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 bursary aims to support students pursuing a career in Chartered Accountancy, providing financial assistance and development opportunities. Applications are open to Black African and Coloured students from disadvantaged backgrounds who meet specific academic and financial criteria.

Application Closing Date: 31 August 2026
Location: South Africa
Programme Duration: Annual, renewable at the fund’s discretion
Stipend: Covers tuition fees, books, meals, and accommodation
Minimum Qualification: Matric with 60% for Mathematics (not Mathematics Literacy)
Opportunity Type: Bursary

About the Thuthuka Bursary Programme

The Thuthuka Bursary Programme is designed to help students from disadvantaged backgrounds enter the accounting profession. It focuses on supporting those who wish to become Chartered Accountants by funding their undergraduate studies at selected SAICA-accredited universities. The programme aims to address the need for more diverse talent within the accounting sector.

This bursary provides more than just financial aid. It includes academic support, such as extra tutorials and study skills workshops, to help students succeed. Recipients also benefit from social and emotional support, work-readiness training, and mentoring from experienced professionals.

The programme is structured to ensure students receive a well-rounded education and development experience. It partners with specific universities to offer SAICA-accredited qualifications, ensuring that the training meets professional standards.

About SAICA

The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) is a professional body that plays a significant role in the accounting profession in South Africa. It is dedicated to developing and promoting Chartered Accountants (CAs(SA)) as leaders in the profession. SAICA sets standards, provides professional development, and advocates for the interests of its members and the public.

SAICA is committed to transformation and inclusivity within the profession. Through initiatives like the Thuthuka Bursary Programme, it actively works to increase the representation of Black African and Coloured individuals in Chartered Accountancy. The institute collaborates with educational institutions and government bodies to achieve these goals.

Fields of Study Covered

The Thuthuka Bursary specifically supports students pursuing a career in Chartered Accountancy. It covers selected undergraduate qualifications at SAICA-accredited universities across South Africa.

The bursary is available for the following qualifications at these 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 to pursue their Chartered Accountancy studies. The bursary aims to alleviate financial burdens and provide a supportive learning environment.

Key benefits include:

• Tuition Fees: Full coverage of university tuition fees.
• Study Materials: Funding for prescribed textbooks and other learning resources.
• Living Expenses: Support for meals and accommodation, including residence fees.
• Academic Support: Access to enrichment programmes, tutorials, and study skills workshops.
• Personal Development: Work-readiness, life skills training, mentoring, and counselling.
• Professional Exposure: Opportunities to connect with experienced chartered accountants and business leaders.

Programme Duration and Location

The Thuthuka Bursary is awarded annually. Renewal of the bursary is subject to the recipient’s academic performance and the discretion of the Thuthuka Education and Upliftment Fund. The programme supports students throughout their undergraduate studies at participating universities.

The bursary is available for students studying at various SAICA-accredited universities located throughout South Africa. Specific locations include Bloemfontein, Stellenbosch, Durban (Westville Campus), Pretoria, Cape Town, Potchefstroom, Johannesburg, Grahamstown, Alice, and Gqeberha.

Minimum Requirements

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

• Citizenship: Must be a South African citizen.
• Race: Must be Black African or Coloured.
• Background: Must come from a disadvantaged background.
• Academic: Must have completed Matric within the last two years or be currently in Matric.
• Mathematics: Must have achieved a minimum of 60% (Level 5) for Mathematics in Grade 11. Mathematics Literacy and Technical Mathematics are not accepted.
• Study Plan: Must be studying or intend to study one of the listed SAICA-accredited qualifications in 2027.
• University Application: Must have applied or be in the process of applying to one of the listed SAICA-accredited universities.
• Financial Need: Combined family income must not exceed R350,000 per annum.
• National Benchmark Tests (NBT): Must have written or must write the NBTs before the bursary closing date.

Competencies Required

Beyond academic and financial requirements, successful candidates often demonstrate certain personal qualities and skills. These help them thrive in their studies and future careers.

Key competencies include:

• Strong academic potential, particularly in Mathematics.
• Willingness to learn and develop.
• Ability to adapt to new environments and challenges.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• A proactive attitude and self-motivation.
• Commitment to completing the chosen qualification.

Who Should Apply?

This bursary is ideal for ambitious Black African and Coloured students who are passionate about pursuing a career as a Chartered Accountant. It is particularly suited for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds who have a strong academic record, especially in Mathematics. If you are determined to succeed in the accounting field and meet the financial and academic requirements, this opportunity can provide the support you need.

Required Documents

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

• Certified copy of South African 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 (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 accurately 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. Incomplete applications may be disqualified.
• Applicants must have written or must write the National Benchmark Tests before the closing date.
• You must apply or be in the process of applying to one of the listed SAICA-accredited universities.
• 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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