Are you a driven South African student with a passion for finance, technology, engineering, or the environment? The Imfundo Trust — an Old Mutual Investment Group scholarship initiative — is now open for applications for the 2027 academic year. This prestigious bursary programme was established to fund talented black students, with a particular focus on women, to pursue full-time tertiary education at select South African universities.

Since its inception in 2011, the Imfundo Trust has been a beacon of transformation in the investment industry. The name Imfundo, meaning education in Nguni, reflects the Trust’s core mission: to unlock academic potential and create pathways into the investments sector for students from historically underserved communities.

What the Scholarship Covers

The Imfundo Trust Scholarship provides comprehensive funding for full-time undergraduate studies and selected postgraduate programmes at approved South African universities. Students from rural and township backgrounds are given preference during the selection process, ensuring that the bursary reaches those who need it most.

Who Should Apply

This scholarship is open to South African citizens who meet the following criteria:

• Applicants entering first year in 2027 must have achieved a minimum average of 70% in Grade 12 mid-year examinations, with at least 70% in Mathematics and 70% in English FAL or 60% in English HL
• Applicants currently in first year must have achieved 65% or above in their most recent examinations
• Scholarships are available to students who will be in their first or second year in 2027 (with the exception of Climate Studies postgraduate applicants)

Funded Degrees

The Imfundo Trust funds studies across the following disciplines for first and second year students in 2027:

• Business, Commerce, Finance and Management Sciences
• Computer Science and related qualifications (including Computational Thinking)
• Data Science
• Engineering
• Climate Studies (postgraduate level)

Selection Process

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an interview with the Imfundo Trust selection panel. The Board of Trustees considers all relevant factors before making final decisions. Please note that the Trust reserves the right to adjust or withdraw scholarship funding where a recipient is also in receipt of other financial assistance, including bursaries, grants, loans, or awards.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online via the StudyTrust platform. The application window runs from 01 June to 30 September annually, and all applications must be received by 30 September to be considered for the 2027 academic year.

Visit https://studytrust.org.za/old-mutual/ to begin your application. Carefully read all instructions on the Bursary Applications page before submitting.

Closing Date: 30 September 2026

The Imfundo Trust is administered by StudyTrust, a registered educational trust and public benefit organisation with over 50 years of experience in bursary administration and student support.

Ready to take your next step? Apply here — https://studytrust.org.za/old-mutual/