In a country where access to higher education remains a critical lever for transformation, the Thuthuka Bursary Programme shines as a life-changing initiative. Established in 2005 by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA), this programme empowers African and Coloured students from disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue degrees in accounting—paving the way toward becoming Chartered Accountants (CAs) and reshaping South Africa’s professional landscape.
Bursary Application Closing Date: 31 August 2025
Location: South Africa (National – various SAICA-accredited universities)
What Sets Thuthuka Apart?
Unlike traditional bursaries, Thuthuka offers holistic support:
- Full financial cover: Tuition, books, meals, accommodation, and residence fees
- Academic support: Tutorials, study-skills workshops, and exam preparation
- Social & emotional mentorship: Life-skills training, counselling, and personal development
- Professional readiness: Vacation work, community engagement, and career planning
This wrap-around approach ensures students graduate personally and professionally ready to thrive in the workplace.
Who Should Apply for the 2026 Intake?
To qualify, you must:
- Be a South African citizen of African or Coloured descent
- Be currently in Grade 12, have matriculated within the past two years, or be studying a CA-stream BCom degree
- Have achieved at least 60% in Grade 11 Mathematics (no Maths Literacy or Technical Maths)
- Have a combined household income of R350,000 or less
- Have written or plan to write the National Benchmark Tests (NBTs) before the deadline
- Apply to study at a SAICA-accredited university, such as:
- University of Johannesburg (UJ)
- University of Cape Town (UCT)
- Stellenbosch University (SU)
- University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
- University of Pretoria (UP)
- University of the Western Cape (UWC)
- Nelson Mandela University (NMU), and others
Required Documents
Prepare these before applying:
- Certified ID copies (applicant and guardian/s)
- Certified proof of household income
- Grade 11 and 12 academic results, or university transcripts
- NBT results
- Provisional university acceptance letter (for current Matriculants)
- Completed consent form
How to Apply
Click here to apply for the Thuthuka Bursary Programme 2026
All applications are submitted online via the Thuthuka portal. Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered.
Beyond the Bursary: Your CA Journey
Thuthuka bursars benefit from:
- Mentorship from lecturers and experienced Chartered Accountants
- Individual Learning Plans (ILPs) focused on Financial Accounting, Auditing, Tax, and Management Accounting
- Vacation work, study skills workshops, and community service projects
At institutions like Stellenbosch University, bursars are immersed in a full-time development programme aligned with Thuthuka values:
Trustworthiness, Honesty, Unity, Tenacity, Humility, Understanding, Kindness, and Ambition
Why It Matters
South Africa has over 47,000 CAs, but fewer than 9,000 are from African or Coloured communities. The Thuthuka Bursary Programme is a driver of transformation—equipping young people to rewrite their stories and redefine the future of our economy.
Don’t Miss Out!
If you’re a high-achieving student with the drive to become a CA, apply before 31 August 2025. Thuthuka offers more than funding—it offers a future of leadership, purpose, and impact.