Sanlam

About Sanlam

Sanlam is one of the oldest and largest financial services groups in South Africa. It offers life insurance, investments, wealth management and related products. The head office is in Bellville, Cape Town. The company was registered in June 1918 as the Suid-Afrikaanse Nasionale Lewens Assuransie Maatskappij, and its name comes from the first letters of that title.

Sanlam began as a way to help ordinary families save and protect themselves. It later became a mutual company, then listed on the JSE in 1998. Today it operates in many African markets as well as South Africa.

How Sanlam supports students

Sanlam's bursary programme focuses on actuarial science. Actuaries use mathematics and statistics to measure financial risk. They price insurance products and decide how much money a company must hold for future claims. South Africa produces only a small number of qualified actuaries each year, so the skill is scarce and highly valued.

The programme is open to two groups. First, matric learners can apply if they are on track for outstanding results. The usual benchmark is at least 90% for Mathematics, not Mathematical Literacy, along with a strong overall aggregate. Second, current full-time actuarial science students in their first, second or third year can apply. In both cases you must be a South African citizen with proven academic ability.

The package covers tuition and accommodation, plus an allowance for books and other expenses. Beyond money, Sanlam offers mentoring from qualified actuaries and vacation work across different parts of the business. It also helps with the costs of the professional actuarial exams, which are demanding and expensive.

What to know before applying

Applications are made online. A recent call ran from 1 February to 30 June. You will need your academic transcripts, proof of registration, an ID copy, a detailed CV and a motivation letter. The letter should explain why you want an actuarial career and what you hope to achieve.

Actuarial science is a demanding degree, and the professional exams that follow can take several years to complete. Many students find that financial support, mentors and a clear job at the end make the long road more manageable. If you enjoy mathematics, statistics and problem solving, and you want a career in insurance, investments or risk, this bursary deserves careful attention.

Sanlam describes the programme as leading to guaranteed employment once you finish your studies. In other words, the company expects to hire its own bursars. Therefore, confirm the exact contract terms, including any service period and repayment rules, with Sanlam before you accept an award. Dates and requirements can change, so always read the current advert on the official Sanlam careers page.