Unlock your future: affordable pathways to qualifications in wealth management and short-term insurance

For many aspiring professionals, the path to career advancement through qualifications such as Moonstone Business School of Excellence’s Advanced Certificate in Financial Planning (ACFP), and the Higher Certificates in Wealth Management (HCWM) or Short-term Insurance (HCSTI) can seem financially out of reach. But there are options: from bursaries to flexible student funding, those determined to take the next step can find the support they need.

The Advanced Certificate in Financial Planning (NQF 6) equips students with the skills needed for holistic financial planning services, preparing them for further specialisation and meeting the educational requirements for the Financial Services Advisor™ (FSATM) designation from the Financial Planning Institute of Southern Africa (FPI).

The Higher Certificate in Wealth Management (NQF 5) offers an entry point into the financial services industry, preparing candidates for various careers in financial planning. Recognised by the FSCA, it fulfils the fit and proper requirements for FAIS roles in Category I FSPs.

Upon completing the HCWM, graduates will be equipped to understand legislation, ethics, and compliance within the financial services sector; navigate the financial planning process to create client-centred recommendations; apply foundational knowledge across insurance, investments, and tax to align financial products with client needs; and effectively communicate insights on sector trends.

The Higher Certificate in Short-term Insurance (NQF 5) offers foundational learning tailored to the short-term insurance sector, equipping students with essential industry knowledge, key concepts, and competencies. Graduates gain skills, knowledge, and values that can propel their careers in short-term insurance or lay a foundation for further studies, enhancing both employability and marketability within the financial services sector.

Monique Brummer, MBSE’s operations manager, says pursuing further education doesn’t have to be sidelined by financial constraints.

“It’s about finding the right resources to make those career goals a reality,” says Brummer.

Bursary options

For students seeking tertiary funding for 2025, a bursary offers valuable financial support. The Insurance Sector Education and Training Authority (INSETA) provides bursaries, learnerships, and internships to develop skilled talent in the insurance industry, helping to bridge workforce gaps.

The Insurance Sector Student Fund (ISSF) Bursary Scheme, supported by private and public sector funding, focuses on training students and workers across the insurance value chain.

INSETA invites applications for the 2025 ISSF bursary from unemployed and employed students, particularly those pursuing insurance-related qualifications such as financial investment adviser, insurance broker, actuary, compliance officer, software developer, and other roles critical to the sector.

Bursaries are awarded based on academic merit and financial need. Coverage includes tuition fees, textbooks, accommodation, and laptops (for unemployed students), while employed students receive support for tuition and books.

The deadline to apply is 15 November, with applications submitted online.

Applications must be submitted online at INSETA ISSF Bursary Application 2025

For queries, email issfenquiries@inseta.org.za

The Education, Training and Development Practices Sector Education and Training Authority (ETDP SETA) offers a bursary programme for unemployed students pursuing studies in various fields, including diplomas (NQF 6), advanced diplomas (NQF 7), and higher certificates (NQF 5) in any field of study.

The bursary covers tuition fees, learning materials (books, laptop, and stationery), accommodation, and a meal allowance. The total value varies depending on the qualification, with payments made directly to the student’s tertiary institution.

The closing date for applications is 7 November.

For queries, email KgomotsoT@etdpseta.org.za

 

Four leading education funding providers

Students who enrol for any one of MBSE’s accredited qualifications have the option to apply or pre-qualify for four different funding options via partnerships formed with Capitec, Fundi, Manati Alternate Student Funding, and Student Hero.

Each of these leading education funding providers brings a different offer to the table, tailor-made to suit a student’s individual needs.

Capitec’s applicants start repaying both capital and interest from day one, unlike traditional student loans where parents pay interest during studies, and students take on full repayment after graduation.

Read: Here are the key features of the Capitec Education Fund

Capitec’s educational loan offers up to R500 000 with a discounted interest rate, fixed and adjustable based on risk, and a term of up to 84 months. Students can finance only the outstanding balance on their Moonstone account, verified through direct payment to Moonstone. If additional funds are needed for books or accommodation, Capitec offers a credit card or revolving loan option. For those who don’t qualify for the full amount, Capitec shows the maximum loan available, enabling partial coverage of fees. Applicants do not have to bank with Capitec, but must be South African, over 18, and earning an income.

Manati, an alternative student funding organisation, offers financial support to students who don’t qualify for traditional bank loans, often due to poor credit. Setting itself apart, Manati allows joint household income on applications, meaning two people (for example, both parents) can apply together to improve affordability – an option banks usually don’t permit. Once a loan is approved, Manati transfers funds directly to MBSE, typically within 24 to 48 hours.

Read: Manati’s alternative student funding opens doors to education

Through MBSE’s partnership, Manati offers extended repayment terms – twice the course length – giving students added flexibility. For example, a 12-month course can be repaid over 24 months. This structure also applies to loans for settling MBSE arrears.

Manati’s interest rates are often comparable to or lower than bank rates, based on the applicant’s credit score. Unlike conventional student loans, where interest-only payments are made during studies, Manati’s loans require both capital and interest repayment from activation.

Student Hero, a student finance facilitator, acts as a central resource for current and prospective students, guiding them through funding options and applications across multiple educational finance providers. This service offers access to funding from partners such as Capitec, Fundi, Manati Alternate Student Funding, and the five major banks.

Read: Student Hero takes the strain out of applying for education funding

Through a free, commitment-free service, Student Hero evaluates an applicant’s eligibility by assessing affordability and credit score. If qualified, they move into pre-qualification, gathering offers from funders who provide pre-approval. Student Hero then discusses these offers with applicants, helping them navigate next steps or seek additional options if needed.

Click here to find out more about what these four funding providers offer.

See whether you qualify and get a free estimate in three easy steps, or apply online today.

Accredited qualifications

A reminder that there’s still time to apply to study for one of MBSE’s accredited qualifications in the first semester of 2025. These qualifications are:

• Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning (NQF 8)
• Advanced Certificate in Financial Planning (NQF 6)
• Occupational Certificate: Compliance Officer (NQF 6)
• Higher Certificate in Wealth Management (NQF 5)
• Higher Certificate in Short-term Insurance (NQF 5)

Applications for the first semester close on Monday, 27 January 2025.

Apply today at www.mbse.ac.za

For more information, contact MBSE at help@mbse.ac.za