Standard Bank Bursary 2027

## About the Provider The Standard Bank of South Africa Limited, founded in 1862, is one of the biggest financial services groups in the country. The bank as it is known today was formed in 1962 under the name The Standard Bank of South Africa, as a subsidiary of the British overseas bank Standard Bank. Headquartered in Johannesburg, the group has grown into one of the largest lenders in Africa by assets, with operations not only in South Africa but also in twenty other African countries. Standard Bank is a leader in business and commercial banking within South Africa, offering a wide range of financial solutions. These include borrowing, saving and investing, current accounts, electronic banking, cash and liquidity management, fleet management, and vehicle and asset finance. As a major financial institution, the bank plays an important role in the economy and depends on a steady supply of skilled professionals to keep its operations running and to drive innovation. The modern banking industry requires far more than traditional finance skills. Banks like Standard Bank increasingly rely on technology, data science, and an understanding of human behaviour to serve their customers and remain competitive. This is reflected in the wide range of fields the bank's bursary programme supports, which includes not only finance and accounting but also technology, data, engineering, and behavioural sciences. Standard Bank understands that investing in education is one of the most effective ways to build the skills it needs while also contributing to the development of the country. The Standard Bank Group Bursary Fund reflects this commitment. The programme is designed to support talented students who demonstrate both academic ability and financial need, giving them the means to pursue their studies and build successful careers. What makes the programme especially valuable is its comprehensive nature and its connection to potential employment. The bursary provides full cover for a wide range of expenses, along with a laptop and allowances, ensuring that students have everything they need to succeed. After graduation, recipients may be required to work for the bank, depending on the availability of positions, which provides a valuable pathway from study into a career. For talented learners from financially constrained backgrounds who dream of a career in finance, technology, or a related field, the Standard Bank Bursary represents an excellent opportunity. It offers comprehensive funding, valuable tools, a thorough selection process that helps prepare students for the working world, and a potential route to employment with a leading bank. Through this programme, Standard Bank invests in the next generation of skilled professionals who will help drive the financial industry and the broader economy forward.

## About the Program The Standard Bank Group Bursary Fund supports undergraduate and postgraduate studies for the 2027 academic year. It is one of the more generous bursary programmes available, covering a comprehensive range of expenses and offering a clear connection to one of Africa's leading banks. The bursary covers a wide range of fields, reflecting the diverse skills that a major financial services group requires. These include Actuarial Science, Analytics Science, Agriculture, Behavioural Economics, Behavioural Finance, Business Science, Commerce, Computer Science, Data Science, Economics, Engineering, Financial Technology, Information Science, Information Technology, Mathematics, Neuroscience, Psychology, Sociology, and Statistics. This breadth shows that Standard Bank values not only traditional finance skills but also technology, data, and an understanding of human behaviour. The funding is comprehensive, providing full cover for tuition fees, textbooks and other study materials, a laptop, accommodation, meals, a monthly living allowance, and transport in the form of a bus ticket between home and campus four times a year. This complete support removes much of the financial pressure on students and provides the tools they need to succeed. The programme has separate criteria for undergraduate and postgraduate students. Undergraduate students must have completed Matric, be studying full-time in one of the listed fields, be entering their second, third, or fourth year of study in 2027, and be studying at a recognised public institution. Postgraduate students must be studying full-time towards a qualification up to Master's level in one of the listed fields at a recognised public institution. Both groups must have a strong academic record, a minimum overall average of 65% in their most recent examinations, and demonstrate financial need. Before final selection, applicants must take part in a formal assessment process, which may include psychometric evaluation and an interview. This thorough process helps Standard Bank identify well-rounded, capable candidates. After graduation, bursary recipients may be required to work for Standard Bank, depending on the availability of positions, which provides a potential pathway to employment. The programme is administered by StudyTrust. By combining comprehensive funding with an assessment process and a potential route to employment, the Standard Bank Bursary offers a strong opportunity for talented students who wish to build careers in finance, technology, and related fields.

## Bursary Benefits The Standard Bank Bursary is a comprehensive award that provides full cover for a wide range of study-related expenses, along with valuable tools and support. This makes it one of the more complete bursary packages available. The bursary covers: - **Full tuition fees** - **Textbooks and other study materials** - A **laptop** - **Accommodation** - **Meals** - A **monthly living allowance** - **Transport** in the form of a bus ticket between home and campus four times a year This full cover removes much of the financial pressure on students and their families, allowing recipients to focus on their studies. The inclusion of a laptop is especially valuable, as access to a reliable device is essential for modern study, while the living allowance and transport support help with everyday costs. Beyond the financial support, recipients gain a connection to one of Africa's largest banks. After graduation, bursary recipients may be required to work for Standard Bank, depending on the availability of positions, which can provide a valuable pathway to employment. This combination of comprehensive funding and a potential route to a career makes the Standard Bank Bursary a particularly strong opportunity for talented students.

## Eligibility Criteria Applicants must meet the relevant requirements for their level of study. Failing to satisfy every criterion will result in an application not being considered. **Undergraduate students:** - You must have **completed Matric** - You must be studying full-time towards an undergraduate qualification in one of the listed fields - You must be entering your **second, third, or fourth year of study in 2027** - You must be studying at a **recognised and accredited public tertiary institution** in South Africa - You must have a **strong academic record** - You must have achieved a minimum overall average of **65%** in your most recent examinations - You must be in **financial need** **Postgraduate students:** - You must be studying full-time towards a postgraduate qualification (up to Master's level) in one of the listed fields - You must be studying at a **recognised and accredited public tertiary institution** in South Africa - You must have a **strong academic record** - You must have achieved a minimum overall average of **65%** in your most recent examinations - You must be in **financial need**

## Required Documents Submit clear, certified copies of the following supporting documents with your application. Missing documents may lead to disqualification, so prepare them carefully before you begin. - A certified copy of your **ID document** - Your **Matric certificate** (certified copy) - Your **full academic record**, on the institution's letterhead - **Proof of household income** for your parents or guardians (latest payslips if employed, an affidavit if unemployed, or proof of pension or grant income if applicable) Make sure all copies are clear, legible, and properly certified or on official letterheads where required. Because the bursary considers both academic merit and financial need, your academic record and proof of income are especially important. Having a complete set ready will make the online application process faster and smoother.

## How to Apply Applications for the Standard Bank Bursary must be submitted online through the administrator's website. Follow these steps to apply successfully: 1. Gather all your required documents and save clear, certified copies so you can upload them easily. 2. Read the bursary administrator's instructions page carefully before you begin, as it explains the process in detail. 3. Visit the online application portal for the Standard Bank Bursary. 4. Complete the online application form accurately, providing all requested personal and academic details. 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 before final selection, applicants take part in a formal assessment process that may include psychometric evaluation and an interview, so be prepared. 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 Standard Bank Bursary. - **Confirm your level and year of study.** Undergraduate funding is for students entering their second, third, or fourth year in 2027, while postgraduate funding goes up to Master's level. Make sure you apply correctly. - **Check your average.** You need a strong academic record with a minimum overall average of 65% in your most recent examinations. Confirm your results meet this before applying. - **Prepare for the assessment.** Before final selection, applicants take part in a formal assessment that may include psychometric evaluation and an interview. Be ready to present yourself well. - **Prepare proof of income carefully.** Financial need is part of the selection, so make sure your family's income documents are recent and clear. - **Present your academic record clearly.** Make sure your full academic record is complete and on your institution's letterhead. - **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. - **Read the administrator's instructions.** The administrator provides a guide that explains the process. Reading it carefully helps you avoid common mistakes. - **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 this bursary involves a formal assessment and may lead to employment, a complete and accurate application that clearly shows your strong results and financial need will give you the best chance of success.

## Career Prospects The fields funded by the Standard Bank Bursary lead to careers across finance, technology, data, and the broader economy. Because the programme is run by a major bank and may lead to employment, recipients are particularly well placed to build successful careers. Graduates in **Actuarial Science, Mathematics, Statistics, and Analytics Science** can become actuaries, statisticians, data analysts, and quantitative specialists. These professionals are highly valued in banking and finance, where they assess risk, analyse data, and support important decisions. Actuaries and data specialists are among the most in-demand and well-paid professionals in the economy. Those who study **Commerce, Economics, Finance, Behavioural Economics, and Behavioural Finance** can pursue careers as economists, financial analysts, investment professionals, and business advisors. The inclusion of behavioural fields reflects a modern understanding that human behaviour plays a key role in financial decisions, opening up interesting career paths in areas such as financial wellbeing and customer insight. Graduates in **Computer Science, Data Science, Information Technology, Financial Technology, and Information Science** can become software developers, data scientists, IT specialists, and fintech professionals. As banking becomes increasingly digital, these skills are essential to building and maintaining the technology that financial institutions rely on. Financial technology in particular is a rapidly growing field with excellent prospects. Those who study **Engineering** can pursue careers across many specialisations, while graduates in **Agriculture** can work in the agricultural and agribusiness sectors, which are important to the economy and to the bank's clients. The inclusion of fields such as **Psychology, Sociology, Neuroscience, and Business Science** reflects Standard Bank's interest in understanding people and organisations. Graduates in these fields can pursue careers in human resources, research, customer experience, and organisational development, bringing valuable insight into how people think and behave. A major advantage of this bursary is the potential pathway to employment. After graduation, recipients may be required to work for Standard Bank, depending on the availability of positions. This means the bursary can lead directly to a career with a leading financial institution, providing a strong start to working life. The formal assessment process also helps prepare students for the working world. For talented students from financially constrained backgrounds, the Standard Bank Bursary offers comprehensive funding, valuable tools, and a potential route to employment, all of which help recipients launch successful careers in finance, technology, and related fields.

## Frequently Asked Questions ## Who can apply for the Standard Bank Bursary? Undergraduate students who have completed Matric and are entering their second, third, or fourth year in 2027, and postgraduate students up to Master's level, who study one of the listed fields at a recognised public institution with a 65% average and financial need, may apply. ## What fields of study does the bursary cover? The bursary covers a wide range of fields, including Actuarial Science, Analytics Science, Agriculture, Behavioural Economics, Behavioural Finance, Business Science, Commerce, Computer Science, Data Science, Economics, Engineering, Financial Technology, Information Science, Information Technology, Mathematics, Neuroscience, Psychology, Sociology, and Statistics. ## What expenses does the bursary cover? The bursary provides full cover for tuition, textbooks and study materials, a laptop, accommodation, meals, a monthly living allowance, and transport via a bus ticket four times a year. ## What marks do I need? You need a strong academic record with a minimum overall average of 65% in your most recent examinations. ## Is there an assessment? Yes. Before final selection, applicants take part in a formal assessment process, which may include psychometric evaluation and an interview. ## When is the closing date? Applications close on **30 September 2026**. Late applications will not be accepted. ## Could this lead to a job? Yes. After graduation, recipients may be required to work for Standard Bank, depending on the availability of positions. ## Does it cover first-year students? Undergraduate funding is for students entering their second, third, or fourth year in 2027. Postgraduate funding is available up to Master's level. ## Who administers the bursary? The bursary is administered by StudyTrust, which manages the application process and supports recipients throughout their studies.

Applications Closing

Applications close on 30 September 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted, so apply early to make sure your application is considered.

About the Organization

StudyTrust (bursary administrator) Tel: 011 403 1632 Email: apply@StudyTrust.org.za