Global investment manager Ninety One is offering its Changeblazer Bursary for the 2027 academic year, and it is one of the most comprehensive private bursaries open to matriculants right now. If you are a South African citizen under 21, currently in Matric and heading to university in 2027, this bursary covers full tuition, accommodation, meals and learning materials. Applications close on 31 August 2026, so current Grade 12 learners need to act fast.
About the Programme
Ninety One is an active global investment manager that was born in South Africa, originally founded in Cape Town in 1991 as Investec Asset Management before listing separately in 2020. Today it manages investments for clients across the world, with distinctive capabilities in global equities, fixed income, credit and emerging markets.
The Changeblazer Bursary programme is Ninety One’s flagship investment in young South African talent. It is administered by Career Wise, one of the country’s most established bursary management organisations, and is aimed at academically strong learners from households earning less than R600 000 per year. Beyond paying for university, the programme wraps students in support, from private tutoring to mental health services, because Ninety One wants its bursars to finish their degrees, not just start them.
What Is Covered
- Full tuition fees for your undergraduate degree
- Accommodation and meals
- Learning materials
- Private tutoring and career guidance
- Resilience training, mental health support and financial wellbeing sessions
- Top performers also receive help getting a driver’s licence and a working wardrobe for their first job
Who Can Apply
- South African citizens under 21 years old in 2027
- Currently in Matric and entering first year at a recognised South African university in 2027
- Planning to study full time in Business, Finance and Economics, Education, Engineering, Healthcare (excluding Dentistry, Medicine and Veterinary Science), Technology and Computer Science, or Psychology
- Preferably a minimum overall average of 70% for English and Mathematics or Sciences in Grade 11
- Proven financial need with household income below R600 000 per year (special circumstances assessed)
- Strong academic record and leadership qualities
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Required Documents
- Certified copy of your ID document
- Certified Grade 11 final results
- Latest Matric results
- Proof of application or registration at a university for 2027 on the institution’s letterhead
- Proof of household income: latest payslips if employed, affidavit if unemployed, or SASSA/pension slip if applicable
How to Apply
- Check that you meet every eligibility requirement listed above
- Gather and certify all your supporting documents
- Complete the online application on the official Ninety One Changeblazer portal and upload your documents
- Use the reference “NINETY ONE” where a promo code or reference is requested
- Submit before 31 August 2026
Closing Date
The closing date for the Ninety One Changeblazer Bursary 2027 is 31 August 2026. No late applications will be accepted.
Why It Matters
Thousands of talented matriculants qualify for university every year but cannot afford to go, and NSFAS does not cover everyone, especially the so-called missing middle. A full private bursary like the Changeblazer removes every financial barrier at once: fees, food, housing and books.
Just as important, the wraparound support tackles the reasons many first-generation students drop out. For a learner from a household earning under R600 000, this bursary can be the difference between a matric certificate and a full degree in engineering, finance, healthcare or technology, fields where South Africa desperately needs skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply if I already finished Matric?
No. The bursary is specifically for learners currently in Matric who will enter first year in 2027.
Is Nursing covered under Healthcare?
Yes. Only Dentistry, Medicine and Veterinary Science are excluded. Nursing, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy and similar fields qualify.
When will I know the outcome?
Shortlisted learners attend panel interviews between October and December 2026, with provisional acceptance by December and final confirmation after Matric results in January.
Who do I contact with questions?
The bursary is administered by Career Wise. Call 011 258 4464 or email info@careerwise.co.za.
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