Thuthuka Bursaries 2027: Apply for Chartered Accountancy Studies

The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) is offering the Thuthuka Bursary for the 2027 academic year. This opportunity is for students who want to pursue a career in Chartered Accountancy and meet specific academic and financial criteria.

Application Closing Date: 31 August 2026
Location: South Africa
Programme Duration: Not specified
Stipend: Not specified (covers tuition, books, meals, accommodation)
Minimum Qualification: Matric (with specific Mathematics achievement)
Opportunity Type: Bursary

About the Thuthuka Bursary

The Thuthuka Bursary programme aims to support students from disadvantaged backgrounds who are pursuing a career in Chartered Accountancy. It is designed to provide financial assistance and academic support to help students succeed in their studies. The bursary is available for selected undergraduate accounting qualifications at universities across South Africa that are accredited by SAICA.

This bursary is more than just financial aid; it includes academic enrichment programmes, study skills workshops, and social and emotional support. Recipients also benefit from work-readiness training, mentoring from experienced chartered accountants, and guidance from dedicated programme managers. The goal is to develop well-rounded professionals ready for the accounting industry.

About SAICA

The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) is a professional body for Chartered Accountants in South Africa. It plays a vital role in developing and promoting the CA(SA) designation. SAICA is committed to transforming the accounting profession and ensuring it remains relevant and respected globally.

SAICA works to uphold the highest standards of ethics and professionalism among its members. The institute also focuses on education and development, supporting aspiring accountants through various initiatives like the Thuthuka Bursary programme. They aim to build a strong pipeline of skilled and ethical professionals for South Africa’s economy.

Available Bursary Opportunities

The Thuthuka Bursary is specifically for students pursuing a career in Chartered Accountancy. It supports selected undergraduate qualifications at participating SAICA-accredited universities.

The bursary is available for the following fields of study at specific universities:

• Nelson Mandela University: BCom Accounting (Course Code 40103)
• University of the Free State, Bloemfontein Campus: Bachelor of Accounting (Course Code BC636060) or PGCA (Course Code BC656060)
• University of Johannesburg: Bachelor of Accounting (Course Code BCA012)
• Stellenbosch University: BCom Accounting / B Rek (Course Code 3091001)
• University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus: Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting (Course Code BCOM-C)
• University of Pretoria: Accounting Sciences (Course Code 07130044)
• University of Cape Town: BCom (Course Code CB024) or PGDA (Course Code CG010ACC01)
• North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus: BCom CA (Course Code 5DAH01-E302)
• University of the Witwatersrand: BAcc Science (Course Code CB008)
• Rhodes University: Bachelor of Commerce Accounting
• University of Fort Hare: BCom Accounting (Course Code 60001)
• University of the Western Cape: (Course Code 1021 or 1753)
• University of Limpopo: CTA only, PGDA, Postgraduate Diploma in Accountancy

What the Bursary Offers

Successful applicants will receive comprehensive support for their studies towards becoming a Chartered Accountant. The bursary aims to alleviate financial burdens and provide a supportive academic environment.

Benefits of the Thuthuka Bursary include:

• Coverage of tuition fees.
• Assistance with the cost of books.
• Support for meals.
• Contribution towards residence fees and accommodation.
• Academic support through enrichment programmes and additional tutorials.
• Study skills workshops and academic development support.
• Social and emotional support.
• Work-readiness and life skills training.
• Mentoring and counselling support from experienced professionals.
• Access to a dedicated programme manager.
• Exposure to experienced chartered accountants and business leaders.

Programme Duration and Location

The bursary is awarded for the 2027 academic year. Renewal of the bursary is at the discretion of the Thuthuka Education and Upliftment Fund. The bursary is available for students studying at participating universities across South Africa. Specific programme duration details beyond the academic year are not provided.

Minimum Requirements

To be considered for the Thuthuka Bursary, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a South African citizen.
• Be Black African or Coloured.
• Come from a disadvantaged background.
• Currently be in Matric or have completed Matric within the last two years.
• Achieved a minimum of 60% (Level 5) for Mathematics in Grade 11. Mathematics Literacy and Technical Mathematics are not accepted.
• Be studying or intending to study towards one of the listed SAICA-accredited qualifications in 2027.
• Have applied or be in the process of applying to study at one of the listed SAICA-accredited universities.
• Have a combined family income of not more than R350,000 per annum.
• Must have written or must write the National Benchmark Tests (NBTs) before the bursary closing date.

Competencies Required

While not explicitly listed as separate competencies, the bursary selection process implies a need for strong academic potential and a commitment to a career in accounting. Applicants should demonstrate:

• A strong academic record, particularly in Mathematics.
• Financial need.
• Willingness to participate in academic and personal development programmes.
• A clear interest in pursuing a Chartered Accountancy career.

Who Should Apply?

This bursary is ideal for Black African or Coloured South African students from disadvantaged backgrounds who have a passion for accounting and aspire to become Chartered Accountants. If you are currently in Matric or have recently completed it, have performed well in Mathematics, and are seeking financial assistance to study towards a BCom Accounting or similar qualification at a SAICA-accredited university, this opportunity is for you. Applicants must also demonstrate financial need and be committed to personal and academic growth.

Required Documents

Applicants must prepare and submit clear copies of the following supporting documents:

• Certified copy of ID document.
• Certified copy of Grade 11 final results.
• Certified copy of latest Matric results (if currently in Matric).
• Certified copy of Matric final results (if Matric has been completed).
• Proof of university provisional acceptance or registration (if currently in Matric).
• Full university academic record (if currently studying).
• Certified copies of parents’ or guardians’ ID documents.
• Certified copies of parents’ or guardians’ proof of income (e.g., latest payslips if employed, affidavit if unemployed).
• Certified copies of ID documents or birth certificates of other dependents in the family household.
• Signed Thuthuka Consent Form.

How to Apply

Interested applicants can apply online for the SAICA Thuthuka Bursaries South Africa 2027.

Click here to apply for SAICA Thuthuka Bursaries South Africa 2027.

Applicants must complete the online application form and upload all required supporting documents before the closing date. Additionally, applicants must download and complete the Thuthuka Consent Form and submit it as part of their application.

Important Notes

• Ensure all required documents are submitted with your application. Missing documents may lead to disqualification.
• Applicants must have written or must be scheduled to write the National Benchmark Tests before the closing date.
• You must have applied or be in the process of applying to one of the listed SAICA-accredited universities.
• Bursaries are awarded annually and renewal depends on the fund’s discretion and continued academic performance.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Closing Date

The closing date for the SAICA Thuthuka Bursaries South Africa 2027 is 31 August 2026. Applications submitted after this date will not be considered.

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