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. It is 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, books, meals, and accommodation
Minimum Qualification: Matric with 60% for Mathematics (Grade 11)
Opportunity Type: Bursary

About the Thuthuka Bursary

The Thuthuka Bursary is designed to help students who want to become Chartered Accountants. It supports those studying towards specific accounting qualifications at universities across South Africa that are accredited by SAICA. The programme focuses on developing future leaders in the accounting profession.

This bursary is more than just financial aid; it includes academic, social, and emotional support. Recipients benefit from enrichment programmes, study skills workshops, and mentoring from experienced professionals. The goal is to ensure students have the resources they need to succeed academically and professionally.

The bursary is available for undergraduate studies and can be renewed annually, depending on the student’s academic performance and the fund’s discretion. Successful applicants will sign a contract with the Thuthuka Education and Upliftment Fund and NSFAS.

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 accounting profession. SAICA sets standards for education, training, and ethical conduct for its members.

SAICA is committed to transformation and developing talent within the profession. The Thuthuka Bursary is one of its key initiatives to address the shortage of Chartered Accountants, particularly from previously disadvantaged communities. They work with universities and other stakeholders to achieve this goal.

Fields of Study Covered

The Thuthuka Bursary supports students studying towards a Chartered Accountancy career. It is available for specific undergraduate qualifications at a list of participating SAICA-accredited universities. These include:

• 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 and personal development. The bursary aims to cover essential expenses and provide a nurturing environment for academic success. Benefits include:

• Tuition Fees: Full coverage of university tuition costs.
• 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, extra tutorials, and study skills workshops.
• Personal Development: Social and emotional support, work-readiness training, and life skills development.
• Mentorship: Guidance from experienced Chartered Accountants and business leaders.
• Programme Management: Support from a dedicated programme manager.

Programme Duration and Location

The Thuthuka Bursary is awarded annually and is renewable. The programme is based in South Africa, with support provided for students attending specific SAICA-accredited universities across the country. The exact duration of study depends on the chosen qualification, typically spanning three to four years for an undergraduate degree.

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.
• 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 planning to study one of the listed SAICA-accredited qualifications in 2027.
• Have applied or be in the process of applying to one of the listed universities.
• Have a combined family income of not more than R350,000 per annum.
• Must have written or will write the National Benchmark Tests (NBTs) before the closing date.

Competencies Required

While academic results and financial need are primary selection criteria, certain personal qualities are also valued. These help ensure students can thrive in the demanding field of Chartered Accountancy:

• Strong academic potential, especially in Mathematics.
• Willingness to learn and develop new skills.
• Resilience and the ability to overcome challenges.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• A commitment to ethical conduct and professionalism.
• Ability to manage time effectively and meet deadlines.

Who Should Apply?

This bursary is ideal for ambitious Black African and Coloured students who are passionate about pursuing a career in Chartered Accountancy. If you are a Matric student or a recent Matric graduate with a strong aptitude for Mathematics and come from a financially needy background, this opportunity is for you. It is suited for individuals who are academically driven and seeking comprehensive support to achieve their professional goals in the accounting sector.

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 final Matric 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:

• 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 .
• Submit your application and the consent form before the closing date.

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 (NBTs) 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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