Old Mutual Education Trust (OMET) Bursary

Who can apply

• You must be a South African citizen
• You must have completed Matric or be currently in Matric
• You must be studying or intend on studying towards your first undergraduate qualification (diploma or bachelors degree qualification) (the scholarship does NOT cover short courses, postgraduate studies or second qualifications)
• You must be studying or intend on studying at a recognised and accredited public university in South Africa
• You are a paid up member of one of the trade unions listed above (your union membership fee payments must be up to date and you must be in good standing with your union)
• You are a spouse (as legally defined) of a paid up member or staff member, at one of the trade unions listed above
• You are a child dependent (under 25 years of age) (including adopted child, stepchild, grandchild or child of blood relation for which the union member is solely financially responsible), of a paid up member or staff member, at one of the trade unions listed above
• You are permanently employed on a full-time basis at one of the trade unions listed above
• You are a spouse (as legally defined) of a full-time and permanent employee at one of the trade unions listed above
• You are a child dependent (under 25 years of age) (including adopted child, stepchild, grandchild or child of blood relation for which the union member is solely financially responsible), of a full-time and permanent employee at one of the trade unions listed above

How to apply

Applications are submitted directly to Old Mutual Education Trust - we do not collect applications. Read the eligibility criteria, prepare your supporting documents, then complete your application on the official page.

Full details

Old Mutual Education Trust (OMET) Scholarship South Africa 2027

WHAT FIELDS OF STUDY DOES THE OMET SCHOLARSHIP COVER?

The Old Mutual Education Trust (OMET) is inviting students to apply for their scholarship programme, for the 2027 academic year.

Scholarships will be awarded to union members with paid up fees, employees of unions, as well as their spouses and child-dependents. Scholarships are available for first undergraduate studies in ANY field (including certificate, diploma and first degree level qualifications).

Participating unions include:

• Democratic Nursing Association of South Africa (DENOSA)
• National Teachers’ Union (NATU)
• National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (NEHAWU)
• National Union of Mineworkers (NUM)
• Professional Educators’ Union (PEU)
• Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU)
• South African Commercial Catering and Allied Workers Union (SACCAWU)
• South African Chemical Workers’ Union (SACWU)
• South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU)
• South African Society of Bank Officials (SASBO)

WHAT EXPENSES DOES THE OMET SCHOLARSHIP COVER?

The Old Mutual Education Trust will fund up to 60 students, with a limited number of scholarships awarded to each union partner. Selection will be based mainly on academic results.

The scholarship will provide partial cover for study-related expenses, to the value of R77 000 per academic year.

Scholarship recipients will receive the following benefits: a laptop, tutoring, access to counselling services, and vacation work for final year students.

Students will also partake in a 12-month internship for unemployed graduates, subject to placement availability.

WHAT IS THE SELECTION PROCESS FOR THE OMET SCHOLARSHIP?

Final selection for the scholarship will be conducted by the OMET selection committee, made up of four senior officials from four different higher education institutions.

Selection will take place between 7-9 October 2026. Final approval will be given by the Old Mutual Education Trust Board in November 2026 and successful candidates will be notified thereafter.

WHAT ARE THE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR THE OMET SCHOLARSHIP?

Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying (please note that failure to satisfy all the requirements will lead to your application not being considered):

Applicants must also fall into one of these categories:

HOW CAN I APPLY FOR THE OMET SCHOLARSHIP?

Applications must be submitted online at: Old Mutual Education Trust (OMET) Bursary Application

Enter “www.zabursaries.co.za” in the field asking how you heard about the OMET Bursary.

New applicants: you must sign up an account before you can login and apply.

Current scholarship holders: your account has been created for you by an OMET Administrator. You must reset your password before you can login - go to forgot my password and insert your email address where you received your signup instructions. You should receive an email with a password reset link, to choose a new password. After selecting a password and following the login prompts, select your application in the “Reports Due” stage and select “Open” to begin submitting reports.

WHAT DOCUMENTS MUST I SUBMIT FOR THE OMET SCHOLARSHIP?

Submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation along with your online application (the submission of these documents is compulsory - if any items are missing, your application may be disqualified):

• ID document/ Passport of the main union member/ union employee (certified copy - within the last 6 months)
• ID document/ Passport of the dependent, if applicable (certified copy - within the last 6 months)
• Union membership number or Union employee number (for main member or employee)
• Grade 11 final results and Matric mid-year results, if currently in Matric
• Matric certificate, if completed Matric
• 2025 year-end academic results and most recent mid-year results, if currently studying

WHEN IS THE CLOSING DATE FOR THE OMET SCHOLARSHIP?

31 August 2026.

(Applications submitted after these dates will not be accepted - please apply before the closing date to ensure your application is considered.)

HOW CAN I CONTACT THE SCHOLARSHIP PROVIDER?

For any queries related to this scholarship programme, please contact the Old Mutual Education Trust (OMET) directly:Contact page: https://www.oldmutual.co.za/contact-us

WHAT DOES THE OLD MUTUAL EDUCATION TRUST (OMET) DO?

The Old Mutual Education Trust (OMET) was established in 2005 as part of a Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) initiative between Old Mutual and ten partner trade unions. The Trust provides scholarships to union members, their spouses and dependants, helping talented South Africans from disadvantaged backgrounds access tertiary education and build brighter futures. Since its inception, OMET has invested more than R206.8 million in supporting over 490 graduates across a wide range of study fields.

The Trust is independently registered and jointly governed by representatives from Old Mutual and its partner trade unions. It is funded through dividends generated from shares allocated to the Trust, enabling it to provide not only financial assistance but also academic, personal and career development support to scholarship recipients.

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