Who is eligible for the Thuthuka Bursary?

Thuthuka is open to South African African or Coloured learners from households earning R350,000 or less per year who want to qualify as Chartered Accountants. You must have at least 60% for Pure Mathematics in Grade 11.

When does the Thuthuka Bursary close?

Applications for the 2027 academic year close on 31 August 2026. Apply early - some provinces and universities fill their quota quickly.

Do I need to write the National Benchmark Tests (NBT)?

Yes. You must have written or registered to write the NBT before the application closing date. Thuthuka uses NBT results alongside school results for selection.

Which universities does Thuthuka fund me to attend?

Thuthuka places students at SAICA-accredited universities including UJ, Wits, UCT, UP, Stellenbosch, UKZN, UFS, NMU, UWC, North-West and Fort Hare. Placement depends on results and capacity.

Accounting & Finance South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA)

SAICA Thuthuka Bursary

The SAICA Thuthuka Bursary Fund is the country's flagship transformation bursary for African and Coloured students who want to qualify as Chartered Accountants (CAs(SA)). It provides full funding, a SAICA-accredited university programme and a clear pathway through articles to professional qualification.

Amount:

Full-cost bursary (tuition, accommodation, meals, books, allowance)

Deadline:

31 August 2026

Duration:

Full BCom CA-stream degree plus CTA (Honours) - typically 4 years

Renewable:

Yes

Apply on South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA)'s site

Eligible Fields of Study

South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) supports students in the following disciplines

Chartered Accountancy (CA)

BCom Accounting (CA Stream)

BCompt

Certificate in the Theory of Accounting (CTA)

Eligibility Requirements

✓ South African citizen
✓ Self-identify as African or Coloured (Thuthuka's transformation mandate)
✓ Combined family household income of R350,000 per annum or less
✓ Currently in Grade 12, recent matriculant (within two years), or already studying a CA-stream BCom
✓ Minimum 60% (Level 5) for Mathematics in Grade 11 (not Mathematical Literacy or Technical Mathematics)
✓ Written or will write the National Benchmark Tests (NBT) before the bursary closing date
✓ Acceptance at a SAICA-accredited university for CA studies

What's Included

✓ Full tuition fees at a SAICA-accredited university
✓ Accommodation in a Thuthuka-approved residence
✓ Meals and a monthly allowance
✓ Textbooks and study materials
✓ Laptop
✓ Academic and life-skills support throughout the programme
✓ Direct pathway into a SAICA training contract (articles) after CTA

Work Commitment

Recipients commit to completing a SAICA training contract (articles) at an approved training office after graduation, working towards qualification as a CA(SA).

How to Apply

Steps to complete your South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) bursary application

1
Register on the Thuthuka Bursary Fund online application portal
2
Complete the online application form before 31 August 2026
3
Upload certified copies of all supporting documents
4
Write the National Benchmark Tests (NBT)
5
Attend a Thuthuka selection camp if shortlisted
6
Receive offer and confirm placement at a Thuthuka partner university

Required Documents

📄 Certified ID copy
📄 Certified Grade 11 final report or matric results
📄 Certified parents'/guardians' IDs
📄 Proof of household income (payslips, SASSA letters, affidavit if unemployed)
📄 Death certificate(s) if applicable
📄 Proof of university acceptance (if available)
📄 NBT results

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for the Thuthuka Bursary?: Thuthuka is open to South African African or Coloured learners from households earning R350,000 or less per year who want to qualify as Chartered Accountants. You must have at least 60% for Pure Mathematics in Grade 11.
When does the Thuthuka Bursary close?: Applications for the 2027 academic year close on 31 August 2026. Apply early - some provinces and universities fill their quota quickly.
Do I need to write the National Benchmark Tests (NBT)?: Yes. You must have written or registered to write the NBT before the application closing date. Thuthuka uses NBT results alongside school results for selection.
Which universities does Thuthuka fund me to attend?: Thuthuka places students at SAICA-accredited universities including UJ, Wits, UCT, UP, Stellenbosch, UKZN, UFS, NMU, UWC, North-West and Fort Hare. Placement depends on results and capacity.

Ready to apply?

Applications close on 31 August 2026

Apply on South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA)'s official site

Need help? Contact South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA):

Email: [email protected]

Information verified 2026-05-18. Always confirm details on the funder's official website before applying.

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