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Good morning everyone, I hope this message finds you well. I'm reaching out today as a student currently enrolled in the BCom Honours program in Quantitative Finance at the University of Johannesburg in South Africa. My ambition is to pursue a career as a quantitative analyst, and this year, my primary goal is to immerse myself deeply in the study of quantitative finance to further my understanding and skills in this field. Unfortunately, I am not currently sponsored by a bursary, and I am seeking assistance to support my educational journey. Any help or guidance you can provide would be greatly appreciated. ?
I hold a BSc in Mathematics and Physics, and I am currently enrolled in the one-year BCom Honours program in Quantitative Finance at the University of Johannesburg.
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Karin’s Answer
Hi Nkosinaye Siyanda,
Congratulation, you seem to be on a good path for a successful future.
For funding, there are some internal bursaries at UJ, there are NRF bursaries for Honours and there are many outside bursaries from various organisations.
Look at large companies and organisations that might hire BCom graduates and might give bursaries too. Look at your hometown and province for bursaries. If your parent or guardian works for a company, they might have bursaries.
I have attached some links to bursary sites for you. Some will be closed by now, some will still be open. Some will only support undergrad students. You'll have to put in the work to find which ones might be suitable and open for you.
Sometimes, it helps to contact an organisation for Honours bursaries because in some ways the Honours year is treated as undergrad, in other ways it's treated as postgrad. So, an organisation might say undergrad studies only, but they might still support Honours. If you had any support in undergrad (other than NSFAS) contact them to see if they might continue to support you.
You can also ask your department if they can assist in any way. They might have contacts. One of the lecturers might have money to support a research assistant. You might be able to work as a tutor or teaching assistant either in your department or in math or physics.
You could make some money tutoring privately. Good math tutors are sought after for learners as well as students.
I hope this helps! Good luck on your journey!
KP
https://www.uj.ac.za/admission-aid/student-finance/bursaries/honours-bursary/
https://www.zabursaries.co.za/commerce-bursaries-south-africa/
https://bursaries-southafrica.co.za/bursaries-for-commerce/
https://zabusaries.com/list-of-commerce-bursaries-south-africa/
https://www.nedbank.co.za/content/nedbank/desktop/gt/en/careers/youth-talent/the-bursary-programme.html
Congratulation, you seem to be on a good path for a successful future.
For funding, there are some internal bursaries at UJ, there are NRF bursaries for Honours and there are many outside bursaries from various organisations.
Look at large companies and organisations that might hire BCom graduates and might give bursaries too. Look at your hometown and province for bursaries. If your parent or guardian works for a company, they might have bursaries.
I have attached some links to bursary sites for you. Some will be closed by now, some will still be open. Some will only support undergrad students. You'll have to put in the work to find which ones might be suitable and open for you.
Sometimes, it helps to contact an organisation for Honours bursaries because in some ways the Honours year is treated as undergrad, in other ways it's treated as postgrad. So, an organisation might say undergrad studies only, but they might still support Honours. If you had any support in undergrad (other than NSFAS) contact them to see if they might continue to support you.
You can also ask your department if they can assist in any way. They might have contacts. One of the lecturers might have money to support a research assistant. You might be able to work as a tutor or teaching assistant either in your department or in math or physics.
You could make some money tutoring privately. Good math tutors are sought after for learners as well as students.
I hope this helps! Good luck on your journey!
KP
Karin recommends the following next steps:
Thank you very much for your advice, Karim. It does help. I will check all the links that you sent. Hopefully, I will find something. Thanks again!
Nkosinaye Siyanda
You are very welcome!
Karin P.
James Constantine Frangos
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James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Nkosinaye Siyanda,
Securing Funds for Your Quantitative Finance Studies
As a BCom Honours student in Quantitative Finance at the University of Johannesburg, numerous avenues are available for you to finance your educational pursuits. Here are some strategies you can employ:
Exploring Scholarships and Grants
Scholarships and grants are financial aid resources that you don't have to pay back. They can be merit-based, need-based, or linked to specific qualifications. Investigate opportunities at your university, government bodies, and private entities for scholarships and grants tailored for quantitative finance students.
Applying for Student Loans
Student loans are funds you borrow and repay, usually with interest. In South Africa, you can seek loans through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) or private lenders. It's crucial to thoroughly understand the terms before applying for a student loan.
Engaging in Part-time Work and Internships
Part-time jobs and internships offer a way to earn income while gaining valuable experience in the quantitative finance field. Check your university's career center or browse online job portals for opportunities.
Launching Fundraising and Crowdfunding Campaigns
Think about starting a fundraising initiative or utilizing crowdfunding sites to generate funds for your studies. Communicate your aspirations and plans to potential donors, ensuring transparency about the usage of the funds.
Reaching out to Potential Sponsors
You can also directly contact potential sponsors, such as university alumni, local businesses, or industry professionals. Craft a persuasive proposal outlining your accomplishments, objectives, and financial requirements. Maintain professionalism, respect, and persistence in your interactions.
By pursuing these strategies, you can enhance your chances of obtaining financial support for your quantitative finance studies. Best of luck!
Key References:
National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS): “NSFAS Bursaries for Undergraduate Students”
South African Government: “Financial Support for Tertiary Students”
The University of Johannesburg: “Financial Aid & Scholarships”
GOD BLESS!
James Constantine Frangos.
Securing Funds for Your Quantitative Finance Studies
As a BCom Honours student in Quantitative Finance at the University of Johannesburg, numerous avenues are available for you to finance your educational pursuits. Here are some strategies you can employ:
Exploring Scholarships and Grants
Scholarships and grants are financial aid resources that you don't have to pay back. They can be merit-based, need-based, or linked to specific qualifications. Investigate opportunities at your university, government bodies, and private entities for scholarships and grants tailored for quantitative finance students.
Applying for Student Loans
Student loans are funds you borrow and repay, usually with interest. In South Africa, you can seek loans through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) or private lenders. It's crucial to thoroughly understand the terms before applying for a student loan.
Engaging in Part-time Work and Internships
Part-time jobs and internships offer a way to earn income while gaining valuable experience in the quantitative finance field. Check your university's career center or browse online job portals for opportunities.
Launching Fundraising and Crowdfunding Campaigns
Think about starting a fundraising initiative or utilizing crowdfunding sites to generate funds for your studies. Communicate your aspirations and plans to potential donors, ensuring transparency about the usage of the funds.
Reaching out to Potential Sponsors
You can also directly contact potential sponsors, such as university alumni, local businesses, or industry professionals. Craft a persuasive proposal outlining your accomplishments, objectives, and financial requirements. Maintain professionalism, respect, and persistence in your interactions.
By pursuing these strategies, you can enhance your chances of obtaining financial support for your quantitative finance studies. Best of luck!
Key References:
National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS): “NSFAS Bursaries for Undergraduate Students”
South African Government: “Financial Support for Tertiary Students”
The University of Johannesburg: “Financial Aid & Scholarships”
GOD BLESS!
James Constantine Frangos.
Thank you very much for your support, James Constantine. I will review everything you outlined above, and hopefully, I will achieve some success.
Nkosinaye Siyanda