Bachelor of Actuarial Science Programmes at UCT

The faculty of commerce provides a comprehensive guide to the field of actuarial science and South Africa and the different career options available to prospective and/or current students. Please consult the webpage for more information.

Three Year Undergraduate Degrees
Bachelor of Business Science (BBusSc) (4 or 5 year degree)

Specialisations:
Actuarial Science
Actuarial Science (Quantitative Finance)

Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) (3 or 4 year degree)
Specialisation:
Actuarial Science
Actuarial Science (Quantitative Finance)

Postgraduate Degrees

Bachelor of Commerce (Hons)
Actuarial Conversion Course: postgraduate diploma for non-actuarial graduates, generally extending over two years of full-time study
Postgraduate Diploma in Actuarial Science
Masters Programme in Actuarial Science by coursework and dissertation or long paper
Masters programme in Mathematical Finance - by coursework and dissertation
PhD in Actuarial Science

  • UNDERGRADUATE STUDY AND RESEARCH

    Bursaries South Africa
    This website provides a comprehensive list of bursaries for prospective and/or current students.

    Bursaries 2017
    This website provides a comprehensive list of bursaries for prospective and/or current students.

  • PROFESSIONAL BODIES AND ASSOCIATIONS

    Actuarial Society of South Africa KEY RESOURCE
    The Actuarial Society of South Africa is the professional body for actuaries in South Africa. The society has community development initiatives and is involved in various actuary-based committees. It also provides professional resources, information on on continuing professional development, a publication, a job board, useful links, comprehensive information for students, events, an actuary convention and career information.

    The African Accounting and Finance Association (AAFA)
    AAFA provides a platform for academics and practitioners to debate the role of accounting and finance in Africa. The AAFA hosts conferences, seminars, research workshops/training, and an emerging scholar colloquium. They also provide vital resources, information sources and a newsletter.

    The Association for Savings and Investment South Africa (ASISA)
    ASISA represents the majority of the country's asset managers, collective investment scheme management companies, linked investment service providers, multi-managers and life insurance companies. ASISA's members are considered the custodian of the bulk of the nation's savings and investments and are among the country’s biggest contributors to the national GDP. Their website has information regarding codes, standards and guidelines; board committees; statistics; niche information; transformation and education; research and publications and media releases.

    The Banking Association of South Africa
    The Banking Association of South Africa organisation exists to contribute to the enablement of a conducive banking environment and participates at the highest-level of decision making in Government. The Banking Association of South Africa is involved in the following initiatives: corporate citizenship, financial inclusion, human settlements, inclusive economy, market conduct, prudential and small and medium enterprises (SME’s). They also provide consumer information, up-to-date news and media reports.

    CFA Institute
    CFA Institute is a global, non-profit member organisation of financial analysts, portfolio managers, and other investment professionals. They provide information on the CFA programme, volunteer opportunities, events, candidate material, job vacancies, education programmes and press releases.

    The South African Actuaries Development Programme (SAADP) - KEY RESOURCE
    The SAADP is an independent, non-profit organization, which seeks to actively address the problem of the acute shortage of actuarial skills in the black community in South Africa. Black students are offered a comprehensive bursary and support for their studies over a four year period in the field of Actuarial Science.

  • SECTOR INSIGHTS

    The Actuary KEY RESOURCE
    The Actuary is a publication for the actuarial profession in the United Kingdom, offering up-to-date news and job advertisements.

    Actuarial Post KEY RESOURCE
    The Actuarial Post provides news, magazine, jobs, analysis and mobile site for all the latest information you need in the Actuarial marketplace today.

    Bloomberg KEY RESOURCE
    Bloomberg delivers business and markets news, data, analysis, and video to the world, featuring stories from Businessweek and Bloomberg News.

    The Economist KEY RESOURCE
    The Economist offers authoritative insight and opinion on international news, politics, business, finance, science, technology and the connections between them.

    Reuters
    Reuters provides breaking news, business, financial and investing articles from around the globe.

  • PREPARING FOR THE JOB MARKET

    Access graduate jobs and internships by logging into MyCareer if you are a UCT student. Be sure to set up job email alerts and check our website regularly for news and events.

    South African and African Jobs

    Department of National Treasury
    The department of national treasury has information regarding graduate recruitment programmes and vacancies.

    GovPage KEY RESOURCE
    A free website dedicated to advertising all available Southern African Governments Vacancies including health. Also includes information on Tenders/Quotations and Public Notices/Campaigns. Covers National Government, Provincial Government, Municipal Government, Public Entities and Tertiary Institution, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, Swaziland and International Agencies.

    Advertised information is provided by the relevant Government structures and authorities but govpage.co.za is not the official website of any government organisation.

    The Provincial Government Handbook Website KEY RESOURCE
    This website provides information related to tenders and vacancies for each provincial government in South Africa. The links directly redirect you to the official provincial vacancy website.

    South African and African Career Service and Recruitment Agencies

    In terms of the film career in South Africa it is suggested that you join an agency and have an agent to secure roles and jobs more easily. Please note that recruitment agencies and employers’ firms should never ask you to pay for the promise of a job. Please be aware of this.

    Careers24
    Careers24 is a job search agency, advertising various positions.

    Indeed
    Indeed is a job search agency, advertising various positions.

    Grad Connection
    Grad Connection is a specialist recruitment agency operating in South Africa for graduates, providing information on career guidance, job vacancies, bursaries and internships.

    JobVine
    JobVine is a job search agency, advertising various positions.

    Robert Walters
    Robert Walters is a job search agency across industry sectors.

    International Jobs

    Actuarial Careers
    Actuarial Careers is an international actuarial recruitment firm, which advertises international jobs for actuaries.

    DW Simpson Global Actuarial & Analytics Recruitment
    DW Simpson Global Actuarial & Analytics Recruitment is an international actuarial recruitment firm, which advertises international jobs for actuaries.

    South African Actuaries Abroad (SA3)
    SA3 is an actuarial recruitment firm in South Africa, which advertises both local and international jobs for actuaries.

    Country Specific International Career Service and Recruitment Agencies

    UK and Ireland

    Careers Group
    Careers Group is a UK career service and provides career guidance and international job vacancies.

    GradIreland KEY RESOURCE
    GradIreland is a careers publication company and works in partnership with tertiary education institutions across Ireland. They advertise jobs in Ireland and are a comprehensive career guidance website.

    Irish Jobs
    Irish Jobs is an Ireland-based job website, advertising various positions.

    Prospects KEY RESOURCE
    Prospects provides careers advice and job and course opportunities to students and graduates.

    Target Jobs KEY RESOURCE
    Target Jobs is a comprehensive career guidance and job website for the UK.

    USA and Canada

    Jobs.net
    Jobs.net is a US-based job website, advertising various positions.

    Global Brand Leaders

    There are many leading s in South Africa that offer employment opportunities for graduates and students. The companies listed below are just a few industry examples. Use this list to start your own research on companies that interest you.

    Deloitte
    Deloitte is a multinational accounting professional services firm, which provides industry-leading audit, consulting, tax, and advisory services. Their website has a career centre, which has various career resources and information on bursaries, vacancies, graduate recruitment programmes, internships and other career opportunities.

    Ernest & Young
    Ernest & Young is a multinational accounting professional services firm, which provides audit, tax, business risk, technology and security risk services, and human capital services worldwide. Their website has a career centre, which has various career resources and information on bursaries, vacancies, graduate recruitment programmes, internships and other career opportunities.

    Grant Thornton
    Grant Thornton is one of the world's largest professional services network of independent accounting and consulting member firms which provide assurance, tax and advisory services to privately held businesses, public interest entities, and public sector entities. Their website has a career centre, which has various career resources and information on bursaries, vacancies, graduate recruitment programmes, internships and other career opportunities.

    Investec
    Investec provides a wide range of financial products in South Africa through its Specialist Banking, Asset management and Wealth and Investment divisions. Their website has a career centre, which has various career resources and information on bursaries, vacancies, graduate recruitment programmes, internships and other career opportunities.

    KPMG
    KPMG is a global network of professional firms providing audit, advisory and tax services. Their website has a career centre, which has various career resources and information on bursaries, vacancies, graduate recruitment programmes, internships and other career opportunities.

    Old Mutual
    The Old Mutual Group is a multi-national financial services company that offers a wide range of career options and job opportunities in the South African financial services arena including admin, call centre, legal, HR, IT, financial advisors, banking, property and insurance. Their website has a career centre, which has various career resources and information on bursaries, vacancies, graduate recruitment programmes, internships and other career opportunities.

    PWC
    PWC is a multinational accounting professional services firm, which provides audit and assurance, tax and consulting services. Their website has a career centre, which has various career resources and information on bursaries, vacancies, graduate recruitment programmes, internships and other career opportunities.

    Thomas Reuters
    Thomas Reuters is a major multinational mass media and information firm, providing financial, intellectual property, legal, news, pharma and life sciences, research, tax, accounting and risk management services. Their website lists job vacancies in their different locations.

  • INTERNATIONAL & LOCAL VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES

    NGOs and NPOs are both involved in community-based initiatives but are structured differently. A non-governmental organization (NGO) is any non-profit, voluntary citizens’ group which is organized on a local, national or international level. A non-profit organisation (NPO) is a trust, company or other association of persons established for a public purpose and of which its income and property are not distributable to its members or office bearers, except as reasonable compensation for services rendered. Registering as a NPO enhances credibility for government funding and every non-profit organisation (NPO) in South Africa is issued an NPO number.
    http://www.dsd.gov.za/npo/

    Please research carefully the volunteer organisation you decide to work with.

    African Legend
    African Legend, located in Cape Town, is a non-profit organization that provides educational programmes for youths living in poverty. Volunteer opportunities are available, with positions such as voluntary teachers and soccer and cricket coaches needed.

    AIESEC
    AIESEC is a global platform for young people to explore and develop their leadership potential. It has a wide-range of international volunteer and internship opportunities available.

    Greenpeace
    Greenpeace is an international, independent campaigning organization that uses peaceful protests and creative communication to expose global environmental problems and to promote solutions that are essential to a green and peaceful future. They have various international projects and volunteer opportunities.

    Habitat for Humanity
    Habitat for Humanity is an international, non-governmental, and non-profit organization, which brings people together to build homes and communities. Projects are available worldwide.

    International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ)
    IVHQ is a volunteer travel company focused on providing affordable volunteer travel experiences. They provide volunteer abroad projects in over 30 destinations across Africa, Asia, Europe, Central America, South America and the Pacific in teaching, childcare, construction, conservation or healthcare.

    My Hands and Heart
    My Hands and Heart is a non-profit organisation in South Africa, which acts as a volunteer management network and advertises a range of local volunteer opportunities.

    NGO PULSE KEY RESOURCE
    NGO Pulse, a NGO network, provides a comprehensive list of volunteer opportunities, organisations and networks in South Africa.

  • POSTGRADUATE STUDY AND RESEARCH

    This information covers government funding initiatives, links to all higher education institutes in South Africa and some relevant education based websites in South Africa and the UK/USA.

    Africa/Global

    Masters

    Masters Studies
    International site, search by country, useful but not comprehensive.

    Masters Portal
    International site, search by country, useful and comprehensive.

    Find a Masters
    International site, search by country. Useful. Contains information regarding funding and postgraduate open days.

    PhDs

    PhD Studies
    International website, search by country, useful but not comprehensive.

    Find a PhD
    International website, search by country, institution and subject. Contains information regarding funding.

    PhD Portal
    International website, search by country, useful and comprehensive.

    Doc Links
    An international website aimed at increasing understanding and establishing better links between African and European doctoral candidates. Provides useful information regarding funding, mentorship, research support, PhD resources and networking opportunities.

    UCT Doctoral Applicants Webpage KEY RESOURCE
    See for more details of PhD opportunities across the faculties and how to apply  

    Association of Commonwealth Universities KEY RESOURCE
    A site search for ‘vacancies’ provides links to sites for seeking job opportunities in Commonwealth universities, including all SADC countries except Angola and Congo.

    See additional resources on academic postgraduate opportunities. Particularly useful for Masters considering Doctorate study and PhD researcher/early career post docs.

    South Africa

    South African Department of Higher Education and Training KEY RESOURCE
    Go to institutions for a list of public universities then research courses via online prospectus.

    South African Department of Higher Education and Training KEY RESOURCE
    Use search function for “register of private higher education institutions” then research courses via online prospectus.

    National Research Foundation
    The NRF was established in 1998 from the amalgamated of the Centre for Science Development (CSD), the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) and the Foundation for Research Development (FRD) and is a good website for staying up-to-date with research initiatives/centres, job and funding opportunities.

    Universities South Africa  (previously HESA)
    Universities South Africa, formerly known as Higher Education South Africa (HESA), is a membership organisation representing South Africa’s universities. The new name was launched on 22 July 2015 in order to reposition the organisation as a representative body of South Africa’s public universities, that aims to promote a more inclusive, responsive and equitable national system of higher education.

    SA Bursaries KEY RESOURCE
    A comprehensive website outlining various bursaries in South Africa across different disciplines.

    UK

    Postgraduate Information
    Good website for finding UK based Masters with useful “insight” articles but limited information on opportunities worldwide.

    USA/Canada

    http://www.usastudyguide.com/how-to-choose-a-college.htm

    www.graduateguide.com
    These are websites which provide directories of graduate schools in the USA and Canada and information regarding programmes, funding, immigration and other resources.

  • COMPETITIONS AND ENTREPREURSHIP

    Student Competitions KEY RESOURCE
    This is an international and up-to-date website which allows you to search for competitions for university students.

  • DIVERSITY IN COMMERCE & EMPLOYMENT

    UCT is committed to the principles of diversity and transformation, specifically a transformed university where there are no stereotypical views of others based on their gender, race or disability.

    Diversity-related Professional Bodies and Associations

    Association of South African Black Actuaries (ASABA) KEY RESOURCE
    ASABA is a professional society for black actuaries, which provides mentoring and women’s progammes, a school outreach, useful links and events.

    Black Business Council (BBC)
    The BBC lobbies government on policy advocacy in order to accelerate the participation of black South Africans in the mainstream economy. They organize various programmes, events and provide up-to-date news in their industry.

    Black Management Forum (BMF)
    The BMF develops and empowers managerial leadership primarily amongst black people within organisations and the creation of managerial structures and processes which reflect the demographics and values of the wider society. They provide managerial and leadership development, research services, consulting, resources, news, links and host events.

    Business Women's Association (BWA) of South Africa
    The BWA is a non-profit and voluntary organisation, which is also the largest association of business and professional women in South Africa. They provide awards, events, news and networking opportunities.

    Gay and Lesbian Network (GLN)
    The GLN is a registered non-profit organisation (NPO) based in KwaZulu-Natal, which has workshops, events, outreach programmes and valuable resources and links.

    National Council for Persons with Physical Disabilities in South Africa (NCPPDSA)
    NCPPDSA is a national, non-profit organisation (NPO) that runs various projects, services and advocacy programmes for the advancement of persons with disabilities to attain integration into society and independence. The NCPPDSA acts as the national umbrella for nine provincial associations with their 90+ branches. 

    Diversity-related Services, Awards and Scholarships

    UCT provides various services and resources related to diversity and transformation. See the links below.

    UCT Disability Centre
    The UCT Disability Service works towards the removal of any physical, policy, information and attitude barriers that might prevent students and staff from fulfilling their potential. The centre provides information regarding different forms of support, resources, bursaries, funding opportunities, advocacy, counselling, academic and examination accommodations, technical assistance and other services.

    UCT Funding Boards
    Please check the postgraduate funding boards (http://www.uct.ac.za/apply/funding/postgraduate/notice/) and undergraduate funding boards (http://www.uct.ac.za/apply/funding/undergraduate/financial/) currently on the UCT website for up-to-date details on other diversity-related scholarships, fellowships and bursaries.

    UCT- Harvard Mandela Fellowships
    This fellowship is intended to strengthen connections between the W.E.B. Du Bois Research Institute (at the Hutchins Centre for African and African American Research, Harvard University) and UCT, to provide opportunities for UCT staff to gain international experience, and to support the professional advancement of academics working particularly, but not only, in the humanities and social sciences. To be eligible, applicants must have been awarded the PhD degree at the time of application, and have permanent or T3 academic posts at UCT. In line with UCT’s equity objectives, preference will be given to applicants from the designated groups, with particular emphasis on black South African applicants.

    List of Scholarships for African Women and Developing Countries
    Afterschool Africa provides an up-to-date and comprehensive list of scholarships (undergraduate, Masters, MBA, PhD and Postdoctoral) that are open for women from African and developing countries.

    Margaret McNamara Memorial Fund (MMF)
    The MMF awards education grants to women from developing countries to help further their education and strengthen their leadership skills.

    Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship Programme (MMUF)
    MMUF is an equity-inspired program that is awarded to highly performing Black students who are entering the final year of a three-year first degree or the third year of a four-year professional degree from the sciences and humanities at UCT and other participating undergraduate institutions. The program offers financial support, organized mentoring and is designed specifically to provide students with a greater awareness of what it means to be an academic. 

    Mwalimu Nyerere African Union (AU) Scholarship Scheme
    The AU scholarship is only for applicants with physical disabilities for masters in social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, mathematics, education sciences and sports sciences and closes in March annually.

    National Research Foundation (NRF)
    The NRF provides various postgraduate funding bursaries and scholarships. Preference is given to equity candidates.

    Opportunities for Africans (OFA) KEY RESOURCE
    The OFA is an online information platform that seeks to connect Africans to opportunities, such as scholarships, internships, fellowships, bursaries, conferences, jobs, competitions and volunteering positions. This is a comprehensive and up-to-date website.

    Scholarships for Women
    This website provides comprehensive information regarding scholarships, awards and funding opportunities for women.

    The description regarding UCT’s policy towards diversity in engineering and employment is sourced from the UCT Disability Service Page (https://www.uct.ac.za/main/explore-uct/transformation) and the Transformation at UCT Page (http://www.uct.ac.za/about/transformation/).