If you want to become a chartered accountant, the SAICA Thuthuka Bursary Programme 2027 could be your fast‑track, but the deadline is only a few weeks away.
What the SAICA Thuthuka Bursary Offers
The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) is funding a bursary for 2027 students who aim to qualify as chartered accountants. It covers tuition and living costs while you study at a SAICA‑accredited university in South Africa.
The bursary supports the following undergraduate qualifications:
- Nelson Mandela University: BCom Accounting (40103)
- University of the Free State, Bloemfontein Campus: Bachelor of Accounting (BC636060) or PGCA (BC656060)
- University of Johannesburg: Bachelor of Accounting (BCA012)
- Stellenbosch University: BCom Accounting / B Rek (3091001)
- University of KwaZulu‑Natal, Westville Campus: BCom in Accounting (BCOM‑C)
- University of Pretoria: Accounting Sciences (07130044)
- University of Cape Town: BCom (CB024) or PGDA (CG010ACC01)
- North‑West University, Potchefstroom Campus: BCom CA (5DAH01‑E302)
- University of the Witwatersrand: BAcc Science (CB008)
- Rhodes University: BCom Accounting
- University of Fort Hare: BCom Accounting (60001)
- University of the Western Cape: Course 1021 or 1753
- University of Limpopo: CTA only, PGDA (Postgraduate Diploma in Accountancy)
Who Can Apply – Eligibility
To be considered, you must meet all of the following conditions:
- South African citizen.
- Black African or Coloured background.
- Come from a disadvantaged household.
- Be in Grade 12 (Matric) or have finished Matric within the last two years.
- Achieve at least 60 % (Level 5) in Mathematics in Grade 11 – Mathematics Literacy and Technical Mathematics are not accepted.
- Plan to study one of the listed qualifications in 2027 at a participating university.
- Have applied, or be in the process of applying, to one of the SAICA‑accredited institutions above.
- Family income must not exceed R350 000 per year.
- Write the National Benchmark Tests (NBT) before the application deadline.
What You Will Receive
Financial Coverage
- Tuition fees.
- Books and study material.
- Meals.
- Residence and accommodation costs.
Additional Support
- Academic enrichment programmes – extra tutorials, study‑skills workshops, and ongoing academic help.
- Social and emotional support, including counselling and mentoring.
- Work‑readiness and life‑skills training.
- Access to a dedicated programme manager and exposure to experienced chartered accountants and business leaders.
How to Apply – Step by Step
- Gather the required documents (see list below).
- Visit the official application portal and complete the online form: SAICA Thuthuka Bursary Application.
- Upload clear, certified copies of all supporting paperwork before 31 August 2026.
- Download, fill out, and sign the Thuthuka Consent Form.
- Submit the online application and keep a copy of the confirmation email.
Required Documents
- Certified copy of your ID (or birth certificate if under 18).
- Certified copy of Grade 11 results.
- Latest Matric results (if you are currently in Grade 12) or final Matric results (if you have finished).
- Proof of provisional university acceptance or registration.
- Full academic record if you are already enrolled at university.
- Certified copies of parents/guardians’ IDs and proof of their income (payslips or tax statements).
- Affidavit confirming unemployment, if applicable.
- Certified IDs or birth certificates of any other dependents living in your household.
- Signed Thuthuka Consent Form.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Double‑check that every document is legible and certified – a blurry scan can lead to disqualification.
- Complete the National Benchmark Tests early and keep the result slip for upload.
- Write a brief personal statement explaining why you want to become a chartered accountant and how the bursary will help you.
- Ask a teacher or mentor to review your application for spelling or missing information.
- Submit everything well before the deadline; technical glitches are less likely when you’re not rushed.
Next Steps
This bursary is a valuable pathway into the chartered accountancy profession, but competition is high. If you meet the academic and financial criteria, start collecting your documents today and follow the steps above. Remember, the final date to apply is 31 August 2026. Good luck – your accounting career could begin sooner than you think.
