About SAICA
The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) is the leading professional accountancy body in South Africa and one of the most respected Institutes globally. Established in 1894 as “The Institute of Accountants and Auditors,” SAICA has grown into a powerhouse with more than 36 000 members worldwide.
SAICA supports Chartered Accountants [CAs(SA)] throughout their professional journey, offering guidance, services, and career support. Over the decades, SAICA has also played a key role in expanding access to the profession for previously disadvantaged groups.
In 1987, SAICA partnered with the Association for the Advancement of Black Accountants (ABASA) and the PAAB to launch the CAs’ Eden Trust, which provided funding to Black accounting students. This initiative was later rebranded as the Thuthuka Bursary Fund in 2002. Since then, thousands of students have benefitted from the programme, giving disadvantaged learners the opportunity to qualify as Chartered Accountants.
Since 2005, the SAICA Thuthuka Bursary has been providing financial assistance to disadvantaged African and Coloured students in South Africa, helping them complete their studies and pursue a career as a CA(SA).
About the SAICA Thuthuka Bursary Programme 2026
SAICA is now inviting applications for the Thuthuka Bursary 2026. This opportunity is open to students pursuing a career in Chartered Accountancy. The bursary is specifically for students studying the following undergraduate qualifications at selected accredited institutions:
- University of Johannesburg (UJ): Bachelor of Accounting (Course code BCA012)
- University of Pretoria (UP): Accounting Sciences (Course code 07130044)
- University of the Witwatersrand (WITS): B Acc Science (Course Code CB008)
- University of the Free State (UFS – Bloemfontein Campus): Bachelor of Accounting (BC636060) / PGCA (BC656060)
- University of Fort Hare (UFH): B Com Accounting (Course Code 60001)
- University of Cape Town (UCT): B Com (CB024) / PGDA (CG010ACC01)
- University of the 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 – Potchefstroom Campus): B Com CA (Course code 5DAH01-E302)
- University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN – Westville Campus): Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting (BCOM-C)
- University of Limpopo (UL): CTA only – PGDA (Post Graduate Diploma in Accountancy)
What the Thuthuka Bursary Covers
The SAICA Thuthuka Bursary provides comprehensive financial and academic support, including:
- Full tuition fees
- Books and study materials
- Meals and residence fees
- Accommodation
In addition to financial assistance, bursary recipients benefit from:
- Academic support programmes such as extra tutorials, enrichment workshops, and study skills training
- Social and emotional support to help students manage university life
- Life skills and work-readiness training
- Mentoring and counselling opportunities
- Guidance from experienced Chartered Accountants and business leaders
Note: The Thuthuka Bursary will not cover existing student loans or debts.
Selection Process
All successful applicants must sign a contract with the Thuthuka Education and Upliftment Fund (TEUF) and NSFAS.
Bursaries are awarded on an annual basis and may be renewed depending on academic performance and funding availability. Selection is based on three main criteria:
- Academic performance
- Financial need, as determined by the NSFAS financial means test
- National Benchmark Test (NBT) results
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted directly. If you do not receive feedback, your application should be considered unsuccessful.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for the SAICA Thuthuka Bursary, applicants must meet the following minimum criteria:
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must be a Black African or Coloured student
- Must come from a disadvantaged background
- Must be currently in Matric, or have completed Matric within the last two years
- Must have achieved at least 60% (Level 5) for Mathematics in Grade 11 (Mathematics Literacy and Technical Mathematics are not accepted)
- Must be intending to study towards one of the approved qualifications listed above in 2026
- Must have applied (or be in the process of applying) to study at one of the listed SAICA-accredited universities
- Must have a combined family income of not more than R350 000 per year
- Must have written or plan to write the National Benchmark Test (NBT) before the bursary closing date
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online at: SAICA Thuthuka Bursary Application 2026
Required Supporting Documents:
Applicants must upload clear certified copies of the following documents with their application:
- South African ID document
- Grade 11 final results
- Latest Matric results (if currently in Matric) OR Matric final results (if completed Matric)
- University provisional acceptance or registration letter (on official letterhead, if applicable)
- Full academic record (if currently at university)
- Parents or guardians’ ID documents
- Parents or guardians’ proof of income (latest payslips if employed, affidavit if unemployed)
- Birth certificates or ID documents of dependents in your household
- Signed Thuthuka Consent Form (PDF)
Applications missing any of these documents may be disqualified.
Closing Date
The closing date for the SAICA Thuthuka Bursary 2026 is:
31 August 2025 at 12:00.
Late applications will not be accepted. Be sure to submit before the deadline to be considered.
Contact Details
For any queries regarding the bursary, applicants can contact SAICA directly:
- Tel: 011 621 6600
- Email: tbf@saica.co.za