Want to become a Chartered Accountant but worry about paying for university? The SAICA Thuthuka Bursary 2027 could change that for you right now.
What is the SAICA Thuthuka Bursary 2027?
The SAICA Thuthuka Bursary is a funding and support programme run by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants. It is aimed at students from disadvantaged backgrounds who want to study a BCom Accounting degree on the CA‑stream pathway. The bursary does more than pay fees – it offers academic, emotional and career‑readiness help throughout your studies.
Who can apply?
To be eligible you must meet all of the following criteria:
- South African citizen
- Identify as Black African or Coloured
- In Grade 12, have finished Matric in the last two years, or already be enrolled in a CA‑stream BCom Accounting degree
- Scored at least 60 % in Grade 11 Mathematics (Mathematics Literacy or Technical Mathematics do not count)
- Plan to study or are studying a BCom Accounting CA‑stream degree
- Have applied, or be in the process of applying, to a university that participates in the Thuthuka programme
- Household income of R350 000 per year or less (combined income of all members)
- Will write the National Benchmark Tests (NBT) and submit the results
What you will receive
The bursary covers key study costs and offers additional support to help you succeed.
Financial coverage
- Tuition fees
- Textbooks and learning materials
- Meals
- Residence fees or accommodation costs
Extra support
- Additional tutorials and study‑skills workshops
- Academic enrichment programmes
- Social and emotional counselling
- Work‑readiness and life‑skills training
- Mentoring and professional guidance
This mix of funding and mentorship reduces financial pressure and builds the discipline needed for a CA(SA) career.
How to apply – step by step
- Gather all required documents (see the list below).
- Check your Grade 11 Mathematics result – you need at least 60 %.
- Visit the official application portal: SAICA Thuthuka Bursary Fund online application and create an account.
- Complete every mandatory field in the online form.
- Upload clear, readable copies of all supporting documents.
- Enter your NBT results or proof of booking before the end of August.
- Review the whole application for accuracy.
- Click the SUBMIT button. Your application is not saved automatically – you must press Submit.
Documents you need to upload
- Your South African ID
- ID of parent(s) or guardian(s)
- ID or birth certificates of any dependants in the household
- Proof of parent/guardian income (payslips, tax certificates, etc.)
- Affidavit if a parent or guardian is unemployed
- Signed consent form
- Final Grade 11 results
- Latest Grade 12 results (if you are still in Matric) or final Grade 12 results (if you have finished)
- University academic transcript (if already at university)
- Provisional acceptance letter from a university that offers the Thuthuka programme (if you have one)
Make sure every file is legible. Blurry or incomplete documents can delay or reject your application.
Tips to improve your chances
- Book and complete the NBT early. Keep a screenshot of your booking confirmation.
- Double‑check that your household income is below R350 000.
- Proofread personal details and contact information before submitting.
- Ask a teacher or mentor to review your application for missing information.
- Submit at least one day before the deadline to avoid portal overload.
- Keep a copy of the confirmation email after you submit.
Final thoughts – what to do next
The SAICA Thuthuka Bursary 2027 can be the first step toward a Chartered Accountant career, but it is competitive. Ensure you meet all eligibility criteria, gather clear documents, and follow the step‑by‑step guide above.
The application window closes on 31 August 2026 at 11:59 am. Start preparing today, submit before the deadline, and you could be on your way to a funded CA‑stream degree.