If you want to become a Chartered Accountant but need help paying for university, the EY Chartered Accountancy Bursary Programme is open for applications — and the deadline is fast‑approaching. EY Chartered Accountancy Bursary Programme will fund qualified South African learners for the 2027 academic year.
What the bursary offers
EY is providing two bursary routes for students who plan to qualify as Chartered Accountants:
- Academic Merit Bursary – awarded on the basis of strong school results.
- Academic Merit with Financial Need Bursary – awarded to high‑achieving learners who also demonstrate a genuine financial need.
Both bursaries can cover tuition, accommodation, books and meals. Successful recipients will also be linked to EY’s Chartered Accountant training contract after graduation, subject to the bursary’s terms.
Who can apply
You are eligible if you meet all of the following:
- South African citizen.
- Current Matric learner or matric graduate.
- At least four A’s in Matric (Life Orientation excluded).
- Holding a strong record in Accounting.
- Planning to study a Chartered Accountancy qualification at a SAICA‑accredited university or institute.
- For the financial‑need bursary – able to prove household income constraints.
What you gain
- Full or partial coverage of university fees, accommodation, textbooks and meals.
- A clear pathway to an EY training contract, giving you practical experience while you work towards the CA designation.
- Mentorship and networking opportunities within one of the world’s leading professional services firms.
How to apply – step by step
- Gather the required documents (see the lists below).
- Combine every document into one PDF file.
- Log in to the appropriate EY application portal:
- Matric learners: Apply for EY Chartered Accountancy Bursary 2027 – Matric Stream
- University students: Apply for EY Chartered Accountancy Bursary 2027 – University Stream
- Select South Africa when the system asks for the country.
- Upload the single PDF in the “Additional Optional Attachment” field – even though it says optional, the bursary rules require it.
- Submit before the closing date.
Documents you need
Matric learners
- Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Certified copy of your South African ID.
- Grade 11 final results.
- Matric Term 1 and Term 2 results.
- University acceptance letter (if you have one).
- 2027 university fee invoice or pro‑forma.
University students
- Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Certified copy of your South African ID.
- Matric certificate.
- Full academic record from your university.
- Mid‑year 2026 results.
- Bank statements covering the last three months.
Financial‑need applicants
- Proof of parent/guardian income – recent payslips if employed, or an affidavit if unemployed.
SAICA‑accredited institutions
You must enrol in a Chartered Accountancy programme that is accredited by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA). Common accredited universities include:
- University of the Witwatersrand
- University of Johannesburg
- University of Pretoria
- University of Cape Town
- Stellenbosch University
- University of the Western Cape
- Rhodes University
- University of the Free State
- North‑West University
- University of KwaZulu‑Natal
- University of Fort Hare
- University of Limpopo
- University of Zululand
- University of Venda
- Walter Sisulu University
- University of South Africa (UNISA)
- Nelson Mandela University
- Monash University
- Institute of Accounting Science
Confirm that your specific CA pathway is SAICA‑accredited before you apply.
Tips to improve your chances
- Proofread your CV and ensure it highlights Accounting coursework and any relevant work or volunteer experience.
- Double‑check that every required document is included in the single PDF – missing files cause automatic disqualification.
- If you apply for the financial‑need bursary, be thorough with household income proof; incomplete information will be rejected.
- Submit well before the 30 September 2026 deadline to avoid last‑minute technical issues.
- Read the bursary and training‑contract conditions carefully so you understand any post‑graduation obligations.
Next steps
This is a valuable opportunity to fund your studies and start a career with EY. Gather your paperwork, create that one‑PDF file, and submit your application before 30 September 2026. Even if you face stiff competition, a well‑prepared application gives you the best possible chance.
