ABSA BMI Bursary 2026 – Business, Mathematics & Informatics at NWU

The ABSA BMI Bursary for 2026 offers funding to top-performing students at North‑West University (Potchefstroom or Vaal campuses). 

These bursaries are awarded in fields like Actuarial Science, Business Analytics/Data Science, Financial Mathematics, and Quantitative Risk Management. 

Awards are limited, and only students who respond when the bursary is announced are considered.

About ABSA BMI and NWU Partnership

ABSA BMI is a specialised division of ABSA Bank focused on sponsoring education in data-driven fields. 

North‑West University’s Centre for Business, Mathematics & Informatics (BMI) manages the bursary programme jointly with ABSA. 

Their goal is to support academically strong students, especially from disadvantaged backgrounds, pursuing quantitative degrees at NWU.

Fields of Study Funded

Bursaries are available for full-time study in the following programmes at NWU Potchefstroom or Vaal campuses:

• Actuarial Science
  
• Business Analytics / Data Science
  
• Financial Mathematics
  
• Quantitative Risk Management

What the Bursary Covers

The bursary typically provides financial support that may include:

• Tuition and registration fees
  
• Accommodation on campus or approved residences
  
• A laptop and textbooks
  
• Access to mentoring and vacation work opportunities

Who Should Apply 

You must meet all of the following to be considered:

• South African citizen
  
• Registered or accepted for one of the four qualifying programmes at NWU (Potchefstroom or Vaal)
  
• Achieved strong results in Mathematics and English (70%+) in Matric or latest internal exam
  
• Preferably enrolled in second year or higher, but first-year students may be considered

How to Apply

1. The bursary is advertised each year around February.
   
2. Eligible students will receive an email from NWU’s Centre for BMI inviting applications.
   
3. Your reply must include:
   
   • Certified copy of your ID
     
   • Two-page CV
     
   • Consent to share your academic record with ABSA
     
4. Shortlisted students will be contacted for psychometric assessment and/or other tests.
   
5. Successful candidates attend an interview with the ABSA BMI bursary committee and are then informed of the outcome

Required Documents

Your reply email or application should include:

• Copy of South African ID
  
• Two-page Curriculum Vitae
  
• Signed consent form for academic record release
  
• Confirmation of programme selection at NWU (e.g., proof of registration)

Selection Process

• The ABSA BMI bursary committee determines available bursaries each year, based on student performance and need.
  
• Applicants go through online assessments, interviews, and final selection.
  
• Successful students are informed after the interview stage

Closing Date

This bursary does not operate on a fixed public closing date. Instead, applications open when announced in February. 

You must respond promptly to your invitation email from NWU. Contact terms will be provided then.

Contact Details

For questions or assistance with the ABSA BMI Bursary, use the official contacts below:
Mr Thys Cronje
Centre for Business, Mathematics & Informatics, NWU Potchefstroom
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 018 299 2577