Scholarship - Careers South Africa

Allan Gray High School Scholarship Programme for Entrepreneurial Development

The Allan Gray Scholarship Programme offers high school entrepreneurial scholarships to learners who have a curious, entrepreneurial mindset; have the potential to excel academically and are financially deserving. Scholarship recipients receive funding to enrol at leading high schools across the country in addition to support and interventions that develop their entrepreneurial mindset.

The programme aims to produce a confident scholar with entrepreneurial thinking, unlocked potential, leadership qualities, a desire to create value, the ability to solve problems, an aspiration and intention to be a Allan Gray Fellow, an understanding of the culture of community and collaboration, and a positive attitude. The Allan Gray Scholarship Programme is designed to equip the youth with an entrepreneurial mindset to enable future generations to redress the inequalities of the past and to continue the economic and social transformation of South Africa.

The Programme fosters the curiosity and potential already exhibited by these learners through a combination of face-to-face, online and peer learning, as well as one-on-one interventions. The curricula of leading partner high schools are supplemented by mentorship, provided by a dedicated Programme Officer. Allan Gray Scholars complete the programme with an understanding of entrepreneurship and an appreciation of the culture of community and collaboration. They are inspired to create value as part of their entrepreneurial career and are looking forward to becoming Allan Gray Fellows.

Scholarship Application Requirements and Process

Requirements

Applicant must be a current Grade 6 learner in the year of application

Applicant must be a South African citizen

Applicant must not be older than 12 and not younger than 11 in Grade 6 (Applicants must be born in 2014 or 2015)

Applicant must demonstrate financial need

Applicant must obtain a minimum of 70% for both English and Mathematics

Process

Submit a copy of your application form and supporting documentation

Successful applicants will be required to write the Foundation assessment in English and Mathematics for Grade 6 in December 2026

After the Foundation assessment, successful candidates will be invited for interviews in early 2027

Recommended candidates will be invited to the placement schools for interviews

Candidates whose recommendations are approved by the placement schools will be awarded the Allan Gray Scholarship in May 2027

Once the Allan Gray Scholarship is awarded, the Foundation, placement school, and the Scholar’s custodian sign a Memorandum of Agreement.

What the Scholarship Offers

Tuition and boarding

A monthly allowance

Toiletries, uniforms and casual clothing

Support for extra murals

Stationery and textbooks

Workshops

Annual entrepreneurial conference

Online Learning Campus

Programme Officer (mentorship)

Like-minded community

Gain confidence

Develop entrepreneurial mindset

Growth mindset

Develop leadership qualities

Access to interactive online learning

Access to speakers and seminars

Entrepreneurial mindset development through collaboration and a community of like-minded individuals

Job Description

Exceptional South African learners pursuing or interested in pursuing studies in Actuarial Science are invited to apply for the Old Mutual Bursary Programme. The bursary programme comes with comprehensive support during university to the day you qualify and beyond into a meaningful career at Old Mutual. It also offers opportunities for personal development, vacation work, networking, and guaranteed employment post-graduation.

Old Mutual Actuarial Bursary Programme

Old Mutual Limited (OML) is a premium African financial services group that offers a broad spectrum of financial solutions to retail and corporate customers across key markets in 14 countries.

Old Mutual purpose is to help its customers thrive by enabling them to achieve their lifetime financial goals, while investing their funds in ways that will create a positive future for them, their families, their communities and broader society. In this way, the company significantly contribute to improving the lives of its customers and their communities while ensuring a sustainable future for Old Mutual business.

What the bursary covers

The bursary covers tuition, study materials, meals, accommodation in residence and return flights home (if studying outside of your hometown). You will receive financial support for the full duration of your degree and students who achieve excellent grades will receive more incentives.

Eligibility Criteria: To be eligible to apply you must meet the following requirements:

General:

You must be a South African citizen
You must have at least 80% in Mathematics, 60% for English HL or 70% for English FAL, 70% for all your other subjects
You must have applied/ be studying at either:

North-West University
Stellenbosch University
University of Cape Town
University of Pretoria
University of the Free-State
University of the Witwatersrand
University of Johannesburg
University of Kwa Zulu Natal – no longer ASSA accredited

You must be committed to qualifying as an actuary and work for the company after graduation.

The Application Process

Applications must be submitted online at: www.oldmutual.co.za/careers/actuarial-bursary
Download and complete the bursary motivation form then complete the online application which includes a gamified assessment (it is not timed). You will be required to attach aone-page CV.
Shortlisted candidates will be sent a link to complete psychometric assessments. Top 30 finalist
Finalists will be invited to a virtual interview
Should you be selected after the interview you will receive a provisional offer which will be confirmed once we receive your final matric results and proof of acceptance at University for an Actuarial Science or Accounting Science programme.

Required Documentation (to be included in the application)

One pager CV (click for advice)
Bursary Motivation Form (click, download and complete the form)
School Reports for Grade 10 – 12 term 1 Results
Matric Certificate (if applicable)
University acceptance/conditional acceptance letter (if applicable)
Full Academic Transcript (applicable to current University students only)
ID Copy

Important Notes

Parental/guardian consent is required if you are under 18
Preference will be given to candidates from under-represented designated groups, including candidates with disabilities
Preference will be given to previously disadvantaged background or demonstrate financial need
Incomplete applications will not be considered

Applications close 30 May 2026

If you have not heard from Old Mutuual by 31 July 2026, please consider your application unsuccessful. For any queries, contact the Old Mutual Early Careers team by emailing earlycareers@oldmutual.com

Skills: Data Analysis, Data Compilation, Data Controls, Information Management, Numerical Aptitude, Planning and organisational skills, Risk Management

Competencies: Action Oriented, Being Resilient, Builds Networks, Communicates Effectively, Ensures Accountability, Financial Acumen, Instills Trust, Manages Complexity

Education: High School (Grade 12)

Closing Date: 30 May 2026 , 23:59