Are you a Black African or Coloured South African student who wants to become a Chartered Accountant but worries about university fees? The Thuthuka Bursary Programme could change your future – and the deadline is right around the corner.
What is the Thuthuka Bursary Programme?
The Thuthuka Bursary was launched in 2005 by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA). It is not just money for tuition; it is an integrated programme that offers financial help together with academic, emotional and professional development support for students on the CA‑stream.
Who can apply? (Eligibility)
- South African citizen
- Black African or Coloured
- In Grade 12, finished Matric within the last two years, or already studying a CA‑stream BCom Accounting degree
- At least 60% (Level 5+) in Grade 11 Mathematics – Mathematics Literacy or Technical Mathematics are NOT accepted
- Applying for an approved BCom Accounting CA‑stream at a university that partners with Thuthuka
- Combined household income of R350 000 per year or less
- Must sit the National Benchmark Tests (NBT) and submit the results before the end of August
What does the bursary cover?
SAICA says the funding can include:
- Tuition fees
- Books and study material
- Meals
- Residence fees and accommodation
Beyond money, Thuthuka provides a “wrap‑around” support model:
Academic support
- Extra tutorials and enrichment programmes
- Study‑skills workshops
Social and emotional support
- Mentoring from qualified Chartered Accountants
- Counselling services
Work‑readiness and life‑skills training
- Work‑place readiness workshops
- Exposure to business leaders and senior accountants
How to apply – step by step
- Confirm you meet every eligibility point listed above.
- Secure a provisional acceptance for a CA‑stream BCom Accounting degree at a Thuthuka university partner. View the university partners list.
- Register for and sit the NBT (Academic & Quantitative Literacy and Mathematics) before 31 August 2026. Book the test via the NBT website.
- Gather all supporting documents:
- Signed consent form
- Your ID and that of your parents/guardians
- Latest salary slip of the parent/guardian
- ID copies of any dependants
- Final Grade 11 results (and Grade 12 results if you have finished Matric)
- University provisional acceptance letter or current transcript
- Go to the official SAICA application portal and complete the online form: Apply for the Thuthuka Bursary.
- Double‑check every field:
- Your personal details match your ID
- All results are legible
- Income information is correct
- All required documents are uploaded
- You have indicated the correct CA‑stream programme
- NBT results are attached or noted as completed
- Submit the application before 31 August 2026 at 23:59. Do not wait until the last day.
Tips to improve your chances
- Apply to university early – the bursary and your university admission are separate processes.
- Verify that the degree you chose is a CA‑stream at a Thuthuka partner university.
- Start gathering income proof and ID copies now; family members often need time to locate payslips.
- Do not rely on Maths Literacy – you need a genuine Mathematics result of at least 60%.
- Make sure your NBT is booked and completed well before the deadline.
- When uploading documents, open each file to confirm the whole page is visible and clear.
- Keep a copy of the confirmation email after you submit.
Next steps
If you meet the criteria, begin today. Check your Grade 11 Mathematics mark, confirm your university choice, and book the NBT. Then collect the supporting paperwork and finish the SAICA application well before 31 August.
Remember, the Thuthuka Bursary is competitive, but it offers far more than money – it gives you the tools, mentorship and confidence to succeed on the path to becoming a Chartered Accountant (CA (SA)). Take the first step now and turn your ambition into reality.
