SAICA Thuthuka Bursary 2027: 60% Maths + R350,000 Income Limit

Age requirement: Applicants must currently be in Matric or must have completed Matric within the previous two years. The supplied information does not state a specific numerical age limit.

Introduction

The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) is inviting qualifying students to apply for the Thuthuka Bursary for the 2027 academic year.

The programme is designed for students from disadvantaged backgrounds who want to pursue a career in Chartered Accountancy through selected SAICA-accredited undergraduate accounting qualifications at participating South African universities.

The bursary can provide support towards major study-related costs, including tuition, books, meals and residence or accommodation. Recipients may also receive academic development, mentoring, work-readiness and life-skills support.

Applications close on 31 August 2026, making it important for eligible applicants to prepare their academic, financial and university documents before submitting their applications.

Employer / Organisation

Organisation: South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA)
Programme: SAICA Thuthuka Bursary 2027
Academic Year: 2027
Study Level: Undergraduate accounting qualifications and specified postgraduate accounting pathways
Location: South Africa
Career Path: Chartered Accountancy
Funding Type: Educational bursary
Family Income Limit: Maximum R350,000 per year
Minimum Grade 11 Mathematics: 60% / Level 5
Age Requirement: Matric or completed Matric within the previous two years
Closing Date: 31 August 2026
Application Method: Online

Who Can Apply?

Applicants must meet the programme’s specific eligibility criteria.

Applicants must:

Be South African citizens.
Be Black African or Coloured students.
Come from a disadvantaged background.
Currently be in Matric or have completed Matric within the last two years.
Have achieved at least 60% / Level 5 for Mathematics in Grade 11.
Have studied Mathematics rather than Mathematical Literacy or Technical Mathematics.
Intend to study an approved qualification in 2027.
Have applied or be in the process of applying to one of the participating SAICA-accredited universities.
Have a combined annual family income of no more than R350,000.
Have written or be scheduled to write the National Benchmark Tests (NBTs) before the bursary closing date.

Meeting the minimum criteria does not guarantee selection, as applicants are assessed using academic results, financial need and NBT results.

Fields of Study Covered

The Thuthuka Bursary supports selected accounting qualifications at participating universities.

Nelson Mandela University

BCom Accounting — Course Code 40103

University of the Free State — Bloemfontein Campus

Bachelor of Accounting — Course Code BC636060
PGCA — Course Code BC656060

University of Johannesburg

Bachelor of Accounting — Course Code BCA012

Stellenbosch University

BCom Accounting / B Rek — Course Code 3091001

University of KwaZulu-Natal — Westville Campus

Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting — Course Code BCOM-C

University of Pretoria

Accounting Sciences — Course Code 07130044

University of Cape Town

BCom — Course Code CB024
PGDA — Course Code CG010ACC01

North-West University — Potchefstroom Campus

BCom CA — Course Code 5DAH01-E302

University of the Witwatersrand

BAcc Science — Course Code CB008

Rhodes University

Bachelor of Commerce Accounting

University of Fort Hare

BCom Accounting — Course Code 60001

University of the Western Cape

Course Code 1021
Course Code 1753

University of Limpopo

CTA only
PGDA / Postgraduate Diploma in Accountancy

Applicants should verify the relevant qualification and course code with the university before applying.

What the Thuthuka Bursary Covers

The bursary may cover major study-related expenses, including:

Tuition fees
Books
Meals
Residence fees
Accommodation

The programme also provides development support designed to help students succeed academically and prepare for their professional careers.

Additional Bursary Benefits

In addition to financial support, Thuthuka recipients may receive:

Additional academic tutorials
Study-skills workshops
Academic development support
Social and emotional support
Work-readiness training
Life-skills training
Mentoring
Counselling support
Access to a dedicated programme manager
Exposure to experienced Chartered Accountants and business leaders

These additional services are intended to support students throughout their academic journey and help prepare them for the Chartered Accountancy profession.

Salary / Stipend

Bursary: Financial support is provided for approved study-related expenses.

Monthly stipend: A specific monthly cash stipend is not disclosed in the supplied information.

Applicants should therefore focus on the listed benefits rather than assume a separate monthly allowance.

Selection Criteria

Applicants are selected using three key considerations:

Academic results
Financial need, as determined through the NSFAS financial means test
National Benchmark Test results

Applicants should therefore ensure that their academic information and financial documentation are accurate and complete.

Academic Requirements

One of the key academic requirements is:

Grade 11 Mathematics: Minimum 60% / Level 5

Importantly:

Mathematics Literacy is not accepted.
Technical Mathematics is not accepted.

Applicants must also meet the admission requirements for their selected university and qualification.

Financial Eligibility

Applicants must have a combined family income of no more than R350,000 per annum.

Financial need forms part of the selection process and is assessed through the NSFAS financial means test.

Applicants should provide accurate supporting financial documents for parents or guardians as requested.

National Benchmark Tests

Applicants must have written or must write the National Benchmark Tests before the bursary closing date.

This is an important requirement because NBT results form part of the selection criteria.

Applicants who have not yet written the tests should make sure they are registered for an available test date before 31 August 2026.

Documents Needed

Applicants should prepare clear copies of the following documents:

Certified copy of South African ID
Certified copy of Grade 11 final results
Certified copy of latest Matric results, if currently in Matric
Certified copy of final Matric results, if Matric has already been completed
Proof of university provisional acceptance or registration, where applicable
Full university academic record, if currently studying
Certified copies of parents’ or guardians’ ID documents
Certified copies of parents’ or guardians’ proof of income
Latest payslips, where parents or guardians are employed
Affidavit, where a parent or guardian is unemployed
Certified copies of ID documents or birth certificates for other dependants in the household
Signed Thuthuka Consent Form

Applicants should check each document carefully before uploading it because missing supporting information may affect the application.

Thuthuka Consent Form

Applicants must also complete the required Thuthuka Consent Form.

Download the Thuthuka Consent Form

The completed form should be submitted with the other required supporting documents.

How to Apply

Applications for the SAICA Thuthuka Bursary 2027 are completed online.

Application Steps

Visit the official Thuthuka Bursary application website.
Review the eligibility requirements.
Confirm that you meet the Mathematics, citizenship and financial criteria.
Apply or confirm your application to a participating SAICA-accredited university.
Ensure that you have written or will write the NBTs before the bursary deadline.
Gather all required supporting documents.
Download and complete the Thuthuka Consent Form.
Complete the online bursary application.
Upload the required documents and consent form.
Check that all information is accurate and complete.
Submit the application before 31 August 2026.
Keep proof of your submission for your records.

Official Application Link

Apply online: SAICA Thuthuka Bursary 2027

Applicants should use the official Thuthuka Bursary application platform and should not pay anyone to submit an application.

Bursary Contract and Renewal

Successful applicants will be required to sign a contract with the Thuthuka Education and Upliftment Fund and NSFAS.

Bursaries are awarded annually, and renewal is at the discretion of the fund.

Students should therefore maintain the required academic progress and comply with the terms of their bursary agreement.

Bursary Application Closing Date

Closing Date: 31 August 2026

Applications submitted after the closing date may not be considered.

Applicants should apply early, particularly if they still need to obtain certified documents, university acceptance information or complete the NBT requirement.

Expert Guidance

Career expert YouthScope Editorial Team advises applicants to begin preparing their application well before the deadline.

The Thuthuka application requires several financial and academic documents, so applicants should avoid leaving document collection until the final days. Check that your Grade 11 results, Matric results and identification documents are clear and properly certified where required.

Applicants should also confirm their university application status and ensure that their selected qualification is one of the approved accounting programmes. Since the NBT is part of the selection process, eligible applicants should make sure they have completed or scheduled the required tests before the bursary closing date.

Always apply through the official Thuthuka application platform and keep a copy of your completed application and supporting documents.

iscover Latest:

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for the SAICA Thuthuka Bursary 2027?

South African Black African or Coloured students from disadvantaged backgrounds who meet the academic, financial and programme requirements can apply.

What is the minimum Mathematics mark?

Applicants need at least 60% / Level 5 in Grade 11 Mathematics.

Is Mathematical Literacy accepted?

No. The supplied requirements specifically state that Mathematics Literacy and Technical Mathematics are not accepted.

What is the family income limit?

The combined annual family income must be no more than R350,000.

Which students are eligible by school year?

Applicants must currently be in Matric or must have completed Matric within the last two years.

Does the bursary cover accommodation?

Yes. The bursary may cover residence fees and accommodation, together with other listed study expenses such as tuition, books and meals.

Do I need to write the NBT?

Yes. Applicants must have written or must write the National Benchmark Tests before the bursary closing date.

When does the Thuthuka Bursary application close?

The closing date is 31 August 2026.

Disclaimer

Youthscope shares employment, internship, bursary and learnership opportunities from official employers and organisations to help South Africans access career opportunities. We are not the recruiting organisation and do not charge any application fees. Always verify information on the official Thuthuka Bursary website before submitting your application.

Opportunity Verification

Opportunity Verification

Published by: YouthScope Editorial Team
Last Updated: 25 August 2026
Information Source: SAICA Thuthuka Bursary information supplied for the 2027 academic year
Status: Reviewed for accuracy

YouthScope shares career information to help South Africans discover opportunities. Applicants should confirm final details with the official Thuthuka Bursary organisation before applying.

Related Opportunities

YouthScope Editorial Team

The YouthScope Editorial Team publishes verified South African learnerships, internships, bursaries, graduate programmes, and career opportunities. Our team researches opportunities from official employers, government departments, SETAs, universities, and trusted organisations to provide accurate career information for South African youth.