BDO South Africa Bursary
BDO South Africa awards bursaries to aspiring Chartered Accountants studying the CA-stream (Accounting and Auditing) at SAICA-accredited universities up to CTA/Honours level. The programme offers two streams — Merit and Merit with Financial Need — and is one of the strongest entry points into the audit profession in South Africa.
Eligible Fields of Study
BDO South Africa supports students in the following disciplines
Eligibility Requirements
- ✓ South African citizen
- ✓ Studying or planning to study a SAICA-accredited CA-stream degree
- ✓ Strong Matric results with Mathematics (not Mathematical Literacy)
- ✓ Tertiary academic average of 70% or higher in 1st and 2nd year, 65% in 3rd year
- ✓ Accounts I and II marks of 70% or higher; Accounts III of 65% or higher
- ✓ Demonstrate aptitude and attitude suited to a career in auditing
What's Included
- ✓ Full or partial tuition fees (varies by BDO branch)
- ✓ Textbook allowance
- ✓ Renewable annually subject to academic performance
- ✓ Guaranteed audit traineeship at BDO upon graduation
- ✓ Vacation work and exposure to live audit teams
Work Commitment
Recipients must serve a BDO traineeship for a period equal to the duration of the bursary, completing their SAICA articles with the firm.
How to Apply
Steps to complete your BDO South Africa bursary application
- 1
Download the BDO bursary application form from the BDO Student Careers page
- 2
Complete the form and attach the required supporting documents
- 3
Submit your application by email to [email protected]
- 4
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview at the relevant BDO branch
- 5
Sign the bursary and traineeship contract if successful
Required Documents
- 📄 Completed BDO bursary application form
- 📄 Certified copy of South African ID
- 📄 Certified Matric certificate
- 📄 Certified latest university academic transcripts
- 📄 Proof of household income (for Merit with Financial Need stream)
- 📄 CV and motivational letter
Frequently Asked Questions
- When does the BDO bursary close?
- Applications for the next academic year close on 31 October. Late applications are generally not considered, so apply well before the deadline.
- What are the two types of BDO bursaries?
- BDO awards a Merit Bursary (based on academic and holistic performance) and a Merit with Financial Need Bursary (which also considers household income). The application form lets you indicate which stream applies.
- Do I have to do my articles at BDO?
- Yes. Bursary recipients are contracted to complete their SAICA training contract (articles) at BDO South Africa for a period equal to the duration of the bursary.
- Which universities are eligible for the BDO bursary?
- Any SAICA-accredited South African university offering the CA-stream up to CTA/Honours level. This includes UCT, Wits, Stellenbosch, UP, UKZN, UJ, NWU, UFS, Rhodes and others.
Ready to apply?
Applications close on 31 October 2026
Apply on BDO South Africa's official siteNeed help? Contact BDO South Africa:
Email: [email protected]
Information verified 2026-05-25. Always confirm details on the funder's official website before applying.
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