Accounting Bursaries in South Africa 2026
CA(SA), CIMA, SAIPA accounting bursaries. Browse 21 funding opportunities — updated May 2026.
Accounting is one of the most reliably funded fields of study in South Africa, and for good reason: there is constant demand for qualified professionals, so the country's biggest firms and institutions are willing to invest in students early. Most accounting bursaries are aimed at students working towards a recognised professional route, whether that's CA(SA) through SAICA, the CIMA management-accounting pathway, or the SAIPA professional accountant designation. They typically cover the costs that matter most: tuition fees, prescribed textbooks, a laptop or study materials, and often accommodation and a monthly allowance for living expenses. Many also come bundled with vacation work, mentorship, and an articles or training contract once you graduate, which means a bursary can become a clear path straight into a job.
These bursaries come from a range of sources. The big audit and professional services firms run their own bursary and trainee programmes, while banks, insurers, retailers, mining houses and other corporates fund accounting students because every large business needs finance skills. Government departments, state-owned entities and the relevant SETA (FASSET, the finance and accounting services SETA) also support accounting and audit study, and universities, professional bodies and private trusts offer their own awards. Because the field is so closely tied to employers, many of these bursaries are sponsored by an organisation that hopes to recruit you, which is why a workback obligation, working for the sponsor for a set period after you qualify, is common and well worth reading carefully before you sign.
Eligibility usually rests on strong marks, especially in Mathematics (not Maths Literacy), Accounting and English, plus a place or firm offer to study a recognised BCom Accounting or equivalent. Most require South African citizenship, and many prioritise students who can show genuine financial need, so be ready to submit your latest results, ID, proof of household income and supporting documents. The corporate application season often opens in the second half of the year for the following academic year, so plan ahead, apply to several at once, and don't rely on a single answer. If you qualify, NSFAS may also be an option, and a bursary can sit alongside it.
Quick tips
- →Apply early. Many corporate accounting bursaries open in the second half of the year for the next academic intake, and strong applicants get theirs in well before deadlines close.
- →Keep your Mathematics and Accounting marks high. These subjects carry the most weight, and Maths Literacy usually won't qualify you.
- →Read the workback or service obligation before you accept. Many accounting bursaries require you to work for the sponsor for a period after you qualify.
- →Have your documents ready in one folder: certified ID, latest results, proof of household income, and a clear, honest motivation letter.
Related fields:
Sasol Bursary Programme
Sasol
Sasol's flagship bursary programme funds South African students in engineering, IT, and commerce — covering tuition, accommodation, and vacation employment.
Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Fellowship
Allan Gray Orbis Foundation
The Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Fellowship is South Africa's most prestigious entrepreneurship-focused bursary, open to any field of study. No workback obligation.
Standard Bank Bursary Programme
Standard Bank
Standard Bank bursaries support commerce, finance, actuarial science, and IT students. Recipients join Standard Bank's vacation programme and are fast-tracked into the graduate pipeline.
Eskom Bursary Programme
Eskom
Eskom bursaries fund engineering, IT, and finance students across South Africa — covering the full cost of study plus vacation employment.
NSFAS Bursary
National Student Financial Aid Scheme
The NSFAS bursary provides financial assistance to eligible South African citizens and permanent residents pursuing higher education, covering a range of study costs.
PwC Chartered Accountant Bursary
PwC South Africa
PwC offers comprehensive bursaries for South African students pursuing a Chartered Accountant (CA) qualification, providing financial support and a structured path to professional development.
Old Mutual Chartered Accounting Bursary Programme 2026/2027
Old Mutual
Old Mutual invites exceptional South African learners pursuing or interested in Chartered Accounting studies to apply for their bursary programme.
University of Pretoria MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program (MCFSP) 2027
University of Pretoria
A fully-funded scholarship for undergraduate and postgraduate study at the University of Pretoria, supported by the Mastercard Foundation.
Sasol Foundation Mainstream Bursary Programme 2027
Sasol Foundation
The Sasol Foundation offers a comprehensive, fully funded bursary programme for young South Africans pursuing studies in various fields critical to industry.
SAICA’s Thuthuka Bursary Fund 2027
South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA)
Thuthuka Bursary Fund by SAICA supports students from disadvantaged backgrounds aspiring to become Chartered Accountants in South Africa.
SAICA’s Thuthuka Bursary Fund 2027 for aspiring Chartered Accountants
South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) Thuthuka Bursary Fund
Thuthuka bursary is open to financially needy African, Coloured, and Indian students aspiring to become Chartered Accountants (CAs).
PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers) Bursary
PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)
PwC offers bursaries for accounting and finance students pursuing a CA(SA) qualification. One of the most prestigious routes into the Big Four accounting firms.
Capitec Bank Foundation Bursary
Capitec Bank Foundation
The Capitec Bank Foundation funds commerce and mathematics students — primarily in Western Cape, Gauteng, and KZN — with tuition and accommodation support. No workback obligation.
Shoprite/Checkers Foundation Bursary
Shoprite Checkers (Pty) Ltd Foundation
The Shoprite Foundation funds commerce, IT, and food science students. NSFAS-compatible and requires no workback obligation.
Tiger Brands Foundation Bursary
Tiger Brands Foundation
Tiger Brands funds food science, engineering, and commerce students with a focus on Gauteng, KZN, and Western Cape. NSFAS-compatible.
Old Mutual Bursary Programme
Old Mutual Limited
Old Mutual funds actuarial science, finance, statistics, and IT students. Financial need is not required, making this accessible to middle-income families.
Deloitte South Africa Bursary
Deloitte South Africa
Deloitte SA offers accounting bursaries for students pursuing the CA(SA) qualification — one of the top routes to completing your articles at a Big Four firm.
FNB (First National Bank) Bursary
First National Bank (FNB)
FNB funds finance, accounting, actuarial science, and IT students with tuition and a living allowance. Part of the FirstRand Group talent pipeline.
Nedbank Bursary Programme
Nedbank Group
Nedbank funds accounting, finance, actuarial science, and IT students. Full bursary with vacation employment and a structured graduate pipeline.
Discovery Bursary Programme
Discovery Limited
Discovery offers a high-value bursary for actuarial science, statistics, data science, and finance students. Merit-based with no financial need requirement.
Absa Bank Bursary Programme
Absa Group
Absa offers a full bursary for commerce, finance, accounting, and IT students. Includes tuition, accommodation, and a living allowance with vacation employment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Accounting bursaries are available in South Africa in 2026?
There are 21 accounting bursaries currently listed on our platform, including corporate, government, and SETA-funded opportunities. They range from partial tuition bursaries to full cost-of-study awards.
When do Accounting bursary applications open?
Most corporate bursaries open between August and October for the following academic year. Some government bursaries accept applications year-round. Always check the official provider website for exact dates.
What marks do I need for a Accounting bursary?
Academic requirements vary by provider. Most accounting bursaries require a minimum average of 60–70%. Some merit bursaries require 75%+ while others prioritise financial need over marks.