EY CA Stream Bursary Programme is now open for the 2027 academic year. If you want to become a Chartered Accountant, this bursary can fund your studies and give you a guaranteed three‑year training contract at EY. Apply before the deadline – the window closes on 30 September 2026.
What the bursary offers
EY’s CA Stream Bursary is more than a scholarship. It supports students from school, through university and into the workplace. In return, successful candidates must work for EY for at least three years after qualification.
Who can apply
- Matric learners or university students who plan to study for a CA (SA) qualification.
- Must have a valid South African ID.
- Study must be at a SAICA‑accredited university.
- Academic record must show the potential to qualify as a Chartered Accountant.
- Financial need is considered for the “Academic Merit with Financial Need” category.
What you gain
- Financial support for tuition, accommodation, books and meals (depending on the bursary category).
- Partial tuition coverage if you qualify for the Academic Merit bursary.
- A three‑year training contract with EY – a clear career pathway.
- Experience in assurance, tax, consulting and strategy within a global professional services firm.
- Exposure to the full range of CA responsibilities – auditing, risk management, financial reporting, tax, corporate finance and advisory work.
How to apply – step by step
- Read the eligibility criteria carefully.
- Prepare a concise CV (education, achievements, leadership, volunteer work, any work experience, skills).
- Gather all required documents (see below for Matric and university applicants).
- Certified copies: ID, Matric certificate, grade reports, academic record (including 2026 mid‑year results for university students).
- Financial proof: parent’s payslip or affidavit of unemployment, and for university applicants a three‑month bank statement.
- Scan every page clearly and combine them into ONE PDF file.
- Open the online portal and fill in your details.
- Upload the merged PDF under the “Additional Optional Attachment” section (despite the name, EY requires it there).
- Review all entries and submit before 30 September 2026.
Apply for the EY CA Stream Bursary 2027
Documents you need
For university applicants
- Curriculum Vitae
- Certified copy of ID
- Certified Matric certificate
- Certified full academic record, including 2026 mid‑year results
- Parent’s payslip or affidavit of unemployment
- Student’s three‑month bank statement
For Matric applicants
- Curriculum Vitae
- Certified copy of ID
- Certified Matric certificate (or Grade 11 certificate if still in Grade 11)
- Certified Grade 11 full report
- Grade 12 Term 1 results
- Grade 12 Term 2 results
- Parent’s payslip or affidavit of unemployment
Make sure all scans are legible before merging them into a single PDF.
Tips to improve your chances
- Start the application early – gathering certified documents can take time.
- Submit complete academic records, not just the best subjects.
- Keep your CV clear, organized and relevant to a CA career.
- If applying for the financial‑need category, provide accurate proof of household income.
- Double‑check the merged PDF – no upside‑down pages, missing pages, or blurry images.
- Read the bursary contract thoroughly before you sign – note the three‑year work‑back clause, performance expectations and any repayment terms.
- Confirm that your chosen degree is on a SAICA‑accredited CA pathway.
Conclusion – next steps
This bursary is worth considering if you are committed to becoming a Chartered Accountant. It offers financial aid and a direct route into EY’s professional environment. Follow the steps above, gather your documents, and submit your application well before the 30 September 2026 deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the EY CA Stream Bursary Programme 2027? A funding and training contract scheme for students pursuing the CA (SA) qualification.
- Who can apply? Learners with a valid SA ID who are studying or eligible to study for a CA degree at a SAICA‑accredited university.
- Can Grade 12 learners apply? Yes – the Matric stream runs from 1 July to 30 September 2026.
- Can university students apply? Yes – university applications are open from 1 August to 30 September 2026.
- What does the bursary cover? The Academic Merit with Financial Need bursary may fund tuition, accommodation, books and meals. The Academic Merit bursary covers a portion of tuition fees.
- Do I have to work for EY? Yes – you must sign a training contract for a minimum of three years.
- Do I need my 2026 mid‑year results? University applicants must provide a certified academic record that includes those results.
- Where do I upload my documents? Combine them into one PDF and upload under the “Additional Optional Attachment” tab in the online portal.
- When does the application close? 30 September 2026 for both Matric and university streams.
- Is the bursary automatically full? No. Funding depends on the category you qualify for.
- Should I apply early? Yes – submitting early reduces the risk of technical issues near the deadline.
Disclaimer
SETA SA is not EY and does not administer the bursary. All selection criteria, funding decisions and contract terms are set by EY. Verify all information on the official EY application portal before you submit. Never pay anyone who claims to guarantee a bursary.
Editorial integrity
SETA SA provides independent guidance to help you understand the official advertisement and application requirements. The facts and dates in this article have been checked against EY South Africa’s published information. Advice on CV preparation, document handling and common mistakes is provided to help you submit a stronger application, but it does not create additional EY requirements.
