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 from disadvantaged backgrounds who wish to pursue a career in Chartered Accountancy. Applications are open to Black African and Coloured students who meet specific academic and financial criteria.

Application Closing Date: 31 August 2026
Location: South Africa
Programme Duration: Annual, renewable at discretion
Stipend: Covers tuition, books, meals, and accommodation
Minimum Qualification: Matric with 60% in Mathematics (Grade 11)
Opportunity Type: Bursary

About the Thuthuka Bursary Programme

The Thuthuka Bursary Programme is designed to help students achieve their dream of becoming Chartered Accountants. It focuses on supporting individuals who have the potential but lack the financial means to pursue the necessary qualifications. The bursary is awarded annually and is renewable, provided the student maintains satisfactory academic progress and meets ongoing requirements.

This programme specifically supports students studying towards SAICA-accredited undergraduate accounting qualifications. It is offered at various participating universities across South Africa, ensuring accessibility for eligible students. The bursary aims to address the need for more diverse representation within the accounting profession.

About SAICA

The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) is a professional body that sets standards for the chartered accountancy profession in South Africa. It plays a vital role in developing and promoting chartered accountants, ensuring they meet high ethical and professional standards. SAICA is committed to transformation and developing talent within the accounting sector.

Fields of Study Covered

The Thuthuka Bursary is specifically for students pursuing a career in Chartered Accountancy. It supports selected undergraduate qualifications at the following SAICA-accredited 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 can expect comprehensive financial support for their studies. The Thuthuka Bursary aims to remove financial barriers so students can focus on their academic success.

The bursary may cover expenses such as:

• Tuition fees
• Textbooks and study materials
• Meals
• Residence fees and accommodation

Additional Bursary Benefits

Beyond financial aid, the Thuthuka Bursary provides significant academic and personal development support. Recipients benefit from structured programmes designed to enhance their learning experience and prepare them for the profession.

These benefits include:

• Academic support through enrichment programmes, including extra tutorials and study skills workshops.
• Social and emotional support to help students navigate university life.
• Work-readiness and life skills training.
• Mentoring and counselling from experienced chartered accountants and business leaders.
• Access to a dedicated programme manager.

Programme Duration and Location

The Thuthuka Bursary is awarded annually. Renewal of the bursary is subject to the student’s academic performance and the discretion of the Thuthuka Education and Upliftment Fund and NSFAS. The bursary is applicable to studies undertaken at participating universities across South Africa.

Eligibility Requirements

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

• Be a South African citizen.
• Be of Black African or Coloured descent.
• Come from a disadvantaged background.
• Be currently in Matric or have completed Matric within the last two years.
• Achieve a minimum of 60% (Level 5) for Mathematics in Grade 11. Mathematics Literacy and Technical Mathematics are not accepted.
• Be studying or intend to study 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 not exceeding R350,000 per annum.
• Have written or commit to writing the National Benchmark Tests (NBT) before the bursary closing date.

Competencies Required

While academic results and financial need are primary selection criteria, certain skills and personal qualities are also valued:

• Strong academic potential, particularly in Mathematics.
• Willingness to learn and develop.
• Resilience and ability to overcome challenges.
• Commitment to pursuing a career in Chartered Accountancy.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.

Who Should Apply?

This bursary is ideal for ambitious Black African and Coloured students who are passionate about accounting and aspire to become Chartered Accountants. If you are currently in Matric or have recently completed it, have a strong aptitude for Mathematics, and come from a financially constrained background, this opportunity could be for you. It is suited for individuals who are motivated to succeed academically and professionally, and who are prepared to commit to the rigorous demands of the CA(SA) qualification.

Required Documents

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

• Certified copy of your ID document.
• Certified copy of your Grade 11 final results.
• Certified copy of your latest Matric results (if currently in Matric).
• Certified copy of your 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 your parents’ or guardians’ ID documents.
• Certified copies of your 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

To apply for the Thuthuka Bursaries 2027, follow these steps:

• Visit the official application portal: Click here to apply for SAICA Thuthuka Bursaries South Africa 2027 .
• Complete the online application form accurately.
• Upload all the required supporting documents as specified.
• Download and complete the Thuthuka Consent Form .
• Ensure all information provided is correct and all documents are certified before submitting.

Important Notes

• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment.
• 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.
• Late applications will not be considered.

Closing Date

The closing date for the SAICA Thuthuka Bursaries South Africa 2027 is 31 August 2026. Please ensure your application is submitted well before this date.

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