Key Facts
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Eligibility Requirements
- Paid-up member of one of OMET's ten participating trade unions, or their legal spouse or child dependant
- Pursuing a first undergraduate diploma or bachelor's degree
- Studying, or planning to study, at a public South African university
- Preference given to Grade 12 (Matric) applicants
Documents Needed
- Certified copy of your South African ID document (and the union member's, if different)
- Proof of trade union membership
- Proof of relationship to the union member, for dependant applicants
- Matric certificate or latest results
- Proof of registration or acceptance at a public university
About Old Mutual Education Trust (OMET) Bursary
The Old Mutual Education Trust (OMET) funds partial bursaries for members of ten partner trade unions and their dependants, established as part of a Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment transaction between Old Mutual and the unions in 2005. Unlike most bursaries on this site, eligibility isn't about your own employment or academic connection to Old Mutual - it's about your family's trade union membership.
OMET treats the bursary as one part of a wider support package, adding counselling services, tutoring, job preparation, and computer provision on top of the funding itself, aimed at giving recipients a genuine chance to complete their first undergraduate qualification.
Funding Details
OMET provides R77,000 per student, per academic year, as partial funding toward tuition. Beyond the money, recipients get access to counselling services, tutoring, job preparation support, and computers, reflecting the trust's focus on holistic student support rather than funding alone.
Where You Can Study
You need to study at a public university in South Africa. OMET doesn't fund students at private institutions.
About Old Mutual Education Trust
The Old Mutual Education Trust (OMET) was established in 2005 as part of a Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment transaction between Old Mutual and ten trade unions the company has a business relationship with. Rather t…
View full provider profile →Fields of Study & Who Can Apply
You need to be a paid-up member of one of OMET's ten participating trade unions, or their legal spouse or child dependant - including biological, adopted, step, or grandchildren, or another child of blood relation under 25 for whom the union member is solely financially responsible. You need to be pursuing your first undergraduate qualification, either a diploma or a bachelor's degree, at a public South African university.
Because OMET awards a limited number of bursaries each year and gives preference to Grade 12 applicants, joining as early as possible in your final year of school improves your chances.
Application Procedure
Apply directly with the provider using the official application link below, before the closing date.
Applications for this cycle have closed. Check the provider's site for the next intake.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the OMET bursary?
Paid-up members of one of OMET's ten participating trade unions, or their legal spouse or child dependant.
Do I need to work for Old Mutual to qualify?
No - eligibility is based on trade union membership, not employment at Old Mutual.
How much does the bursary cover?
R77,000 per student, per academic year, as partial funding - you may need to source additional funding for the rest.
Which qualifications does it fund?
A first undergraduate diploma or bachelor's degree, at a public South African university.
Is preference given to certain applicants?
Yes - Grade 12 (Matric) applicants are given preference.
What support does it include beyond funding?
Counselling services, tutoring, job preparation support, and computers.
When do applications open and close?
1 July to 31 August each year.
When will I know if I've been selected?
Selection happens in early October, with final approval from the OMET Board in November.
