Old Mutual Imfundo Trust Scholarship 2027 Opens For South African Students

The Old Mutual Investment Group Imfundo Trust Scholarship is open for South African students who want to study in fields linked to the investment industry and future-focused skills. The scholarship supports selected undergraduate and postgraduate studies, with applications open from 01 June to 30 September.

The Imfundo Trust was created by Old Mutual Investment Group to support transformation in the investment industry by funding students with strong potential. Since its inception in 2011, the Trust has assisted black students, particularly women, to pursue tertiary education at selected South African universities.

For students with strong academics and a serious interest in finance, business, data, engineering or climate-focused study, this scholarship can open an important door.

What Is The Old Mutual Imfundo Trust Scholarship?

The Imfundo Trust Scholarship is an Old Mutual Investment Group scholarship initiative.

Its purpose is to provide funding for students with a particular interest in the investments industry while supporting transformation in the sector.

The word “Imfundo” means education in Nguni, and the scholarship reflects that mission by helping selected students access university study opportunities.

What Does The Scholarship Cover?

The Imfundo Trust Scholarship provides funding for full-time study in selected undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes at selected South African universities.

The scholarship is linked to fields that support future talent development in investment, business, finance, technology, engineering and climate-related study.

Who Can Apply For The Imfundo Trust Scholarship?

Only South African citizens will be considered.

The scholarship is mainly available to applicants who will be in their first or second year in 2027, except for Climate Studies, which is funded at postgraduate level.

Applicants from rural and township backgrounds will be given preference.

What Academic Results Are Required?

Applicants who will be in their first year next year must have achieved an average of at least 70% in the mid-year Grade 12 examinations. They must also have at least 70% in Mathematics and either 70% in English First Additional Language or 60% in English Home Language.

Applicants who are currently in their first year must have achieved an average of 65% and above in their latest mid-year or June examinations.

Strong marks matter because this scholarship is competitive and targeted at high-potential students.

Which Degrees Are Funded?

The Old Mutual Imfundo Trust Scholarship supports selected fields of study.

Funded degrees include:

  • Business, Commerce, Finance and Management Sciences / Studies
  • Computer Science and related qualifications, including Computational Thinking
  • Data Science
  • Climate Studies
  • Engineering

Business, Commerce, Finance, Management Sciences, Computer Science, Data Science and Engineering are funded for students who will be in first or second year in 2027. Climate Studies is funded at postgraduate level.

How Does The Selection Process Work?

Applicants who meet the shortlisted requirements may be invited for interviews.

The Board of Trustees will consider interview performance and other relevant factors before making final scholarship decisions.

The Imfundo Trust may also adjust or withdraw any scholarship amount if an applicant is receiving other financial assistance, such as a bursary, grant, loan, scholarship or award.

Itumeleng’s Insider Tip: Do not make your motivation letter sound like a generic request for funding. Connect your chosen field to the investment industry, future skills, transformation, leadership and the kind of impact you want to make after graduation.

How Can Students Apply Online?

Applications must be completed on StudyTrust’s online application platform.

Students must submit their application through the official Old Mutual Imfundo Trust Scholarship application page.

Before starting, applicants should carefully read the StudyTrust bursary application instructions and prepare all required supporting information.

When Do Applications Close?

The application season runs from 01 June to 30 September.

Students must complete their online application before 30 September to be considered for scholarship funding for the next academic year.

What Should Applicants Prepare Before Applying?

Applicants should prepare their documents and academic information before opening the online platform.

Useful documents to prepare may include:

  • Certified copy of ID
  • Latest academic results
  • Grade 12 mid-year results, where applicable
  • Full tertiary academic record, where applicable
  • Proof of university acceptance or registration, where available
  • Proof of household income
  • Motivation details linked to study goals and career direction

A complete, focused application is stronger than a rushed one submitted close to the deadline.

Why Is This Scholarship Worth Considering?

The Imfundo Trust Scholarship is valuable because it supports fields connected to South Africa’s future economy and the investment industry.

It is especially relevant for students interested in finance, commerce, data, computer science, engineering and climate-related study.

For students from rural and township backgrounds, and especially black women, the scholarship also supports access to opportunity in areas where transformation remains important.

Grow Your Career with SETACareers

Access the latest learnerships, internships, bursaries, scholarships, fellowships, apprenticeships, and practical SETA guides designed to help you succeed.

Final Thoughts

The Old Mutual Imfundo Trust Scholarship 2027 is a strong opportunity for South African students with excellent academic results and an interest in future-focused fields.

The scholarship supports selected undergraduate studies in business, commerce, finance, management sciences, computer science, data science and engineering, as well as postgraduate Climate Studies.

Students who meet the requirements should prepare early and complete their online application before 30 September.

Itumeleng Ndlovu

Itumeleng Ndlovu is the Founder and Managing Editor of SETA Careers, an independent South African platform dedicated to publishing accurate information about learnerships, bursaries, internships, and skills development programmes. She specialises in researching and verifying updates from official government departments, SETAs, TVET colleges, and accredited institutions to ensure readers receive clear, reliable, and up-to-date guidance. She is committed to simplifying complex education and career information so South African students and job seekers can make informed decisions with confidence. Contact: info@setacareers.co.za