KPMG is inviting South African students to apply for the Chartered Accounting (CA(SA)) Bursary Programme for the 2026 academic year. This opportunity aims to support talented and hardworking students pursuing their studies at SAICA-accredited universities through either a merit-based or financial-need bursary.
Bursary Application Closing Date: 30 October 2025
Location: South Africa (SAICA-accredited universities)
About the KPMG Bursary Programme
The KPMG Chartered Accounting (CA(SA)) Bursary Programme offers financial assistance to students who demonstrate academic excellence and commitment to pursuing a professional career as Chartered Accountants. The bursary is designed to support students throughout their university journey and into their KPMG training contracts after graduation.
KPMG offers two bursary categories:
- Pure Merit Bursary: Awarded strictly on the basis of outstanding academic results.
- Merit with Financial Need Bursary: Granted based on both academic performance and proven financial need for students who cannot afford their studies without financial support.
KPMG determines the bursary value, duration, and award type based on academic performance and available funds. Successful candidates will be required to enter into a KPMG learnership after completing their studies.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the KPMG CA(SA) Bursary, applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Must be a South African citizen.
- Must be in Matric (Grade 12) or have already completed Matric.
- Must be studying or intending to study full-time towards a CA(SA) qualification at a SAICA-accredited university.
- Must have an excellent academic record and complete studies within the prescribed time (no extended years).
Minimum Academic Requirements:
- Current Matric: At least 4 distinctions (A’s), including Life Orientation.
- 1st Year Students: Minimum 70% for Accounting and 65% overall average.
- 2nd Year Students: Minimum 65% for Accounting and 65% overall average.
- 3rd Year Students: Minimum 60% for Accounting and 60% overall average.
- Honours/CTA Students: Minimum 55% for Accounting and 50% overall average.
Applicants for the Merit with Financial Need Bursary must also provide proof of financial need.
What the Bursary Covers
The KPMG bursary provides comprehensive financial support that may include:
- Full or partial coverage of tuition fees and related academic expenses.
- Access to a structured training contract post-graduation to complete the CA(SA) qualification pipeline.
The final bursary amount and benefits are determined at KPMG’s discretion based on the applicant’s academic record and circumstances.
Required Supporting Documents
Applicants must submit the following certified documents (in PDF format):
- South African ID document.
- Matric results (if currently in Matric) or Matric certificate (if completed).
- Full academic transcripts (for university students).
- Updated university fee statement (if applicable).
- Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Proof of provisional acceptance at a SAICA-accredited university (if still in Matric).
If applying for the Merit with Financial Need bursary, also include:
- Proof of household income (latest payslips, pension statements, or affidavits).
- Parents’ or guardians’ 3-month bank statements.
- Recent utility bill (e.g., electricity, water, or cellphone bill).
Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
How to Apply
Follow these steps to apply for the KPMG CA(SA) Bursary 2026:
- Apply for a KPMG Training Contract — you will receive a Taleo reference number upon submission.
- Apply for the KPMG Bursary 2026 — use your Taleo reference number and select the bursary option.
Application Deadline: 30 October 2025 (11:59 PM). Late submissions will not be accepted.
Important Notes
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
- KPMG reserves the right to adjust the bursary’s type, value, and duration based on available funds and academic progress.
- Successful bursary recipients will be required to sign a KPMG learnership contract after graduation.
Conclusion
The KPMG Chartered Accounting (CA(SA)) Bursary 2026 offers ambitious South African students an excellent opportunity to pursue their accounting dreams while gaining valuable support from one of the world’s leading audit and advisory firms. Through this bursary, KPMG continues to empower the next generation of finance professionals and contribute to the growth of South Africa’s accounting industry.
If you meet the eligibility criteria and are passionate about becoming a Chartered Accountant, ensure that you submit your application before the closing date.