The 2025 ABSIP-STANLIB Bursary Programme
The Association of Black
Securities and Investment Professionals (ABSIP), in partnership with STANLIB,
has unveiled its prestigious 2025 STANLIB-ABSIP Bursary Programme. This
initiative is designed to support historically disadvantaged students as
defined by the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) Act, with
the goal of fostering a new generation of leaders in the financial services
sector, particularly in Investment Management.
Applications are now open, with a
closing date of 17 January 2025, offering eligible students a unique
opportunity to access comprehensive funding for tertiary education. This
detailed guide will walk you through the eligibility criteria, application
process, and benefits of this transformative bursary programme.
STANLIB-ABSIP Partnership
About ABSIP
The Association of Black
Securities and Investment Professionals (ABSIP) was established in 1995 to
address the underrepresentation of Black professionals in South Africa’s
financial services industry. With a mission rooted in transformation and
empowerment, ABSIP works to create a more inclusive financial sector by
nurturing talent, providing mentorship, and promoting professional development.
The organization represents a broad network of members, including students,
professionals, and leaders in finance, investment, and related industries.
ABSIP’s commitment to education and transformation is evident in initiatives
like the ABSIP Bursary Programme, which bridges the gap between potential and
opportunity for historically disadvantaged individuals.
About STANLIB
STANLIB, one of South Africa’s leading asset
management companies, has a rich legacy of delivering innovative investment
solutions to clients across the country and beyond. With over two decades of
experience, STANLIB manages assets on behalf of individual investors,
corporations, and institutions, focusing on long-term growth and
sustainability. STANLIB is committed to corporate social responsibility and
transformation, exemplified by its partnership with ABSIP to establish the STANLIB-ABSIP
Bursary Programme. Through this collaboration, STANLIB invests in the
future of South Africa’s financial sector by empowering students to achieve
academic success and embark on careers in Investment Management.
The collaboration between STANLIB and
ABSIP embodies a shared vision: to promote diversity, inclusivity, and
transformation in South Africa’s financial services industry. This bursary
programme prioritizes academic excellence, leadership potential, and financial
need, providing students with the necessary resources to succeed in their
academic and professional endeavours.
Eligibility and Bursary Criteria
Who Can Apply?
The bursary is available to full-time
students enrolled or accepted at select South African universities (see list
below) and pursuing qualifications in financial services-related fields. Key
requirements include:
- Academic
Excellence:
Applicants must achieve
an average of 75% or higher in core academic subjects.
- Field
of Study:
Preference will be given
to students studying:
- Bachelor
of Business Science
- Bachelor
of Commerce
- Bachelor
of Science
Majors should include Economics, Business Finance, Investment Management, Financial Analysis, Mathematics, or Statistics. - Demonstrated
Leadership:
Though optional,
candidates with leadership experience and participation in extracurricular
activities (sports, debating, chess clubs, etc.) will be prioritized.
- Financial
Need:
Applicants must
demonstrate financial constraints through supporting documentation.
- B-BBEE
Act Compliance:
The bursary is available
exclusively to Black South African citizens as defined by the B-BBEE Act.
- Motivational
Letter:
A compelling one-page
letter outlining the applicant’s reasons for pursuing a qualification in
Investment Management is required.
Supported Universities
The bursary supports studies at the
following accredited institutions:
- Nelson
Mandela University
- Rhodes
University
- Stellenbosch
University
- University
of Cape Town
- University
of Johannesburg
- University
of KwaZulu-Natal
- University
of Limpopo
- University
of Pretoria
- University
of Venda
- University
of the Western Cape
- University
of the Witwatersrand
- North-West
University
- University
of the Free State
- University
of South Africa (UNISA)
- University
of Fort Hare
What Does the Bursary Cover?
The STANLIB-ABSIP Bursary is designed
to provide comprehensive financial support, covering:
- Tuition
Fees: Full
payment of tuition costs.
- Accommodation: On-campus accommodation
preferred; off-campus arrangements assessed on a case-by-case basis.
- Book
Allowance:
Support for textbooks and course materials.
- Stipend: Monthly allowance based on
financial need.
- Laptop: Provided if financial need is
demonstrated.
Application Process
Applicants must follow these steps to
ensure a complete and successful submission:
- Access
the Application Form:
- Visit
the ABSIP website to locate the 2025 STANLIB-ABSIP Bursary Fund
application form.
- Prepare
the Required Documents:
- Certified
ID copies (applicant and parents/legal guardians).
- Academic
transcripts and records.
- University
fee statement or quotation.
- Three
months of certified payslips and bank statements for parents or legal
guardians.
- A
one-page motivation letter explaining your career goals.
- Fill
in the Online Form:
Applicants must provide:
- Personal
details (name, contact information, gender, etc.).
- University
and academic qualification details.
- Academic
performance, including average pass mark and subject-specific results.
- A
breakdown of required funding (tuition, books, etc.).
- Submit
Supporting Files:
Upload all required
documents (maximum 10 MB per file) directly to the application portal.
- Submit
Before the Deadline:
Ensure your application
is complete and submitted by 17 January 2025.
Additional Considerations
Renewal of the Bursary
The bursary is subject to annual
renewal based on:
- Academic
performance: Maintaining excellent grades.
- Availability
of funds.
Exclusions
The programme is open only to
students without permanent work experience. Temporary or vacation work
experience is acceptable.
Optional Responses
Applicants are encouraged to specify
whether they attended the Kutlwanong Centre for Maths, Science and
Technology, a program known for preparing students in STEM-related fields.
Why Apply for the STANLIB-ABSIP Bursary?
The STANLIB-ABSIP Bursary offers more
than financial relief; it is a gateway to personal and professional growth.
Recipients gain:
- Industry
Exposure:
Through ABSIP’s network,
students gain access to mentorship and potential internship opportunities in
the financial sector.
- Networking
Opportunities:
Events hosted by ABSIP
and STANLIB allow bursary recipients to connect with industry leaders and
peers.
- Career
Advancement:
The programme equips
students with the knowledge and resources to thrive in Investment Management, a
field with vast growth potential.
- Empowerment
and Transformation:
By supporting
historically disadvantaged students, the bursary plays a crucial role in
addressing systemic inequalities in South Africa.
Key Application Information
Here is a summary of the essential
application details:
- Closing
Date: 17
January 2025
- Documents
Required:
- Certified
ID copies
- Academic
records and fee statement
- Bank
statements and payslips (parents/legal guardians)
- One-page
motivation letter
- Submission: { Click here to apply.}
- Contact
Information:
Ensure you include accurate personal, and guardian contact details.
The STANLIB-ABSIP Bursary
Programme is a pivotal opportunity for aspiring financial services
professionals. By providing comprehensive funding and fostering industry
connections, the bursary empowers students to overcome financial barriers,
achieve academic excellence, and embark on fulfilling careers in Investment
Management.
If you meet the criteria, don’t miss
this chance to invest in your future. Apply today and take the first step
towards becoming a leader in South Africa’s financial sector. {Click here visit the ABSIP website to begin your application journey.}
