Coronation Fund Managers Bursaries 2027: Your Guide to Exceptional Student Opportunities

Coronation Fund Managers Bursaries: Your Guide to the 2027 Exceptional Student Programme

Coronation Fund Managers is offering academically strong students from disadvantaged backgrounds a chance to advance their education through its Exceptional Student Bursary Programme for the 2027 academic year. This bursary aims to support students pursuing undergraduate degrees in fields like commerce, finance, data analysis, and technology. If you are a South African citizen with a solid academic record and a desire to excel in these areas, this opportunity could be for you.

The application deadline is August 19, 2026, at 12:00 midday. This bursary is more than just financial aid; it includes developmental support and exposure to the investment management industry, potentially leading to future career opportunities with Coronation.

Understanding the Coronation Exceptional Student Bursary Programme

The Exceptional Student Bursary Programme is designed by Coronation Fund Managers to identify and nurture talented individuals who show academic promise and leadership potential. It focuses on providing financial assistance and valuable developmental experiences to students who might otherwise face barriers to higher education. The program is specifically looking for candidates who are committed to their studies and eager to contribute to the fields of commerce and technology.

This bursary is awarded for a full-time undergraduate degree at a recognized South African university or eligible higher education institution. It is crucial for applicants to understand that while academic merit is a key factor, Coronation also values well-rounded individuals with strong character and a commitment to personal growth. The bursary is renewable annually, subject to satisfactory academic performance and adherence to the program’s terms.

Fields of Study Supported by the Bursary

Coronation Fund Managers prioritizes students pursuing undergraduate degrees in specific, high-demand fields. These areas are critical to the company’s operations and the broader investment management industry. The primary focus is on disciplines that blend financial acumen with technological expertise.

The preferred fields of study include:

• Commerce: This broad category covers areas like accounting, economics, and business management.
• Finance: Including financial planning, investment management, and corporate finance.
• Data Analysis: Focusing on skills in interpreting and utilizing data for business insights.
• Information Technology (IT): Encompassing various aspects of IT infrastructure, systems, and support.
• Computer Science: The study of computation, algorithms, and software development.
• Software Engineering: The application of engineering principles to the design, development, and maintenance of software.
• Computer Engineering: A discipline that integrates electrical engineering and computer science.

The program may also consider other related commerce or technology disciplines. Applicants must ensure their chosen course of study is a full undergraduate degree offered by an eligible institution.

Eligibility Requirements for Applicants

To be considered for the Coronation Exceptional Student Bursary Programme, applicants must meet a set of specific criteria. These requirements are in place to ensure that the bursary reaches deserving students who align with the program’s objectives. Meeting these criteria is the first step in the application process.

General requirements include:

• Citizenship: Applicants must be South African citizens.
• Background: They must come from a disadvantaged background, indicating financial need.
• Study Mode: The bursary is for full-time study during the 2027 academic year.
• Degree Level: Applicants must be pursuing an eligible undergraduate degree.
• Academic Record: A strong academic history is essential.
• Character: Demonstrated leadership potential and good personal character are valued.
• Work-Back Obligation: Willingness to comply with potential work-back conditions after graduation.
• Institution: Study must be at an eligible institution registered with South African higher education authorities.

The program welcomes applications from current tertiary students, learners who completed Matric in 2026, and those who finished Matric in 2025 and took a gap year.

Academic Performance Standards

Coronation Fund Managers places a strong emphasis on academic achievement. The bursary is intended for students who have consistently performed well in their studies. There are different academic benchmarks for current Grade 12 learners and those already in tertiary education.

For current Grade 12 learners and those applying with their Matric results:

• A Bachelor’s pass is required.
• An overall average of at least 75% is necessary.
• Mathematics must have been taken as a subject; Mathematical Literacy does not fulfill this requirement.
• Strong results in subjects directly related to the chosen degree are also important.

For current tertiary students:

• An academic average of at least 70% is generally required.
• Satisfactory results from the most recently completed academic year are needed.
• Good academic progress throughout 2026 is expected.
• Full-time registration for an eligible undergraduate degree is mandatory.

Applicants are advised to submit all their academic results, not just selected modules, to provide a complete picture of their academic performance.

Who Might Not Qualify for the Bursary?

Certain types of study programs and institutions are not covered by the Coronation Exceptional Student Bursary Programme. Understanding these exclusions is important to avoid disappointment and ensure applicants are applying for suitable opportunities. The bursary is specifically targeted at traditional undergraduate degrees at recognized universities.

The program does not fund students pursuing:

• N4, N5, or N6 programs.
• Higher Certificates.
• Diplomas.
• Advanced Diplomas.
• Master’s degrees.
• Doctoral qualifications.

Additionally, students enrolled at the following institutions or through specific study types are generally excluded:

• TVET Colleges.
• Community colleges.
• Private colleges.
• Graduate or business schools.
• International universities.
• Distance-learning programs, including those offered by Unisa.

Applicants should always verify the eligibility of their institution and qualification on the official application portal before submitting their application.

What the Bursary Covers and Offers

The Coronation Exceptional Student Bursary is designed to offer significant support to successful candidates. Beyond covering academic expenses, the program aims to foster personal and professional development. The specific details of the funding package will be outlined in the bursary agreement provided to recipients.

Benefits may include:

• Financial Support: Covering tuition fees, study materials, and potentially other study-related costs.
• Academic and Developmental Support: Assistance to help students succeed in their studies and personal growth.
• Professional Opportunities: Access to internships, work experience, and networking events.
• Industry Exposure: Gaining insights into the investment management sector.
• Mentorship: Opportunities to engage with professionals at Coronation.
• Career Development: Guidance and support for future career paths.
• Employment Consideration: Potential opportunities for employment with Coronation after graduation.

Coronation views this bursary as a key part of its commitment to creating sustainable educational and career pathways for talented young individuals.

Renewal of the Bursary

The Coronation Exceptional Student Bursary is not automatically guaranteed for the entire duration of a student’s degree. Funding is reviewed on an annual basis. This ensures that recipients continue to meet the program’s standards and that the bursary remains a valuable investment.

Renewal of the bursary may depend on several factors:

• Academic Performance: Maintaining the required academic average.
• Student Engagement: Active participation in developmental programs and activities.
• Bursary Agreement Compliance: Adhering to all terms and conditions of the bursary.
• Funding Availability: Continued availability of funds from the sponsor.
• Registration Status: Maintaining full-time registration at an eligible institution.
• Honest Disclosure: Providing accurate information about employment and other funding received.

Students must actively work to meet these renewal criteria each year to continue receiving support.

The Work-Back Obligation

A significant aspect of the Coronation Exceptional Student Bursary is the work-back obligation. This means that successful recipients may be required to work for Coronation Fund Managers for a period after graduation. This obligation is typically linked to the duration for which bursary funding was received, provided that Coronation offers suitable employment.

If a recipient chooses not to fulfill the agreed-upon work-back obligation, they may be required to repay the full value of the bursary benefits they received. This repayment often includes interest, calculated according to the terms specified in the bursary agreement. It is essential for applicants to understand and accept this condition before applying.

Full-Time Study and Employment Rules

Recipients of the Coronation bursary must commit to studying full-time throughout their degree program. Any deviation from this requirement can have serious consequences for the bursary award. The program expects full dedication to academic pursuits.

A bursary application or award may be canceled if a student:

• Fails to maintain full-time study status.
• Accepts paid employment without proper disclosure.
• Provides false or misleading academic information.
• Makes inaccurate statements during the application or interview process.
• Omits relevant information that affects their eligibility.
• Breaches any conditions outlined in the bursary agreement.

Honesty and transparency are paramount throughout the application and award period.

Desired Qualities in Applicants

While strong academic results are a primary requirement, Coronation Fund Managers also looks for candidates who are well-rounded and possess specific personal qualities. These attributes indicate a student’s potential for success not only in their studies but also in a professional career within the demanding financial sector.

Coronation seeks applicants who demonstrate:

• Leadership Potential: The ability to guide and influence others.
• Integrity: Honesty and strong moral principles.
• Personal Discipline: Self-control and a commitment to goals.
• Resilience: The capacity to overcome challenges and setbacks.
• Community Involvement: Engagement and contribution to their community.
• Altruism: Concern for the well-being of others.
• Commitment to Excellence: A drive for high achievement in all endeavors.
• Clear Career Goals: A defined vision for their future professional path.
• Adaptability: The ability to thrive in a high-performance environment.

Preference may be given to previously disadvantaged applicants who align with the company’s transformation goals.

Required Documents for Application

Prospective applicants must gather and submit a comprehensive set of documents to support their application. The specific documents required can vary slightly depending on the applicant’s current stage of education. It is crucial to ensure all documents are certified and submitted correctly before the deadline.

General documents include:

• A certified copy of your South African identity document.
• A personal statement explaining your chosen field of study and future aspirations.
• A letter of recommendation from an individual who can attest to your character or academic performance.
• Your latest comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Certified copies of parents’ or guardians’ IDs or death certificates if deceased.
• Proof of household income (payslips, SASSA documents, or affidavits for unemployment).
• Proof of any NSFAS or other bursary funding received, or affidavits stating none was received.
• A signed consent form from a parent/legal guardian if the applicant is under 18.

Additional documents are required for current Grade 12 learners and current tertiary students, including academic transcripts, reports, and proof of registration. Applicants should carefully review the online portal for the exact list of required documents based on their situation.

How to Apply for the Bursary

Applications for the Coronation Fund Managers Bursary 2027 must be submitted online through the official application portal. It is important to use the correct link and to start the application process well in advance of the closing date. Late or incomplete applications are unlikely to be considered.

The application portal can be accessed here: Coronation Exceptional Student Bursary Application 2027

Important Notes on Documents:

• All certified documents must be less than three months old.
• Multiple documents for a single submission should be combined into one file.
• Any other documents specified on Step-4 of the application must also be included.

Applicants should ensure all uploaded documents are clear, legible, and accurate.

Application Closing Date

The deadline for submitting applications for the Coronation Exceptional Student Bursary Programme is Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at 12:00 midday. It is vital to adhere to this specific time and date. Some third-party websites may display an incorrect closing date of August 31, 2026; however, the official Coronation application portal confirms the earlier deadline.

To avoid any last-minute issues, applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications and all supporting documents well before the closing date. This provides ample time to resolve any technical difficulties or to gather any missing information.

About Coronation Fund Managers

Coronation Fund Managers is a prominent South African investment management firm. The company manages substantial assets for both individual and institutional clients. Through initiatives like the Exceptional Student Bursary Programme, Coronation demonstrates its commitment to corporate social responsibility and investing in the future of South Africa’s talent pool. The program aims to support high-achieving students and cultivate the next generation of professionals in commerce, finance, technology, and investment management.

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