Old Mutual Chartered Accounting Bursary 2027

About the Provider

Old Mutual is Southern Africa's largest and most established financial services provider, with a history spanning over 175 years. The company provides a comprehensive range of financial solutions to individuals and businesses, including insurance, savings, investments, retirement planning, and wealth management.

Founded in Cape Town in 1845, Old Mutual has grown from a mutual life insurance company into a diversified financial services group with operations across Africa and selected international markets. The company serves millions of customers and manages substantial assets on behalf of individuals, families, and institutional investors.

Old Mutual's personal finance solutions include life insurance, funeral cover, savings and investment plans, retirement planning, education planning, disability and severe illness cover, wills and trusts, and short-term insurance. For businesses, the company offers institutional investing, retirement fund solutions, consulting services, employee wellbeing programmes, risk and disability benefits, business insurance, and agricultural insurance.

The company has a deep commitment to transformation and skills development in South Africa. Old Mutual recognises that the financial services sector needs a diverse pipeline of talented professionals, particularly in the field of chartered accounting where skills shortages persist. Through its bursary programmes, the company invests in developing the next generation of financial leaders.

Old Mutual's Early Careers team manages several graduate programmes and bursary initiatives designed to attract and develop young talent. The Accounting Bursary Programme is one of the company's flagship initiatives, providing comprehensive support to students who aspire to become Chartered Accountants and build careers in financial services.

## About the Provider Old Mutual is Southern Africa's largest and most established financial services provider, with a history spanning over 175 years. The company provides a comprehensive range of financial solutions to individuals and businesses, including insurance, savings, investments, retirement planning, and wealth management. Founded in Cape Town in 1845, Old Mutual has grown from a mutual life insurance company into a diversified financial services group with operations across Africa and selected international markets. The company serves millions of customers and manages substantial assets on behalf of individuals, families, and institutional investors. Old Mutual's personal finance solutions include life insurance, funeral cover, savings and investment plans, retirement planning, education planning, disability and severe illness cover, wills and trusts, and short-term insurance. For businesses, the company offers institutional investing, retirement fund solutions, consulting services, employee wellbeing programmes, risk and disability benefits, business insurance, and agricultural insurance. The company has a deep commitment to transformation and skills development in South Africa. Old Mutual recognises that the financial services sector needs a diverse pipeline of talented professionals, particularly in the field of chartered accounting where skills shortages persist. Through its bursary programmes, the company invests in developing the next generation of financial leaders. Old Mutual's Early Careers team manages several graduate programmes and bursary initiatives designed to attract and develop young talent. The Accounting Bursary Programme is one of the company's flagship initiatives, providing comprehensive support to students who aspire to become Chartered Accountants and build careers in financial services.

About the Program

The Old Mutual Accounting Bursary Programme is a comprehensive scholarship designed for students pursuing Chartered Accounting qualifications at selected South African universities. The programme goes beyond financial support by offering a complete career development pathway that includes vacation work, mentoring, and guaranteed employment upon graduation.

The bursary is specifically aimed at students studying towards an undergraduate Accounting Science degree in the Chartered Accounting stream. This means applicants must be enrolled in or intending to enrol in a programme that leads to the CA(SA) designation through the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) pathway.

What sets this programme apart from other accounting bursaries is its holistic approach to professional development. Bursary recipients do not simply receive funding — they are integrated into Old Mutual's Chartered Accounting Training (OMCAT) Programme, which provides structured exposure to all spheres of finance as prescribed by SAICA. This includes accounting and external reporting, management decision-making and control, financial management, risk management, governance, and taxation.

The programme supports students at 14 selected institutions across South Africa, including major research universities and one private business school. This selection ensures that bursary recipients receive education from institutions with strong accounting programmes that are accredited by SAICA.

Students who achieve excellent academic results receive additional incentives, creating a performance-driven culture that rewards hard work and dedication. The programme covers the full duration of the undergraduate degree, providing stability and allowing students to focus entirely on their studies without financial stress.

The selection process is rigorous, involving psychometric assessments and in-person interviews at a dedicated selection day. This thorough approach ensures that successful candidates have both the academic ability and the personal qualities needed to thrive in the demanding field of chartered accounting.

## About the Program The Old Mutual Accounting Bursary Programme is a comprehensive scholarship designed for students pursuing Chartered Accounting qualifications at selected South African universities. The programme goes beyond financial support by offering a complete career development pathway that includes vacation work, mentoring, and guaranteed employment upon graduation. The bursary is specifically aimed at students studying towards an undergraduate Accounting Science degree in the Chartered Accounting stream. This means applicants must be enrolled in or intending to enrol in a programme that leads to the CA(SA) designation through the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) pathway. What sets this programme apart from other accounting bursaries is its holistic approach to professional development. Bursary recipients do not simply receive funding — they are integrated into Old Mutual's Chartered Accounting Training (OMCAT) Programme, which provides structured exposure to all spheres of finance as prescribed by SAICA. This includes accounting and external reporting, management decision-making and control, financial management, risk management, governance, and taxation. The programme supports students at 14 selected institutions across South Africa, including major research universities and one private business school. This selection ensures that bursary recipients receive education from institutions with strong accounting programmes that are accredited by SAICA. Students who achieve excellent academic results receive additional incentives, creating a performance-driven culture that rewards hard work and dedication. The programme covers the full duration of the undergraduate degree, providing stability and allowing students to focus entirely on their studies without financial stress. The selection process is rigorous, involving psychometric assessments and in-person interviews at a dedicated selection day. This thorough approach ensures that successful candidates have both the academic ability and the personal qualities needed to thrive in the demanding field of chartered accounting.

Bursary Benefits

Full tuition coverage at one of 14 selected South African universities
Study materials funding for textbooks and academic resources
Meals allowance to cover daily food expenses
Accommodation in residence at your university
Return flights home if studying outside your hometown
Vacation work opportunities during academic holidays for practical experience
Additional incentives for students who achieve excellent academic results
Guaranteed employment within Old Mutual upon successful graduation
Structured exposure to all SAICA-prescribed spheres of finance through the OMCAT Programme
Support for the full duration of the undergraduate degree

## Bursary Benefits - **Full tuition coverage** at one of 14 selected South African universities - **Study materials** funding for textbooks and academic resources - **Meals allowance** to cover daily food expenses - **Accommodation in residence** at your university - **Return flights home** if studying outside your hometown - **Vacation work opportunities** during academic holidays for practical experience - **Additional incentives** for students who achieve excellent academic results - **Guaranteed employment** within Old Mutual upon successful graduation - Structured exposure to all SAICA-prescribed spheres of finance through the OMCAT Programme - Support for the **full duration** of the undergraduate degree

Eligibility Criteria

Must be a South African citizen
Must be currently in Matric or have completed Matric
Must not have completed any post-Matric qualifications (first-time university entrants only)
Must be studying or intending to study towards an undergraduate Accounting Science (Chartered Accounting Stream) qualification
Must be studying or have applied to study at one of the 14 selected institutions: University of Cape Town, Stellenbosch University, University of the Western Cape, University of Johannesburg, University of Pretoria, University of the Witwatersrand, University of the Free State, University of Fort Hare, University of KwaZulu-Natal, UNISA, Rhodes University, North-West University, Nelson Mandela University, or Milpark Business School
Must have achieved a minimum of 70% for Mathematics (not Mathematical Literacy) in Matric
Must have achieved a minimum of 60% for English Home Language or 70% for English First Additional Language in Matric
Must have achieved a minimum of 70% for all other subjects in Matric
Must be committed to entering the Old Mutual Chartered Accounting Training (OMCAT) Programme and working for the company after graduation
Preference given to students from under-represented designated groups, including candidates with disabilities
Preference given to students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds or those demonstrating financial need

## Eligibility Criteria - Must be a **South African citizen** - Must be **currently in Matric** or have **completed Matric** - Must **not** have completed any post-Matric qualifications (first-time university entrants only) - Must be studying or intending to study towards an **undergraduate Accounting Science (Chartered Accounting Stream)** qualification - Must be studying or have applied to study at one of the **14 selected institutions**: University of Cape Town, Stellenbosch University, University of the Western Cape, University of Johannesburg, University of Pretoria, University of the Witwatersrand, University of the Free State, University of Fort Hare, University of KwaZulu-Natal, UNISA, Rhodes University, North-West University, Nelson Mandela University, or Milpark Business School - Must have achieved a minimum of **70% for Mathematics** (not Mathematical Literacy) in Matric - Must have achieved a minimum of **60% for English Home Language** or **70% for English First Additional Language** in Matric - Must have achieved a minimum of **70% for all other subjects** in Matric - Must be committed to entering the **Old Mutual Chartered Accounting Training (OMCAT) Programme** and working for the company after graduation - Preference given to students from **under-represented designated groups**, including candidates with disabilities - Preference given to students from **previously disadvantaged backgrounds** or those demonstrating financial need

Required Documents

Certified copy of your ID document
Latest Matric results (if currently in Matric)
Matric certificate (if Matric has been completed)
Proof of acceptance or conditional acceptance at university (if applicable)
Full academic transcript (if currently studying)
NBT statement (National Benchmark Test results, if applicable)
Completed Old Mutual Bursary Motivation Form (downloadable PDF from the Old Mutual website)
Curriculum Vitae (one page maximum)

## Required Documents - Certified copy of your **ID document** - **Latest Matric results** (if currently in Matric) - **Matric certificate** (if Matric has been completed) - **Proof of acceptance** or conditional acceptance at university (if applicable) - **Full academic transcript** (if currently studying) - **NBT statement** (National Benchmark Test results, if applicable) - Completed **Old Mutual Bursary Motivation Form** (downloadable PDF from the Old Mutual website) - **Curriculum Vitae** (one page maximum)

How to Apply

Visit the Old Mutual careers portal and navigate to the Chartered Accounting Bursary Programme listing (Reference: JR-78372).
Create an account on the Old Mutual Workday platform if you do not already have one.
Log in to your account and complete the online application form with your personal details, academic information, and career aspirations.
Upload all required supporting documents including your certified ID, academic results, proof of acceptance (if applicable), NBT statement, completed Bursary Motivation Form, and one-page CV.
Ensure all documents are clear, legible, and properly certified where required.
Submit your completed application before the closing date of 30 May 2026 at 23:59.
If shortlisted, you will be contacted by 15 July 2026 with a link to complete psychometric assessments.
Finalists will be invited to a selection day where interviews will be conducted.
Successful candidates will receive a provisional offer, which becomes final upon receipt of confirmed Matric results and proof of university acceptance for an Accounting Science programme.

## How to Apply 1. Visit the Old Mutual careers portal and navigate to the Chartered Accounting Bursary Programme listing (Reference: JR-78372). 2. Create an account on the Old Mutual Workday platform if you do not already have one. 3. Log in to your account and complete the online application form with your personal details, academic information, and career aspirations. 4. Upload all required supporting documents including your certified ID, academic results, proof of acceptance (if applicable), NBT statement, completed Bursary Motivation Form, and one-page CV. 5. Ensure all documents are clear, legible, and properly certified where required. 6. Submit your completed application before the closing date of **30 May 2026** at 23:59. 7. If shortlisted, you will be contacted by **15 July 2026** with a link to complete psychometric assessments. 8. Finalists will be invited to a selection day where interviews will be conducted. 9. Successful candidates will receive a provisional offer, which becomes final upon receipt of confirmed Matric results and proof of university acceptance for an Accounting Science programme.

Tips for Success

Check your Matric results carefully against the minimum requirements — you need 70% for Maths, 60%/70% for English (HL/FAL), and 70% for all other subjects
Apply early — the deadline is 30 May 2026 but the selection process begins shortly after, so early applications may be reviewed first
Complete the Bursary Motivation Form thoroughly — this is your opportunity to explain why you want to become a Chartered Accountant and why Old Mutual should invest in you
Keep your CV to one page — focus on academic achievements, leadership roles, community involvement, and any relevant experience
Prepare for psychometric assessments — if shortlisted, you will need to complete online assessments that test numerical reasoning, verbal reasoning, and personality traits
Research Old Mutual before the interview — understand the company's values, services, and the OMCAT Programme so you can demonstrate genuine interest
Understand the commitment — accepting this bursary means committing to work for Old Mutual after graduation through the OMCAT Programme
Highlight financial need — preference is given to students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds, so be honest about your financial circumstances
Ensure your documents are certified — ID copies and Matric certificates must be certified by a Commissioner of Oaths (police station or post office)
Check your email regularly after applying — shortlisting notifications and psychometric assessment links are sent via email

## Tips for Success - **Check your Matric results carefully** against the minimum requirements — you need 70% for Maths, 60%/70% for English (HL/FAL), and 70% for all other subjects - **Apply early** — the deadline is 30 May 2026 but the selection process begins shortly after, so early applications may be reviewed first - **Complete the Bursary Motivation Form thoroughly** — this is your opportunity to explain why you want to become a Chartered Accountant and why Old Mutual should invest in you - **Keep your CV to one page** — focus on academic achievements, leadership roles, community involvement, and any relevant experience - **Prepare for psychometric assessments** — if shortlisted, you will need to complete online assessments that test numerical reasoning, verbal reasoning, and personality traits - **Research Old Mutual before the interview** — understand the company's values, services, and the OMCAT Programme so you can demonstrate genuine interest - **Understand the commitment** — accepting this bursary means committing to work for Old Mutual after graduation through the OMCAT Programme - **Highlight financial need** — preference is given to students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds, so be honest about your financial circumstances - **Ensure your documents are certified** — ID copies and Matric certificates must be certified by a Commissioner of Oaths (police station or post office) - **Check your email regularly after applying** — shortlisting notifications and psychometric assessment links are sent via email

Career Prospects

The Old Mutual Accounting Bursary leads directly into the Old Mutual Chartered Accounting Training (OMCAT) Programme, which provides a clear and structured career pathway in one of South Africa's most respected financial services companies.

Upon completing their undergraduate degree, bursary recipients enter the OMCAT Programme where they gain practical experience across all areas of finance prescribed by SAICA. This includes rotations through accounting and external reporting, management decision-making, financial management, risk management, governance, and taxation.

After completing their training contract and passing the SAICA board examinations, graduates earn the prestigious CA(SA) designation. This qualification is internationally recognised and opens doors to careers across multiple sectors.

Within Old Mutual, qualified CAs can pursue careers in financial reporting, internal audit, corporate finance, investment management, actuarial services, risk management, and executive leadership. Many former bursary recipients have risen to senior management and executive positions within the company.

Beyond Old Mutual, the CA(SA) qualification provides access to careers in audit firms (the Big Four and mid-tier firms), banking (investment banking, corporate banking, private equity), consulting (management consulting, financial advisory), and corporate finance across all industries.

Chartered Accountants are consistently among the highest-paid professionals in South Africa, with starting salaries significantly above the national average. The qualification also provides a strong foundation for entrepreneurship, with many CAs going on to start their own businesses or advisory practices.

The demand for qualified Chartered Accountants in South Africa remains strong, with the profession experiencing a persistent skills shortage. This means that CA(SA) holders enjoy excellent job security and career mobility throughout their professional lives.

## Career Prospects The Old Mutual Accounting Bursary leads directly into the Old Mutual Chartered Accounting Training (OMCAT) Programme, which provides a clear and structured career pathway in one of South Africa's most respected financial services companies. Upon completing their undergraduate degree, bursary recipients enter the OMCAT Programme where they gain practical experience across all areas of finance prescribed by SAICA. This includes rotations through accounting and external reporting, management decision-making, financial management, risk management, governance, and taxation. After completing their training contract and passing the SAICA board examinations, graduates earn the prestigious **CA(SA)** designation. This qualification is internationally recognised and opens doors to careers across multiple sectors. Within **Old Mutual**, qualified CAs can pursue careers in financial reporting, internal audit, corporate finance, investment management, actuarial services, risk management, and executive leadership. Many former bursary recipients have risen to senior management and executive positions within the company. Beyond Old Mutual, the CA(SA) qualification provides access to careers in **audit firms** (the Big Four and mid-tier firms), **banking** (investment banking, corporate banking, private equity), **consulting** (management consulting, financial advisory), and **corporate finance** across all industries. Chartered Accountants are consistently among the highest-paid professionals in South Africa, with starting salaries significantly above the national average. The qualification also provides a strong foundation for entrepreneurship, with many CAs going on to start their own businesses or advisory practices. The demand for qualified Chartered Accountants in South Africa remains strong, with the profession experiencing a persistent skills shortage. This means that CA(SA) holders enjoy excellent job security and career mobility throughout their professional lives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for the Old Mutual Accounting Bursary?

The bursary is open to South African citizens who are currently in Matric or have just completed Matric. Applicants must not have completed any post-Matric qualifications and must intend to study Accounting Science in the Chartered Accounting stream at one of 14 selected universities.

What are the minimum academic requirements?

You need at least 70% for Mathematics (not Maths Literacy), 60% for English Home Language (or 70% for English FAL), and 70% for all other subjects in your Matric results.

What does the bursary cover?

The bursary covers tuition fees, study materials, meals, accommodation in residence, and return flights home if you study outside your hometown. Students with excellent grades receive additional incentives.

Is employment guaranteed after graduation?

Yes. Bursary recipients who successfully complete their degree are guaranteed employment within Old Mutual through the Chartered Accounting Training (OMCAT) Programme.

What is the selection process?

Shortlisted candidates are contacted by 15 July 2026 to complete psychometric assessments. Finalists are then invited to a selection day with interviews. Successful candidates receive a provisional offer that is confirmed upon receipt of final Matric results and university acceptance.

Can I apply if I am already at university?

No. The bursary is specifically for students who have not completed any post-Matric qualifications. It targets current Matric learners or those who have just completed Matric.

What is the OMCAT Programme?

The Old Mutual Chartered Accounting Training Programme provides structured practical experience across all SAICA-prescribed areas of finance, including accounting, financial management, risk management, governance, and taxation. It prepares graduates for the CA(SA) board examinations.

Do I need to work for Old Mutual after graduating?

Yes. Accepting the bursary includes a commitment to enter the OMCAT Programme and work for Old Mutual after completing your degree. This is a binding condition of the bursary agreement.

What happens if I do not hear back by 15 July 2026?

If you have not been contacted by 15 July 2026, you should consider your application unsuccessful. Old Mutual does not provide individual feedback to unsuccessful applicants.

## Frequently Asked Questions ## Who is eligible for the Old Mutual Accounting Bursary? The bursary is open to South African citizens who are currently in Matric or have just completed Matric. Applicants must not have completed any post-Matric qualifications and must intend to study Accounting Science in the Chartered Accounting stream at one of 14 selected universities. ## What are the minimum academic requirements? You need at least 70% for Mathematics (not Maths Literacy), 60% for English Home Language (or 70% for English FAL), and 70% for all other subjects in your Matric results. ## What does the bursary cover? The bursary covers tuition fees, study materials, meals, accommodation in residence, and return flights home if you study outside your hometown. Students with excellent grades receive additional incentives. ## Is employment guaranteed after graduation? Yes. Bursary recipients who successfully complete their degree are guaranteed employment within Old Mutual through the Chartered Accounting Training (OMCAT) Programme. ## What is the selection process? Shortlisted candidates are contacted by 15 July 2026 to complete psychometric assessments. Finalists are then invited to a selection day with interviews. Successful candidates receive a provisional offer that is confirmed upon receipt of final Matric results and university acceptance. ## Can I apply if I am already at university? No. The bursary is specifically for students who have not completed any post-Matric qualifications. It targets current Matric learners or those who have just completed Matric. ## What is the OMCAT Programme? The Old Mutual Chartered Accounting Training Programme provides structured practical experience across all SAICA-prescribed areas of finance, including accounting, financial management, risk management, governance, and taxation. It prepares graduates for the CA(SA) board examinations. ## Do I need to work for Old Mutual after graduating? Yes. Accepting the bursary includes a commitment to enter the OMCAT Programme and work for Old Mutual after completing your degree. This is a binding condition of the bursary agreement. ## What happens if I do not hear back by 15 July 2026? If you have not been contacted by 15 July 2026, you should consider your application unsuccessful. Old Mutual does not provide individual feedback to unsuccessful applicants.

Applications Closing

Applications close on 30 May 2026 at 23:59. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by 15 July 2026 — apply early to avoid last-minute technical issues.

About the Organization

Early Careers Team Email: earlycareers@oldmutual.com