Johannesburg – Do you have ideas about how to tackle South Africa’s economic challenges?
Your next essay could earn you prize money, a trip to Cape Town and the chance to meet people helping shape the country’s economy.
Nedbank and Old Mutual have extended the closing date for the 55th Budget Speech Competition from 31 October to 15 November 2026, giving students extra time to enter for a share of R630 000 in prizes.
Whether you are putting the finishing touches to your entry or have yet to start, this is your final call to get involved.
Big prizes. An experience that could shape your future. Undergraduate entrants stand to win R100 000 for first place, R80 000 for second and R60 000 for third.
In the postgraduate category, the prizes are R180 000, R130 000 and R80 000, respectively.
For finalists, the experience extends well beyond the essay.
During Budget Speech week in Cape Town, you will have opportunities to meet Nedbank and Old Mutual executives and economists, ask questions about their careers and gain insights into working in financial services and economic policy.
You will also take part in media training, connect with students from other institutions and share dinners and networking experiences, culminating in the gala awards evening.
Nedbank and Old Mutual cover the costs of the finalist trip, including flights, accommodation and airport transfers.
If you have never flown before, the organising team will guide you through the travel arrangements so you know what to expect.
You do not have to be studying towards an economics degree.
The competition welcomes a broader range of students from South African tertiary institutions, including undergraduates taking Economics as a module within another qualification and postgraduates in economics-related disciplines.
Students in Finance, Development Studies, Business, Public Policy and related fields, including those at participating TVET colleges, are encouraged to check the eligibility requirements online.
What matters is your ability to engage critically with the topic, develop a clear argument and support your ideas with evidence.
If you need help strengthening your essay, the competition website offers resources on academic writing and access to a virtual tutor who can provide feedback on a completed essay.
You may submit your essay to the tutor up to twice, giving you an opportunity to improve its structure and clarity before making your final competition submission. Allow time for feedback and revisions and remember that your entry must remain your own original work.
Make your ideas count, check the essay question and requirements for your category, and submit your completed entry at www.budgetspeechcompetition.co.za.
Entries now close on 15 November 2026.
Give your ideas the opportunity to take you further.
The post Win Up To R180 000 In Nedbank/Old Mutual Budget Speech Competition appeared first on The Bulrushes.
