Old Mutual Investment Group Imfundo Trust Scholarship Guide
The Old Mutual Investment Group Imfundo Trust Scholarship—derived from the Nguni word "Imfundo" meaning education—is a premier funding initiative designed to transform the South African investments and financial services sector. Established to support high-achieving students, the Trust places special emphasis on empowering Black students, particularly women, from rural and township backgrounds.
Administered via StudyTrust, this scholarship offers full tertiary funding for undergraduate and selected postgraduate degree programs at recognized public universities across South Africa.
Old Mutual Imfundo Trust Scholarship Overview
Here is a summary of the core program specifications for prospective applicants:
| Specification | Details & Criteria |
|---|---|
| Eligible Fields of Study | Business, Commerce, Finance, Management Sciences, Computer Science (e.g., Computational Thinking), Data Science, Engineering, and Climate Studies (Postgraduate). |
| Target Academic Level | First-year and second-year undergraduate students, and postgraduate Climate Studies candidates. |
| Matric Academic Thresholds | Minimum 70% overall average, 70% in Mathematics (Pure Maths), and 70% in English FAL or 60% in English HL. |
| Tertiary Academic Thresholds | Minimum 65% aggregate overall in the latest mid-year/June university examinations. |
| Demographic Preference | Preference is given to candidates from rural and township backgrounds. |
| Annual Application Window | 01 June to 30 September annually via StudyTrust. |
Key Features & Funded Degrees
Designed for students entering their 1st or 2nd year of study toward degrees in Finance, Commerce, Economics, and Management. The program aims to build leadership pipelines for the broader financial services and investment management ecosystem.
Funding is available for first- and second-year technical students in Computer Science, Computational Thinking, Data Analytics, and Engineering disciplines to address scarce digital skills in investment tech.
Unlike undergraduate qualifications, Climate Studies is funded exclusively at the postgraduate level to foster expertise in environmental sustainability and green finance.
Who Qualifies? Minimum Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet all the following eligibility requirements to be considered for an award:
- Citizenship: Must be a South African citizen.
- Academic Standing (Matriculants): Grade 12 mid-year exam overall average of at least 70%. Must achieve a minimum of 70% in Pure Mathematics and 70% in English FAL (or 60% in English HL). Technical/Mathematical Literacy is not accepted.
- Academic Standing (University Students): Currently registered first-year students must hold a minimum overall average of 65% in their mid-year/June exams.
- Level of Study: Entering 1st or 2nd year of undergraduate study (or postgraduate for Climate Studies).
- Institution: Registered at or intending to study full-time at an accredited, recognized South African public university.
Required Supporting Documents
Prepare clear, certified copies of the following documents before commencing your online application:
- Clear passport-style head-and-shoulders photograph.
- Certified copy of your South African Identity Document (or valid Refugee Permit).
- Grade 11 final results and Matric June results (for current Matric students).
- National Senior Certificate (Matric certificate, if already completed).
- Full tertiary academic record and latest mid-year exam results (for current university students).
- Proof of household income (latest payslips if employed, SASSA grant letters, tax returns, or sworn affidavits if unemployed).
- Death certificates of parent(s) or legal documentation regarding court-mandated child support/divorce decrees (where applicable).
- Proof of university acceptance or registration letter.
Step-by-Step Application Instructions via StudyTrust
Applications for the Old Mutual Imfundo Trust Scholarship are managed electronically via the StudyTrust application portal:
- Access the Portal: Visit the official StudyTrust website (`studytrust.org.za`) during the application window (01 June to 30 September).
- Review Guidelines: Carefully read the instructions on the StudyTrust Bursary Applications page before starting your application.
- Register an Account: Create your profile on the StudyTrust online portal using a valid email address and ID number.
- Complete Details: Enter your personal details, academic results, institution choices, and financial background accurately.
- Upload Attachments: Attach all compulsory supporting documents in PDF format.
- Submit and Attend Interview: Submit prior to the closing date. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview before the final award decision is made by the Board of Trustees.
Apply for Old Mutual & Commerce Bursaries
Check open application dates, portal links, and financial aid options managed by StudyTrust across South African universities.
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