OMET Bursary 2026 – Support for Union-Affiliated Students

If you are a South African student connected to a participating trade union and plan to pursue your first undergraduate qualification in 2026, the OMET Bursary Programme offers more than just financial aid—it builds a pathway to academic success and career readiness.

About OMET

The Old Mutual Education Trust (OMET) was launched in 2005 as part of a BBBEE initiative with ten partner trade unions. Since then, it has invested over R188 million in over 400 scholars from disadvantaged backgrounds. Run independently yet supported by Old Mutual and union partners, OMET uses dividends from Old Mutual plc shares to fund its mission.

Fields Covered & Beneficiaries

OMET supports first-time undergraduate studies across any accredited public university or TVET institution in South Africa. This includes diplomas, degrees, or certificates across all fields—science, humanities, law, health sciences, engineering, and beyond.

Eligible applicants must be either:

• A paid-up member of one of the ten qualifying trade unions
• A full-time permanent employee of one of these unions
• A spouse or dependent (under 25) of a member or employee in good standing with the union.

Participating unions include SADTU, NEHAWU, NUM, DENOSA, POPCRU, SASBO, SACWU, SACCAWU, PEU, and NATU.

Bursary Coverage & Benefits

OMET provides partial funding of up to R70,000 per academic year, aimed at fees, books, and incidentals. Other benefits include:

• A laptop for first-year students
• Tutoring and academic support throughout the study
• Access to counseling and wellness services for students and their families
• A structured World of Work programme with mentorship, career guidance, and vacation work placements
• Peer buddy support for first-year beneficiaries, and alumni mentorship for final-year students

Selection Criteria & Process

OMET awards around 60 bursaries annually, with a maximum allocated per participating union. Candidates are selected based on:

• Academic performance (strong results required)
• Financial need
• Union membership status
• In some cases, gender representation is also considered in the final selection.

Shortlisted applicants may undergo further assessments or interviews between late September and early October, followed by final decisions approved by the OMET board in November.

Who Can Apply

To qualify, applicants must:

• Be a South African citizen
• Have completed matric or are currently in Grade 12 in 2025
• Be applying to study full-time in 2026 for their first undergraduate qualification
• Belong to one of the valid categories listed (union member, spouse, or dependent under 25)

Postgraduate or second-degree applicants are not eligible.

Required Documents

You must include certified, clear copies of:

• ID of both the union member (or employee) and the applicant
• Union membership or staff number
• Academic records: Grade 11 final, Matric mid-year (if in Matric), Matric certificate (if completed), and recent university results (if applicable)
• Financial documentation is required for means assessment.

How to Apply

Application is strictly online via the OMET portal. New users must register and establish an account; existing scholarship holders can reset passwords to access their profile. Upload all documentation carefully—missing items could disqualify your application.

Application Deadline

All prospective applicants must submit their complete applications by 31 August 2025. Late or incomplete submissions are not accepted.

Why Apply for the OMET Bursary Programme?

• Benefit from financial support up to R70,000 per year toward study costs
• Receive essential academic and emotional support, including access to laptops and counseling services
• Gain access to mentoring, networking, and vacation work opportunities with Old Mutual or partner organisations
• Join a transformative platform that nurtures academic success and career readiness within a supportive community

Final Thoughts

If you are linked to a member of one of the qualifying unions and plan to begin your first undergraduate studies in 2026, the OMET Bursary Programme offers financial, academic, and professional support—helping you bridge to success. Prepare your certified documents early and submit your complete online application by 31 August 2025.