SAICA Thuthuka Bursaries 2026

SAICA is inviting students to apply for the Thuthuka Bursary, for the 2026 academic year.

The Thuthuka Bursary is open to students who are studying towards a career in Chartered Accountancy – specifically the following undergraduate qualifications, at these selected institutions:

• University of Johannesburg (UJ): Bachelor of Accounting (Course code BCA012)
• University of Pretoria (UP): Accounting Sciences (Course code 07130044)
• University of Witwatersrand (WITS): B Acc Science (Course Code CB008)
• University of Free State (UFS – Bloemfontein Campus): Bachelor of Accounting (Course code BC636060) / PGCA (Course code BC656060)
• University of Fort Hare (UFH): B Com Accounting (Course Code 60001)
• University of Cape Town (UCT): B Com (Course Code CB024) / PGDA (Course Code CG010ACC01)
• University of Western Cape (UWC): (Course Code 1021 or 1753)
• Stellenbosch University (SU): B Com Accounting/ B Rek (Course code 3091001)
• Rhodes University (RU): Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting)
• Nelson Mandela University (NMU): B Com Accounting (Course code 40103)
• North West University (NWU – Potch Campus): B Com CA (Course code 5DAH01-E302)
• University of Kwa-Zulu Natal (UKZN – Westville Campus): Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting (code BCOM-C)
• University of Limpopo (UL) – CTA only: PGDA [Post Graduate Diploma in Accountancy]

The bursary will provide cover for the following expenses:

• Tuition,
• Books,
• Meals,
• Residence fees
• Accommodation.

Bursary recipients will also have access to the following benefits:

• Academic support (including various academic enrichment programmes: additional tutorials, study skills workshops etc),
• Social and emotional support,
• Work-readiness and life skills training,
• Mentoring and counselling,
• Aaccess to dedicated programme manager exposure to experienced chartered accountants and business leaders as mentors

Bursary recipients will be required to sign a contract with the Thuthuka Education and Upliftment Fund (TEUF) and NSFAS. Bursaries are awarded annually and are renewed at the discretion of the fund.

Candidates will be selected based on 3 main criteria:

• Academic results,
• Financial need as determined by the NSFAS financial means test
• National Benchmark Test (NBT) results.

Eligibility Requirements:

Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying:

• You must be a South African citizen
• You must be a Black African or Coloured student
• You must be from a disadvantaged background
• You must be currently in Matric OR have completed Matric within the last 2 years
• You must have achieved a minimum result of 60% (level 5) for Mathematics in Grade 11 (NOT Mathematics Literacy or Technical Mathematics)
• You must be studying OR intend on studying towards one of the qualifications listed above, in 2026
• You must have applied or are in the process of applying, to study towards one of the qualifications listed above, at one of the SAICA accredited universities
• You must have a combined family income of NOT more than R350 000 per annum
• You must have written or will write the National Benchmark Tests (NBT) before the bursary closing date