The VKB Group, a leading South African agricultural enterprise with over 100 years of excellence, is offering a bursary for the 2026 academic year to support students pursuing a BCom in Chartered Accountancy (CA) at SAICA-accredited institutions. With a closing date of 30 September 2025, this fully funded opportunity is ideal for motivated South African students aiming to become qualified Chartered Accountants (CAs). Here’s your comprehensive guide to applying for this bursary and launching your career in finance with VKB.
Why the VKB Group Bursary?
Founded in 1919, the VKB Group is a shareholder-backed “house of brands” operating across the food value chain, from agronomy to retail and finance. With 29 subsidiaries and a strong presence in agriculture, VKB is committed to nurturing talent to drive South Africa’s economic growth. The bursary supports students in scarce-skill fields like Chartered Accountancy, addressing the country’s demand for qualified CAs (only 50,000 registered with SAICA against a need for more). Benefits include:
- Full Financial Support: Covers tuition, books, accommodation, and meals at a SAICA-accredited university.
- Practical Experience: Requires 3 weeks of vacation work annually at VKB’s Reitz office, providing real-world exposure to financial operations in agribusiness.
- Career Pathway: Post-graduation, recipients must complete a 3-year SAICA trainee contract with VKB, leading to CA(SA) certification and potential permanent roles.
- Mentorship: Access to experienced professionals to guide your academic and career journey.
- Impact: Contribute to a company that feeds and fuels communities while building a lucrative career (CAs earn ZAR 150,000–780,000 annually, per industry estimates).
In a country with a 45.5% youth unemployment rate, this bursary offers financial relief and a clear path to a high-demand profession.
What Does a BCom in Chartered Accountancy Entail?
The BCom in Chartered Accountancy is a SAICA-accredited undergraduate degree (e.g., BCom Accounting at UKZN Westville or UJ) that prepares students for the CA(SA) designation. It covers financial accounting, auditing, taxation, and management accounting, followed by a postgraduate CTA (Certificate in the Theory of Accounting) and a 3-year SAICA training contract. As a CA, you’ll:
- Analyze financial data and prepare reports (e.g., balance sheets, income statements).
- Conduct audits to ensure compliance and accuracy.
- Provide strategic financial advice to enhance profitability.
- Work in diverse sectors, from agribusiness (like VKB) to corporate finance.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the VKB Group Bursary for BCom in Chartered Accountancy, you must meet these criteria:
- Citizenship: South African citizen with a valid ID.
- Age: Typically 18–35 (not explicitly stated but standard for bursaries).
- Academic Requirements:
- Matric Applicants:
- Tertiary Students:
- Enrolled in a SAICA-accredited BCom in Chartered Accountancy programme (e.g., UJ, Stellenbosch, UKZN Westville). See SAICA-accredited institutions at www.saica.org.za.
- Minimum 60% average in major subjects (e.g., Financial Accounting, Auditing).
- Submit full academic record, including 2025 results.
- Language: Fluency in English and Afrikaans (spoken and written), as VKB operates in Afrikaans-speaking regions.
- Commitment:
- Willing to complete 3 weeks of vacation work per year at VKB’s Reitz office.
- Agree to a 3-year SAICA trainee contract post-graduation.
- Willing to relocate for potential employment or work-back obligations.
- Technical: Access to a computer and internet for online application via Google Chrome.
How to Apply
Applications are open from 1 August 2025 to 30 September 2025. Follow these steps to apply:
- Prepare Your Documents:
- Certified copy of your South African ID (within three months).
- For Matriculants: Certified copies of Grade 11 results and latest Grade 12 results.
- For Tertiary Students: Certified full academic record, including 2025 results.
- Updated CV highlighting academic achievements and any leadership or teamwork experience.
- Optional: A cover letter explaining your passion for Chartered Accountancy and interest in VKB.
- All documents must be in PDF format.
- Submit Online:
- Visit the VKB Group Bursary Application portal at for VKB Group Bursary 2026“VKB Group Bursary 2026”).
- Use Google Chrome to access the Simplify platform.
- Complete the online form, answering all questions accurately.
- Upload all required documents.
- Email Alternative (if specified in the circular):
- Send documents to externalbursaries@vkb.co.za with the subject line “VKB Bursary 2026.”
- Confirm submission requirements on www.vkb.co.za.
- Avoid Scams: Apply only through official VKB channels. Never pay fees or share bank details.
- Contact for Queries:
- Mrs. Ariska du Plessis: +27 87 358 8565 or ariska.duplessis@vkb.co.za.
What to Expect After Applying
- Review Process: VKB assesses applications for academic merit and eligibility.
- Shortlisting: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted within 30 days of the closing date (by 30 October 2025).
- Interviews/Assessments: Expect interviews or psychometric tests to evaluate your fit for the CA programme.
- Background Checks: VKB verifies IDs, academic records, and criminal records.
- Outcome: If unsuccessful, you’ll receive no communication. If selected, you’ll start in January 2026, with funding and vacation work obligations.
Tips for a Standout Application
- Highlight Academic Excellence: Emphasize strong Matric results in Maths and Accounting (70%+ preferred) or a 60%+ tertiary average.
- Showcase Passion: In your CV or cover letter, express your interest in finance and VKB’s role in agribusiness.
- Certify Documents: Ensure ID and academic records are certified within three months by a Commissioner of Oaths.
- Demonstrate Language Skills: Highlight English and Afrikaans proficiency, as VKB values bilingualism.
- Apply Early: Submit by mid-September 2025 to avoid last-minute issues.
- Research VKB: Understand its agricultural focus to align your application with its mission.
Why This Bursary Matters
Chartered Accountancy is a scarce skill in South Africa, with only 50,000 CAs against a growing demand in agriculture, finance, and corporate sectors. The VKB bursary not only funds your BCom and CTA but also guarantees practical experience through vacation work and a SAICA trainee contract, ensuring you qualify as a CA(SA). With full financial support and a potential job at VKB (a major player with ZAR 17 billion in annual turnover), this opportunity addresses educational barriers and unemployment while positioning you for a high-earning career.
Comparison with Other CA Bursaries
- SAICA Thuthuka Bursary: Targets disadvantaged Black African and Coloured students, covering tuition, books, and meals, with a 31 August 2025 deadline. Requires 60% in Maths and a household income below ZAR 350,000. Offers extensive support like mentoring.
- Deloitte & Touche: Covers tuition and books for CA students, requiring a training contract post-graduation. Open to all South Africans with strong academic records.
- EY Bursary: Offers merit-based and financial-need bursaries, requiring 4 A’s in Matric (excluding Life Orientation) and a 3-year training contract.
- PwC Bursary: Supports CA students with 75% Matric average and 65–70% tertiary average, requiring a training contract. Closes 31 August 2025.
VKB’s bursary stands out for its focus on agriculture, guaranteed vacation work, and Afrikaans proficiency requirement, aligning with its regional operations.
Conclusion
The VKB Group Bursary for BCom in Chartered Accountancy 2026 is a golden opportunity to fund your CA journey, gain practical experience, and join a leading agribusiness. If you’re a South African Matriculant (70%+ average) or tertiary student (60%+ in major subjects) with a passion for finance, prepare your certified ID, academic records, and CV, and apply online at www.vkb.co.za or via Simplify by 30 September 2025. Don’t miss this chance to grow with VKB—apply now and plant the seeds for a rewarding CA career