The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) invites South African students to apply for the Thuthuka Bursary Programme 2027.
Bursary Application Closing Date: 31 August 2026
Study Location: Selected Universities Across South Africa
Bursary Overview
The SAICA Thuthuka Bursary Programme is designed to support students from disadvantaged backgrounds who want to pursue a career in Chartered Accountancy (CA).
This bursary not only provides financial support but also offers academic, social, and professional development to help students succeed.
Fields Covered
The bursary supports students studying Accounting degrees at SAICA-accredited universities, including:
- University of Johannesburg (UJ)
- University of Pretoria (UP)
- University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
- University of the Free State (UFS)
- University of Fort Hare (UFH)
- University of Cape Town (UCT)
- University of the Western Cape (UWC)
- Stellenbosch University (SU)
- Rhodes University (RU)
- Nelson Mandela University (NMU)
- North-West University (NWU)
- University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
- University of Limpopo (UL – CTA only)
What the Bursary Covers
The Thuthuka Bursary provides full financial support, including:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation and residence fees
- Meals
- Prescribed textbooks
Note: The bursary does not cover existing debts or loans.
Additional Benefits
Bursary recipients also receive:
- Academic support (extra tutorials, workshops)
- Mentorship and counselling
- Life skills and work-readiness training
- Access to programme managers
- Exposure to chartered accountants and business leaders
Eligibility Criteria
To apply, you must:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be a Black African or Coloured student
- Be from a disadvantaged background
- Be currently in Matric or completed Matric within the last 2 years
- Achieve at least 60% in Mathematics (not Maths Literacy) in Grade 11
- Intend to study Accounting at a SAICA-accredited university in 2027
- Have applied or be applying to a participating university
- Have a combined household income of R350 000 or less per year
- Have written or plan to write the National Benchmark Tests (NBT)
Selection Process
Applicants are selected based on:
- Academic performance
- Financial need (NSFAS means test)
- NBT results
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you do not receive feedback, consider your application unsuccessful.
Required Documents
Applicants must submit:
- Certified copy of ID
- Grade 11 results
- Matric results (if available)
- Proof of university application/acceptance
- Full academic record (if currently studying)
- Parents/guardians ID copies
- Proof of household income
- ID/birth certificates of dependents
- Signed Thuthuka Consent Form
How to Apply
Click here to apply for SAICA Thuthuka Bursary 2027
Why Apply?
This bursary offers:
- Full financial support for your studies
- Strong academic and mentorship support
- A clear pathway to becoming a Chartered Accountant
- Exposure to industry professionals