The Absa BMI Bursary Programme is a partnership between Absa and the Centre for Business Mathematics Informatics at the North West University (NWU). The purpose of the programme to ensure a constant talent supply of specialist risk graduates who will contribute to the improvement of the risk skills pool in Absa and also in South Africa.
Who should apply?
Candidates who are currently in Grade 12 or have completed Grade 12 and who intend to study at the Potchefstroom campus or Vaal Triangle campus of the NWU in 2014 for:
The five-year MSc degree in Business Mathematics and Informatics specialising in one of the following:
Quantitative Risk Management
Financial Mathematics
Data Mining / Business Analytics
Actuarial Science
The four-year BComHons degree in Risk Management
Qualifying criteria
Candidates must intend to study at NWU for one of the abovementioned degrees in 2014.
Candidate must be studying for a degree for the first time after Grade 12.
Candidates, currently in Grade12, must have obtained at least 70% for Mathematics (not Mathematical Literacy) during the June 2013 examinations.
Candidates, who have already completed Grade12, must have obtained at least a final B symbol or 70% in Mathematics (not Mathematical Literacy).
Candidates currently at university must be achieving 70% for individual subjects.
Candidates must have no criminal record.
Bursary terms and conditions
The following are some of the terms and conditions of the bursary:
Successful applicants who meet the requirements are awarded a conditional Absa bursary pending their acceptance by the NWU and final Grade 12 result.
Students are invited for an interview in January at the Vaal Triangle campus.
Each successful student will have to sign a formal contract with Absa in order to secure funding.
Awarded bursaries will be re-evaluated each year based on academic performance.
Successful applicants will be bound contractually to work at Absa after graduation for a period equal to the tenure of the bursary. Placements will be made according to the needs of the business.
The amount of the bursary awarded will depend on the NWU campus that the student is enrolled at and differs for undergraduate and postgraduate students. The amount awarded is sufficient to cover the normal expenses of tuition, books, residential fees and meals.
Students are expected to complete their qualification within the disciplines as agreed with Absa.
Students may be requested to participate in relevant project and skills training.
Absa will only fund one qualification at a time.
Bursars will be selected in line with the Absa Employment Equity strategy.
Short-listed candidates will be required to submit their final results for the current academic year by 15 January 2014.
How to apply
Application will be open from 15 July 2013 to 31 August 2013
Source: Absa