SAADP Actuarial Science Bursary 2027

Written by Keagan HendricksStaff Writer (Unisa Alumnus)

Reviewed & verified by Naledi KhumaloSenior Admissions and Bursaries EditorVerified

The South African Actuarial Development Programme (SAADP) is a Johannesburg-based organisation that funds and mentors Black and Coloured students through Actuarial Science degrees at the University of the Witwatersrand, the University of Cape Town and the University of Pretoria. Its bursary for the 2027 cohort is open now, and the SAADP application portal counts down to a closing date of 30 September 2026. Applicants still have a few days to create a profile, but documents such as a certified ID and a parent’s proof of income take time to collect.

Tuition, residence, meals and a monthly allowance

SAADP describes its award as a comprehensive bursary. It covers:

• university tuition fees
• residence accommodation
• meals
• prescribed textbooks and study materials
• a monthly living allowance

The money is only part of it. SAADP adds academic and psychosocial support, mentorship, performance monitoring, personal development workshops, leadership and workplace-readiness training, and contact with its industry partners. The bursary is renewed each year if the student’s academic results are satisfactory.

Failing a module does not automatically end the bursary. SAADP says its selection committee may withdraw the living allowance if the failed module is a major one, but tries to keep paying tuition, residence, books and meals.

No repayment and no work-back

SAADP does not ask graduates to repay the money or to work for SAADP afterwards. What it does ask is that graduates stay and work in South Africa and take part in SAADP programmes that support younger students coming through the same route.

80% for Mathematics and the other entry rules

SAADP’s application page and portal set these requirements:

• South African citizenship. The portal specifies Black or Coloured South African citizens. SAADP does not fund non-South Africans, and it states that having one South African parent and being born in South Africa does not qualify a non-citizen.
• Mathematics results of 80% or higher.
• Demonstrated financial need.
• A plan to study Actuarial Science at Wits, UCT or UP, with a conditional acceptance from the university.
• No full bursary from another funder. Students with a partial bursary may apply.

Physical Science is not compulsory for every route: SAADP says learners without it can apply to UCT and UP. Grade 12 learners and students already at university can both apply. First-, second- and third-year Actuarial Science students qualify, and students at other universities accredited by the Actuarial Society of South Africa can apply if they have applied to and been accepted at Wits, UCT or UP.

The five documents to upload

Applications go through the SAADP bursary application portal, reached from the bursary application page on the SAADP website. The applicant registers a profile, completes the form (SAADP estimates about 15 minutes, and progress can be saved), then uploads clear PDF, JPG or PNG copies of:

1. a certified copy of the applicant’s ID
2. the Grade 11 final report and the Grade 12 June report (university students upload their latest academic transcript)
3. a certified copy of a parent’s ID
4. proof of household income
5. the university’s conditional acceptance for Actuarial Science, or proof of registration

The portal also asks for a signed parent consent form, which can be downloaded from the portal’s home page. Grade 12 results can be updated until the 30 September closing date, and SAADP asks learners to replace June marks with final results once they are released.

From shortlist to firm offer

SAADP’s yearly cycle opens on 1 March and closes on 30 September; the organisation may extend the closing date at its discretion, and late or incomplete applications are not considered. Screening, shortlisting and conditional offers run from October to December, and final feedback comes between January and March. Results appear on the portal and by email and SMS, so applicants should keep checking both.

Questions go to myapplication@saadp.co.za or 011 642 2202 (weekdays, 08h00 to 16h00). SAADP’s office is at 08 Anslow Lane, Bryanston.

Learners who do not meet the SAADP criteria can compare other funders in the actuarial science bursaries guide, such as the Old Mutual Actuarial Bursary and the Liberty Actuarial Bursary, which come with different conditions.

FAQs