South Africa’s largest general insurer, Santam Limited, is inviting eligible students to apply for its prestigious Santam Bursary Programme for the 2027 academic year. Administered in partnership with StudyTrust, this initiative is designed to develop a pipeline of skilled, high-calibre graduates who will help shape the future of the short-term insurance industry.
The programme forms part of Santam’s Skills Development Academy and reflects the company’s long-term commitment to building technical expertise and leadership capacity within the financial services sector. Through this bursary, Santam aims to ensure that South Africa produces the critical skills needed to sustain and grow the economy — particularly in areas where specialist knowledge remains scarce.
Who Should Apply?
This opportunity is open to South African citizens who will be enrolled as second, third, or final year undergraduate students, or Honours students, in the 2027 academic year. Applicants must be pursuing a Postgraduate Diploma, Bachelor’s degree, or Honours degree in one of the following fields:
- Actuarial Science, Data Analytics, Data Sciences, or Statistics
- Agriculture
- Civil, Geomatics, or Mechanical Engineering
- Construction
- Insurance, Technical Accounting, Economics, Finance, or Mathematics
- Risk Management
To be considered, applicants must have achieved an academic average of 65% or above in their undergraduate degree and in their most recent examinations.
What the Bursary Covers
Successful candidates will receive financial support that is capped and may include the following:
- Registration and tuition fees
- Accommodation costs, including deposit and administrative fees
- Learning materials such as textbooks and e-manuals
- A laptop
- A monthly living allowance
- A travel and transport allowance
A Special Focus on Agriculture
Santam has identified agricultural crop insurance as a critical area of scarce skills, and the bursary programme places particular emphasis on developing talent in this space. Agriculture bursars can expect a career journey with a rolling forward approach, with the intent to permanently retain graduates as trainee area managers. In addition, agriculture bursars will participate in a formal graduate programme, complete vacation work, receive a dedicated mentor, and be invited to relevant business engagements and conferences.
Preferred agricultural qualifications include two- or three-year programmes with a focus on crop production, plant production, and soil science. Candidates should also demonstrate strong communication skills, assertiveness, negotiation ability, and proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
Why Choose Santam?
Santam is an authorised financial services provider (FSP 3416) and a licensed non-life insurer with a track record of investing in people. Partnering with StudyTrust — a registered educational trust with over 50 years of experience and more than R1 billion in bursaries awarded — Santam ensures that recipients receive not just financial support but also mentorship, student support services, and guidance through their academic journey.
Preference will be given to Employment Equity candidates.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online before 30 September 2026. The application window runs from 1 June to 30 September annually.
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