing Date of the Santam Bursary Program
30 September 2025. Closed now for 2026 studies. Applications usually open 1 May each year.
Selection Process of the Santam Bursary Program
Selection is based on academic potential and motivation for insurance careers. They review marks (65%+), application quality, and fit. Shortlisting may include interviews or assessments. Not officially specified in full detail.
Frequently Asked Questions when applying for the Santam Bursary Program
What fields qualify?
Actuarial, data, stats, agriculture, engineering (civil, geomatics, mechanical), accounting, finance, economics, math.
Is financial need required?
Considered, but main focus is academics and motivation.
Can first-years apply?
Usually from 2nd year onwards; check current guidelines.
Do I have to work for Santam after?
Not always required, but career interest in insurance is key.
How much funding?
Varies; covers tuition, books, living – partial to full.
What if my average is below 65%?
Likely not qualify; aim higher.
Is it only for undergrad?
Includes honors and postgrad diploma.
Contact for queries?
Important Notes & Warnings
- Applications closed for 2026; no late submissions.
- Only South African citizens.
- Use official Study Trust site only; avoid scams.
- Submit honest info; fakes disqualify.
- One application can cover multiple bursaries.
- Check Study Trust for updates each year.
- Focus on motivation for short-term insurance.
Related Searches Section
Engineering bursaries in South Africa Bursaries open now 2026 Government bursaries for students NSFAS alternatives Actuarial bursaries SA Data science funding 2026 Agriculture bursaries South Africa Finance scholarships SA Insurance industry bursaries Study Trust opportunities STEM bursaries 2026 Short-term insurance careers Risk management funding Mathematics bursaries Africa Santam alternativeshttps://bursariesopennow.co.za/bursaries-closing-soon/