South African Actuaries Development Programme (SAADP) has opened its 2026 bursary program and is inviting all interested applicants to apply now. In order to apply to this Bursary program, read carefully through the details below.
Application closing date: 31 August 2026
The bursary is awarded each year for studies towards an Actuarial Science qualification (Bachelor of Science Degree & Bachelor of Economic Science Degree), only at one of the SAADP partner universities: UCT, UP or WITS.
Bursaries are renewable each year based on academic performance and availability of funds.
The bursary will provide cover for the following expenses: tuition fees, textbooks allowance, accommodation in residence, meal allowance, and a living allowance.
Over and above the monetary coverage, students will also receive mentorship; additional tutorials; academic and social support from full-time programme Managers located at the partner universities.
All candidates will receive acknowledgment of their application via email or SMS, once their application has been received.
- Step 1: applications will be screened to ensure they meet the basic requirements (the application was submitted before the deadline, in full, with all the required supporting documents and you met the university requirements),
- Step 2: the Selection Committee screens applications (this is external to the SAADP) and submit a list of shortlisted candidates to the SAADP (students who have been rejected at this stage will be notified via email or SMS),
- Step 3: Matric students will be required to submit their final matric results – the final screening will be based on your matric results and candidates who have not been successful wil be notified,
- Step 4:
- – Matric students who have been approved will be invited to a selection interview, held by the Selection Committee (this is external to the SAADP), at WITS,
- – University students who have been approved will be assessed by the Selection Committee (this is external to the SAADP), in a special meeting in December, after the final exam results are released,
- Step 5: successful candidates will be notified.
Requirements
Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying (please note that failure to satisfy all the requirements will lead to your application not being considered):
Matric/ Grade 12 students:
- You must be a South African citizen
- You must be currently in Matric
- You must achieve a minimum result of 80% for Mathematics in Matric
- You must achieve a minimum result of 80% for Physical Science in Matric
- You must achieve a minimum result of 80% for English in Matric
- You must intend on studying towards an Actuarial Science qualification (entering your 1st year of study in 2026)
- You must have applied to study at one of the SAADP partner universities: University of Cape Town, University of Pretoria or University of the Witwatersrand (to increase your chances of university acceptance, students are encouraged to apply to all 3 universities) (studies at any other university will NOT be accepted)
- Students from commercial streams: you must apply to study Actuarial Science at UCT (UCT accepts students without Physical Science)
University students:
- You must be a South African citizen
- You must be from a previously disadvantaged background
- You must be currently studying towards an Actuarial Science qualification
- You must have achieved excellent academic results for your 1st, 2nd or 3rd year of study
- You must achieve a minimum result of 70% in all major subjects
- You must be studying at one of the SAADP partner universities: University of Cape Town, University of Pretoria or University of the Witwatersrand
- Students pursuing studies at other universities: you may apply if you also applied to and were accepted to one of the SAADP partner universities, towards an Actuarial Science qualification (but you turned down the offer and selected another university)
How to apply
Download and complete the application form in either of the following formats:
SAADP Bursary Application Form 2026 (.pdf)
Submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation along with your completed application form (the submission of these documents is compulsory – if any items are missing, your application may be disqualified):
Matric/ Grade 12 students:
- ID document (certified copy)
- 1 x recent photograph (passport sized)
- Grade 11 end of year results (certified copy)
- Grade 12 June results (certified copy)
- National Benchmark Tests results (to be submitted by 31 August at the latest, via the fax number below)
University students:
- ID document (certified copy)
- 1 x recent photograph (passport sized)
- Full academic transcripts, including most recent results (on institutions letterhead)
Applications must be submitted in one of the following ways:
1) Email: applications@saadp.co.za
(Insert the words “SAADP Bursary Application – Your Full Name” in the email subject line).
2) Post or courier:
PO Box 2460
Houghton
2041
3) Hand delivery:
60 Riviera Road
Office 115 Killarney Mall Office Towers
Houghton
Johannesburg
2041
Need Information or Confused about Something ?
Ask a QuestionRelated Resources
Sponsored Guide
Complete Guide to NSFAS Online Loan Application for South African Students (2025)
If you are a South African student looking to pursue higher education but are facing financial difficulties, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is one of the most accessible funding options available. NSFAS provides financial aid in the form of bursaries and loans to qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the NSFAS loan application process, from eligibility requirements to application steps and frequently asked questions.
📌 What is NSFAS?
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded financial aid scheme aimed at helping students from low- and middle-income households to access tertiary education without the burden of upfront fees.
NSFAS offers both bursaries and income-contingent loans:
- Bursaries: For eligible students who meet academic and household income criteria (especially for TVET and university students).
- Loans: For students who do not meet all bursary criteria or who are pursuing postgraduate qualifications not funded under bursary schemes.
✅ Who Qualifies for an NSFAS Loan?
To qualify for an NSFAS loan (especially for postgraduate students or programs not funded under the bursary system), you must:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Be financially needy, with a household income of less than R350,000 per year.
- Have a valid South African ID.
- Be enrolled or accepted to study at a public university or TVET college.
- Not be funded through another bursary program that covers all expenses.
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress (returning students).
📚 Courses Funded by NSFAS
NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate qualifications, but certain postgraduate programs (e.g., PGCE, postgraduate diplomas in education, and professional courses like LLB) may be considered under the NSFAS loan scheme, not bursaries.
If you’re studying:
- Undergraduate degree or diploma: You are likely eligible for a full NSFAS bursary.
- Postgraduate study: You may qualify for a loan, depending on the course and funding availability.
📄 Required Documents for NSFAS Application
When applying, make sure you have the following documents scanned and ready:
- Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
- Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
- Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
- Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
- Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
- Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).
🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online
Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)
-
Visit the NSFAS Website
Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za
-
Create an Account
- Click on “MyNSFAS” and register your profile.
- You’ll need a valid email address and South African cellphone number.
- Choose a strong password and verify your account via email or SMS.
-
Login and Start the Application
- After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
- Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.
-
Fill in Your Personal Details
- Input your ID number, name, surname, and other details exactly as they appear on your ID.
- Provide household income information and living arrangements.
-
Upload Required Documents
- Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
- Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.
-
Submit Your Application
- Review your application for accuracy.
- Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.
-
Track Your Application
- Log in regularly to check your application status.
- You will be notified via SMS and email at each stage of the process.
🗓️ Important NSFAS Dates (2025)
- Application Opening Date: September 1, 2025
- Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
- Appeals Period: February 2026 (if rejected)
- Disbursement: After registration and approval
Note: Dates are subject to change; always confirm on the official NSFAS website.
💸 What Does the NSFAS Loan Cover?
NSFAS funding typically includes:
- Tuition fees
- Registration fees
- Accommodation (if living away from home)
- Meals and transport
- Learning materials (e.g., textbooks)
For loans, repayment is only required once you start working and earn above a threshold (around R30,000 annually, but subject to change).
🔄 NSFAS Loan Repayment
Repayments are:
- Income-contingent – you only repay when you can afford to.
- Administered by DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training).
- Interest-bearing, but interest rates are low and favorable.
You can also apply for a partial loan conversion to a bursary if you perform well academically.
🔁 How to Appeal a Rejected NSFAS Application
If your application is rejected, you may submit an appeal via your MyNSFAS portal:
- Log into your MyNSFAS account.
- Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
- If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
- Upload any missing or corrected documents.
- Provide a clear explanation or motivation.
📱 NSFAS Contact Information
- Website: https://www.nsfas.org.za
- Email: info@nsfas.org.za
- Toll-Free Number: 08000 67327 (Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM)
- Twitter: @myNSFAS
- Facebook: NSFAS
📝 Final Tips Before Applying
- Apply early to avoid system overload near the deadline.
- Use your own email and cellphone number (do not use someone else’s).
- Double-check that all your documents are certified and legible.
- Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for reference.
By following this guide, you can confidently apply for NSFAS funding and move one step closer to achieving your academic and career dreams—without the burden of immediate financial pressure.