·Business,Finance and Economics,Education,Engineering,Healthcare,Technology and Computer Science,Psychology
## About the Provider
Ninety One is a respected asset management business with a strong presence in South Africa and internationally. Previously known as Investec Asset Management, the company was formed in 1991 and adopted the name Ninety One in 2020. The asset management business has offices in Cape Town, where it is listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, and in London, where it is listed on the London Stock Exchange. This dual presence reflects the company's standing as a significant player in the global investment industry.
As an asset manager, Ninety One helps individuals and institutions grow and protect their wealth through careful investment. The company understands that long-term success, whether in investing or in society, depends on developing talented people and giving them the opportunities they need to thrive. This belief lies at the heart of its Changeblazer bursary programme.
The name Changeblazer captures the spirit of the programme. It is aimed at young people who have the potential to blaze a trail of change, to lead, and to make a positive difference in their communities and in the country. Ninety One recognises that South Africa has many talented learners who, given the right support, can become the leaders and professionals of the future. However, financial barriers often stand in the way of these young people reaching their full potential.
The Changeblazer Bursary is designed to remove those barriers. It provides comprehensive funding for studies in a range of important fields, but it goes much further than simply paying fees. The programme takes a holistic approach, supporting students not only financially but also academically and personally. This includes help with tutoring, career guidance, resilience, mental health, and financial wellbeing, reflecting a deep understanding of what students really need to succeed.
What makes the programme especially meaningful is its focus on developing well-rounded leaders. Ninety One is not just looking for students with good marks, but for young people who show leadership qualities and the potential to drive positive change. By investing in these individuals, the company hopes to help shape a generation of capable, confident, and socially conscious professionals.
For talented learners from financially constrained backgrounds who dream of attending university and building successful careers, the Ninety One Changeblazer Bursary represents a remarkable opportunity. It offers not only the funding needed to study but also the support and development needed to thrive, both at university and in the world beyond. Through this programme, Ninety One invests in the young change-makers who will help build a better future for South Africa.
## About the Program
The Ninety One Changeblazer Bursary Programme funds undergraduate studies for the 2027 academic year across a focused set of fields. The programme supports students studying Business, Finance and Economics, Education, Engineering, Healthcare (excluding Dentistry, Medicine, and Veterinary Science), Technology and Computer Science, and Psychology. This range reflects the variety of skills needed to build a stronger economy and society.
The bursary is comprehensive, covering full tuition fees, learning materials, accommodation, and meals. Beyond these core costs, recipients may also receive a range of additional benefits aimed at supporting their overall wellbeing and development. These include private tutoring, career guidance, resilience training, mental health support, and financial wellbeing sessions. Top-performing students may receive further benefits, such as help with obtaining a driver's licence and a working wardrobe for their first job after graduation.
This holistic approach sets the programme apart. Rather than simply paying fees, Ninety One aims to support the whole person, recognising that success at university depends on more than just money. The focus on mental health, resilience, and financial wellbeing reflects an understanding of the real challenges that students face.
The programme is administered by Career Wise, which is responsible for accepting, scanning, and shortlisting candidates. Shortlisted students must attend a panel interview assessment, held between October and December 2026, after which final selection is made. Successful candidates receive provisional acceptance by December, with final awards confirmed after the release of Matric results in January.
The academic requirements are strong. Applicants should preferably have achieved a minimum overall average of 70% for English and Mathematics or Sciences in Grade 11. They must also have an excellent academic record and demonstrate strong leadership qualities, reflecting the programme's interest in developing future leaders.
The bursary is aimed at South African citizens who are currently in Matric, under 21 years old in 2027, and entering their first year of university in 2027. Applicants must intend to study full-time at a recognised university and must have proven financial need, with a family income of less than R600 000 per year, although special circumstances may be assessed.
By combining comprehensive funding with personal development support, the Ninety One Changeblazer Bursary helps talented young people not only to study but to thrive, building the skills and resilience they need for successful careers.
## Bursary Benefits
The Ninety One Changeblazer Bursary is a comprehensive award that goes well beyond covering basic study costs. It is designed to support the whole student, both academically and personally.
- **Full tuition fees** covered
- **Learning materials** to support academic work
- **Accommodation** for students who need to live away from home
- **Meals** to cover daily living needs
- **Private tutoring** to support academic success
- **Career guidance** to help students plan their futures
- **Resilience training** and **mental health support** to support wellbeing
- **Financial wellbeing sessions** to build money management skills
Top-performing students may also receive additional benefits, including help with obtaining a **driver's licence** and a **working wardrobe** for their first job after graduation.
This holistic package makes the bursary especially valuable. By supporting students' mental health, resilience, and financial wellbeing alongside their studies, the programme helps recipients cope with the real challenges of university life and prepare for the working world. It reflects a genuine commitment to developing well-rounded, capable young people who are ready to succeed.
## Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet all of the following requirements. Failing to satisfy every criterion will result in an application not being considered.
- You must be a **South African citizen**
- You must be **under 21 years old in 2027**
- You must be **currently in Matric**
- You must intend to study full-time towards a qualification in one of the listed fields
- You must be entering your **first year of university in 2027**
- You must intend to study at a **recognised university** in South Africa
- You must preferably have achieved a minimum overall average of **70% for English and Mathematics or Sciences in Grade 11**
- You must have **proven financial need**, with a family income of less than **R600 000 per year** (special circumstances may be assessed)
- You must satisfy the **minimum entry requirements** for your chosen field of study
- You must have an **excellent academic record**
- You must have **strong leadership qualities**
## Required Documents
You may be required to submit clear, certified copies of the following supporting documents with your online application. Missing documents may lead to disqualification, so prepare them carefully before you begin.
- A certified copy of your **ID document**
- Your **Grade 11 final results** (certified copy)
- Your **Matric latest results** (certified copy)
- **Proof of application or registration** at a university for 2027, on the institution's letterhead
- **Proof of household income** for your parents or guardians (payslips if employed, an affidavit if unemployed, or a SASSA or pension slip if applicable)
Make sure all copies are clear, legible, and properly certified. Having a complete set ready will make the online application process faster and smoother, and will help you avoid delays if you are shortlisted.
## How to Apply
Applications for the Ninety One Changeblazer Bursary must be submitted online through the official application page. Follow these steps to apply successfully:
1. Gather all your required documents and save clear, certified copies so you can upload them easily.
2. Visit the online application page for the Ninety One Changeblazer Bursary.
3. Complete the online application form accurately, providing all requested personal and academic details.
4. Use the promo code or reference indicated for the programme when prompted.
5. When asked how you heard about the bursary, enter the referral information as requested on the form.
6. Upload all your supporting documents, making sure each file is clear and complete.
7. Review your entire application to confirm there are no errors or missing information.
8. Submit your application before the closing date.
Applications submitted after the deadline will not be accepted, so it is wise to apply well in advance. Note that shortlisted candidates must attend a panel interview assessment between October and December 2026, so be prepared to present yourself in person. Keep a copy of your confirmation for your records.
## Tips for Success
A strong bursary application is well prepared, complete, and honest. The following tips can help you give yourself the best chance with the Ninety One Changeblazer Bursary.
- **Show your leadership qualities.** The programme is specifically looking for future leaders. Where the application allows, highlight any leadership roles, community involvement, or activities that show your potential to drive positive change.
- **Confirm your marks.** You should preferably have at least 70% for English and Mathematics or Sciences in Grade 11, along with an excellent overall record. Check your results before applying.
- **Prepare for the interview.** Shortlisted candidates attend a panel interview between October and December 2026. Think about how you would speak about yourself, your goals, and your leadership experiences.
- **Prepare proof of income carefully.** Financial need is part of the selection, so make sure your family's income documents are recent and clear.
- **Confirm your university application.** You will need proof of application or registration at a university for 2027, so apply to universities early.
- **Apply early.** Online systems can become busy near the deadline. Submitting early helps you avoid last-minute technical problems.
- **Get documents certified in advance.** Certified copies take time to arrange, so plan a visit to a police station, post office, or Commissioner of Oaths ahead of time.
- **Use the correct reference.** Make sure you enter the promo code or reference indicated for the programme when applying.
- **Proofread your application.** Errors and missing fields create a poor impression. Review everything before submitting, or ask someone to check it for you.
- **Be truthful.** Provide only accurate information. Dishonesty can lead to disqualification and damage your reputation.
Because the programme values leadership and offers comprehensive support, a complete application that clearly shows your academic ability, financial need, and leadership potential will give you the best chance of success.
## Career Prospects
The fields funded by the Ninety One Changeblazer Bursary lead to careers across many important sectors of the economy and society. Because the programme also focuses on leadership and personal development, recipients are well prepared to take on meaningful roles and to grow into leaders over time.
Graduates in **Business, Finance, and Economics** can become financial analysts, accountants, economists, investment professionals, and business managers. These careers are central to the financial and business world, where Ninety One operates, and they offer strong prospects for growth and good earning potential.
Those who study **Engineering** can pursue careers across many specialisations, building and maintaining the infrastructure and systems that society relies on. Engineering graduates are valued for their problem-solving and technical skills across numerous industries.
Graduates in **Technology and Computer Science** can become software developers, data scientists, IT specialists, and systems analysts. As the world becomes increasingly digital, these skills are in high demand across every sector, offering secure and rewarding careers.
Those who study **Education** can become teachers and educators, playing a vital role in shaping future generations. Education is one of the most important professions in any society, and skilled, dedicated teachers are always needed.
Graduates in **Healthcare** fields, excluding dentistry, medicine, and veterinary science, can pursue careers as nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and other health professionals. These careers are essential to the wellbeing of communities and offer stable, respected work.
Those who study **Psychology** can pursue careers as psychologists, counsellors, and human resources professionals, helping people and organisations understand behaviour and improve wellbeing.
A distinctive strength of this bursary is its emphasis on leadership and personal development. The career guidance, resilience training, and other support that recipients receive help them develop the soft skills and confidence that employers value highly. The help with obtaining a driver's licence and a working wardrobe for top performers also gives recipients practical advantages as they enter the job market.
Because the programme is run in connection with a respected asset management firm, recipients also gain a valuable association that can support their careers. For talented young people from financially constrained backgrounds, the bursary offers not just funding but a comprehensive foundation for building a successful career and becoming a leader in their chosen field.
## Frequently Asked Questions
## Who can apply for the Ninety One Changeblazer Bursary?
South African citizens under 21 in 2027, currently in Matric, entering first year at a recognised university in 2027 in one of the listed fields, with strong academic results, leadership qualities, and a family income below R600 000 per year, may apply.
## What fields of study does the bursary cover?
The bursary covers Business, Finance and Economics, Education, Engineering, Healthcare (excluding Dentistry, Medicine, and Veterinary Science), Technology and Computer Science, and Psychology.
## What expenses does the bursary cover?
The bursary covers full tuition fees, learning materials, accommodation, and meals, plus additional support such as private tutoring, career guidance, resilience training, mental health support, and financial wellbeing sessions.
## What marks do I need?
You should preferably have achieved a minimum overall average of 70% for English and Mathematics or Sciences in Grade 11, along with an excellent academic record.
## What is the income requirement?
Your family income should be less than R600 000 per year, although special circumstances may be assessed.
## When is the closing date?
Applications close on **31 August 2026**. Late applications will not be accepted.
## Is there an interview?
Yes. Shortlisted candidates must attend a panel interview assessment between October and December 2026.
## When are awards confirmed?
Successful candidates receive provisional acceptance by December, with final awards confirmed after the release of Matric results in January.
## Who administers the bursary?
The bursary is administered by Career Wise, which handles applications, shortlisting, and the interview process.
Applications Closing
Applications close on 31 August 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted, so apply early to make sure your application is considered.
About the Organization
Career Wise (bursary administrator)
Tel: 011 258 4464
Email: info@careerwise.co.za