Old Mutual Imfundo Trust Bursaries: A Guide for Aspiring Students

The Old Mutual Imfundo Trust Bursary Programme offers a valuable opportunity for South African students to pursue higher education in fields critical to the investment industry. This bursary aims to support talented individuals, particularly those from rural and township backgrounds, who are committed to contributing to the transformation of the financial services sector. Understanding the requirements and application process is key to successfully securing this funding.

About the Old Mutual Imfundo Trust Bursary

The Imfundo Trust is an initiative by Old Mutual Investment Group. Its main goal is to support students interested in the investment sector. By providing financial aid, the trust seeks to encourage diversity and development within the industry. The bursary is available for full-time studies at selected universities across South Africa, focusing on fields that drive innovation and growth in financial services.

Fields of Study Supported

The bursary covers a range of academic disciplines essential for the investment and financial services industries. These include:

• Business, Commerce, Finance, and Management Sciences/Studies: These fields provide a foundation in business operations, financial planning, and economic principles.
• Computer Science and related qualifications: This includes areas like computational thinking, which are increasingly important in data analysis and technological development within finance.
• Data Science: With the growing importance of data in decision-making, this field is crucial for understanding market trends and customer behavior.
• Climate Studies (postgraduate level): This recognizes the growing link between environmental sustainability and financial investment strategies.
• Engineering: This broad field can encompass various specializations relevant to infrastructure, technology, and project management within the financial sector.

For most undergraduate programs, students must be entering their first or second year of study in the upcoming academic year.

What the Bursary Covers

Successful applicants receive financial support for their full-time studies. While the exact monetary value of the bursary is not specified, it typically covers tuition fees and other essential academic expenses. The program is designed to help students obtain qualifications in high-demand areas, paving the way for their future careers in the investment sector.

Eligibility and Requirements

To be considered for the Old Mutual Imfundo Trust Bursary, applicants must meet several criteria:

• Citizenship: Applicants must be South African citizens.
• Academic Performance (for Grade 12 applicants entering first year):
• A minimum of 70% average in Grade 12 mid-year examinations.
• At least 70% in Mathematics.
• At least 70% in English First Additional Language.
• Alternatively, if English is the Home Language, at least 60% is required.
• Academic Performance (for current first-year students progressing to second year):
• A minimum of 65% average in their latest mid-year or June examinations.
• Study Level: The bursary is for full-time students in their first or second year of undergraduate study, or for selected postgraduate studies in Climate Studies.

Strong academic potential and a genuine interest in the supported fields are also important.

Application Process

Applications for the Old Mutual Imfundo Trust Bursary are submitted online through StudyTrust. Prospective applicants should visit the StudyTrust website to access the application portal. It is essential to complete the online form accurately and upload all required documents.

Required Documents

Applicants typically need to prepare the following:

• An updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• A certified copy of their South African ID.
• A certified copy of their Matric certificate (if applicable).
• Academic transcripts or their latest examination results.
• Proof of acceptance or registration at a selected university, if available.
• Any other documents specified on the StudyTrust application portal.

It is advisable to check the StudyTrust application page for the most current and complete list of required documentation.

Important Application Notes

The Imfundo Trust Bursary is highly competitive. The selection process emphasizes academic merit and a clear commitment to the financial services sector. Preference is given to applicants from rural and township backgrounds. Applicants should refer to the StudyTrust application page for detailed information regarding the funding terms and any specific expenses covered.

Closing Date

The application deadline for the Old Mutual Imfundo Trust Bursary is September 30, 2026. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications well in advance of this date to ensure they are considered.

Conclusion

The Old Mutual Imfundo Trust Bursary Programme represents a significant opportunity for South African students to advance their education in vital fields within the investment industry. By meeting the academic and documentation requirements and submitting a timely application, aspiring students can take a crucial step towards achieving their educational and career goals.