You're the change we want to invest in

Applications for the 2026 Changeblazers bursaries have closed.

Ninety One wants to back talented young students who need a helping hand — financially and otherwise — to pursue their ambition of studying at a tertiary institution and go on to make a meaningful contribution to South Africa’s economy.

We understand that students from under-resourced backgrounds need more than funding to thrive. That’s why our comprehensive bursary offers full support — from tuition, accommodation, meals, and learning materials to private tutoring, career guidance, resilience training, mental health support, and financial wellbeing sessions.

We’re not just supporting students — we’re building future talent for the financial services industry and the world in which we operate.

Want to become a #Changeblazer?

Our wide range of bursaries are in these related fields of study:

  • Business, Finance and Economics
  • Technology & Computer science
  • Engineering
  • Healthcare (excl. medicine, dentistry, veterinary science)
  • Psychology
  • Education

What bursaries are available?

Our wide range of bursaries are in these related fields of study:

  • Business, Finance and Economics
  • Technology & Computer science
  • Engineering
  • Healthcare (excl. medicine, dentistry, veterinary science)
  • Psychology
  • Education

What are the criteria?

To meet the criteria, an applicant should:

  • Intend on studying full time in one of the aforementioned fields of study, at a South African university
  • Demonstrate academic excellence
  • Demonstrate leadership qualities
  • Preferably have obtained a minimum of 70% in English and mathematics or sciences in Grade 11
  • Be a South African citizen under the age of 21 in 2026
  • Demonstrate financial need (Typically a family income of less than R600 000 per annum)*
  • Meet the minimum entrance requirements for their chosen field of study

* Mitigating circumstances will be taken into account where applicable.

How do I apply?

Thank you to the more than 3 500 learners who applied for a spot in 2026. We are now busy verifying the applications and working through the documentation.

  • Please be patient with us while we finalise this screening process.
  • If you’re shortlisted, you’ll be notified and meet with Ninety One for interviews between October and December.
  • If successful, you will get provisional acceptance by December.
  • Final bursary awards will be confirmed once matric results are released in January.
  • If you’d like to follow up on the status of your application, please contact Career Wise.

Good luck!

Hear from our Changeblazers

Changeblazers in numbers

Students
Students

120+

120+ students supported
90+ currently at university
Female students
Female students

61%

of the students are female.
Applications
Applications

3500+

More than 3500 applications for 2026 intake.

For Tomorrow

Be inspired by our Changeblazers

Enabling high potential, under-resourced students to access and thrive at tertiary institutions.

Read more

Important information
Ninety One SA is an authorised financial services provider.