Stanlib

About STANLIB

STANLIB is one of the larger asset managers in South Africa. It was created in 2002 when the asset management arms of Standard Bank and Liberty were joined. Its head office is in Melrose Arch, Johannesburg. The firm manages unit trusts, retirement savings and investments for individuals and for large institutions, and it works in several African markets. Today the business sits within the Liberty and Standard Bank family of companies.

Asset management depends on highly numerate people. Analysts, fund managers, actuaries and client specialists all need strong maths and finance training. South Africa has too few of them, and the pool of black professionals in the field is smaller still.

How STANLIB supports students

STANLIB has run a bursary sponsorship programme for academically strong students from historically disadvantaged backgrounds. In recent years it has worked with ABSIP, the Association for Black Securities and Investment Professionals. ABSIP is an industry body that promotes transformation in the investment sector. Through this partnership, bursars study towards careers in investment management.

Fields of study have included accounting, actuarial science, economics, finance and investment management. These are the subjects that feed directly into the firm's work. Students can study at a public university in South Africa. Support has generally covered the main costs of study, although the detail depends on the programme year.

Beyond money, ABSIP programmes have offered extras such as mentoring and work exposure. As a result, bursars can build networks early. That is a real advantage in a small, relationship-driven industry.

What to know before applying

Start with the basics. Applicants should be South African citizens with strong school or university results, and they should show financial need. The programme has been aimed at black students as defined in the B-BBEE Act. Application windows have usually opened in the second half of the year and closed in January. However, these dates move, so look up the current call before you prepare your documents.

Applications have been made online or by email, with certified copies of key documents. These normally include your ID, your results and proof of registration or admission. Older calls listed an address and an email at STANLIB for submissions, but details can change. Use only the contact information on the official call.

Work-back terms deserve attention. Standard Bank group bursaries have generally been linked to an offer of employment, with no further service owed if no offer is made. Public information does not confirm whether STANLIB's own terms follow that model. For that reason, ask STANLIB or ABSIP for the exact conditions in writing before you sign anything.

Finally, remember that places are limited and the competition is strong. Keep your marks high, write a clear motivation and send everything before the deadline.