If you’re aiming for a career as a Chartered Accountant in South Africa, the PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Bursary 2026 could be your gateway to success. PwC, one of the world’s “Big Four” auditing firms, is offering funding to high-achieving students who are passionate about joining the accounting profession.
Applications are now open, and eligible students are encouraged to apply before the 31 August 2025 deadline.
About PwC South Africa
PricewaterhouseCoopers was formed in 1998 after the merger of two global accounting giants — Price Waterhouse and Coopers & Lybrand. Today, PwC is Africa’s largest professional services network, with over 9,000 employees and almost 400 partners operating across 34 countries.
The firm’s work spans multiple industries, including banking, insurance, mining, renewable energy, construction, healthcare, logistics, and higher education. As one of the top names in global auditing, PwC offers its bursary recipients more than just funding — it opens the door to career opportunities in a world-class business environment.
About the PwC Bursary Programme 2026
The PwC Bursary is designed for students who intend to become Chartered Accountants and are enrolled in, or planning to enrol in, a SAICA-accredited degree.
Recipients will join PwC’s Chartered Accounting (CA) Training Programme after completing their honours degree or Certificate in the Theory of Accounting (CTA). This programme provides graduates with the skills, technical exposure, and business knowledge needed to excel in the accounting profession.
Fields Covered
The bursary is available exclusively for studies leading to a Chartered Accountancy qualification at a SAICA-accredited South African university.
What the PwC Bursary Covers
Funding is awarded based on academic performance and financial need. Support may include:
- Academic Achievement Award – Fixed funding to cover tuition and a book allowance.
- Partial or Full Tuition & Accommodation Bursary – 20% to 100% coverage for tuition fees, plus a book allowance.
- Additional Support for Financial Need – 20% to 100% accommodation coverage, plus a once-off living allowance.
Note: The bursary does not cover bridging courses for postgraduate qualification access.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a South African citizen or permanent resident.
- Be in Matric or have completed Matric with exemption and university admission.
- Be studying or planning to study full-time towards a Chartered Accountancy degree at a SAICA-accredited institution.
- Have the intention to qualify as a Chartered Accountant.
- Academic performance requirements:
- Matric: Minimum “B” in Mathematics (not Maths Literacy) and English (first or second language), with an overall average of 75%.
- 1st or 2nd year university students: Minimum 70% overall average.
- 3rd or 4th year students: Minimum 65% overall average.
- Strong English communication skills.
- Leadership ability, interpersonal skills, problem-solving capability, and the ability to work well in a team.
Required Personal Qualities
PwC looks for students who are:
- Leadership-driven and innovative.
- Strong in business, technical, and digital competencies.
- Confident communicators with problem-solving skills.
- Able to build strong professional relationships.
How to Apply for the PwC Bursary 2026
Applications must be submitted online via the official PwC Careers portal: PwC Bursary Application 2026 (Reference Number: PWC250630-1).
Application process:
- Register an account on the PwC portal.
- Complete the online application form.
- Submit all required supporting documents.
Required documents:
- Certified copy of your ID.
- Certified copy of your Matric certificate.
- Full academic record (on university letterhead, if applicable).
- Proof of tertiary acceptance or registration (on institution letterhead).
- Parents’/guardians’ proof of income (latest payslips, bank statements, or affidavit).
Application Closing Date
31 August 2025 — Late submissions will not be considered.
Contact PwC
For questions regarding the bursary programme, reach out via the PwC South Africa Contact Page.