For many learners, the dream of becoming a Chartered Accountant starts with one difficult question: how will they fund their studies? The SAICA Thuthuka Bursary 2027 offers more than financial support — it gives qualifying students academic, emotional and career-readiness support on the journey to becoming a CA(SA).
The Thuthuka Bursary Fund, established by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants, supports students from disadvantaged communities who want to study toward a CA-stream BCom Accounting degree.
Applications for the 2027 academic year are open through the official Thuthuka Bursary Fund online portal.
Applications close on 31 August 2026 at 11:59 am.
What is the SAICA Thuthuka Bursary 2027?
The SAICA Thuthuka Bursary is a funding and support programme for students who want to become Chartered Accountants.
It assists qualifying students who plan to study an undergraduate BCom Accounting degree on a CA-stream route.
The bursary is aimed at students from disadvantaged backgrounds who meet the academic, financial and application requirements.
This is not only a funding opportunity. It is a structured support programme designed to help students succeed throughout their accounting studies.
What does the Thuthuka Bursary cover?
The Thuthuka Bursary model covers several important study-related costs.
Support may include:
- Tuition
- Books
- Meals
- Residence fees
- Accommodation
This can reduce financial pressure and help students focus more on their academic progress.
What extra support does Thuthuka provide?
Thuthuka is known for its wrap-around support model.
Students may receive academic and personal development support such as:
- Additional tutorials
- Study skills workshops
- Academic enrichment programmes
- Social and emotional support
- Work-readiness and life skills training
- Mentoring and counselling
- Access to programme support and professional guidance
This support can be especially valuable for students entering a demanding accounting degree.
It helps them adjust to university life while building the discipline needed for a future CA(SA) career.
Who can submit for the Thuthuka Bursary?
Applicants must meet the main eligibility requirements before submitting.
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be South African citizens
- Be Black African or Coloured
- Be in Grade 12, have completed Matric within the last two years, or be studying a CA-stream BCom degree
- Have achieved at least 60% in Grade 11 Mathematics
- Be studying or planning to study a BCom Accounting CA-stream degree
- Have applied, or be in the process of applying, to a university that offers the Thuthuka programme
- Come from a family with a combined annual income of R350 000 or less
- Write the National Benchmark Tests
Mathematics Literacy and Technical Mathematics are not considered for this bursary.
Why is Mathematics important for this bursary?
Applicants must have achieved at least 60% in Mathematics in Grade 11.
This requirement is important because CA-stream accounting degrees are academically demanding.
Applicants with Mathematics Literacy or Technical Mathematics do not qualify.
Students should check their Grade 11 results before starting the application so they do not spend time on an application they cannot complete successfully.
Must applicants write the National Benchmark Tests?
Yes. Applicants must write the National Benchmark Tests before the end of August or submit their results if they have already written them.
The NBT results form part of the selection process.
Applicants should not leave this step until the last minute because test bookings and results can take time.
Itumeleng’s Insider Tip: Do not wait until the bursary deadline before checking your NBT status. Book early, keep proof of your booking or results, and make sure your Thuthuka application is submitted before the portal closes.
Which students should consider this bursary?
This bursary is best suited for learners and students who are serious about becoming Chartered Accountants.
It may be suitable for:
- Grade 12 learners planning to study BCom Accounting
- Recent Matriculants who finished school within the last two years
- University students already studying a CA-stream BCom degree
- Students from households with limited financial resources
- Applicants who meet the Mathematics requirement
The programme is designed for students who are academically committed and ready for a demanding study path.
What documents should applicants prepare?
Applicants should prepare clear supporting documents before starting the online application.
Common supporting documents may include:
- Applicant’s South African ID document
- Parent or guardian ID documents
- ID documents or birth certificates of dependants in the household
- Parent or guardian proof of income
- Affidavit if a parent or guardian is unemployed
- Signed consent form
- Final Grade 11 results
- Latest Grade 12 results, if currently in Matric
- Final Grade 12 results, if Matric has already been completed
- Full university academic transcript, if already at university
- University provisional acceptance letter, if available
Applicants should make sure all uploads are clear and easy to read.
Blurry documents, missing pages or unsigned forms can delay or weaken an application.
How should applicants submit their Thuthuka Bursary application?
Applications must be submitted online through the official Thuthuka Bursary Fund platform.
Applicants must complete their submission through the official Thuthuka Bursary Fund online application portal.
The application is not complete until the applicant presses SUBMIT on the portal.
Applicants should also make sure every compulsory field is completed and every required document is uploaded before submission.
When is the closing date for the Thuthuka Bursary 2027?
The closing date for Thuthuka Bursary 2027 applications is:
31 August 2026 at 11:59 am
Applicants should submit before the deadline.
Waiting until the final day can create problems, especially if documents are missing, the consent form is unsigned, or the portal becomes busy.
What should applicants check before submitting?
Applicants should review the full application before pressing submit.
They should check that:
- Their personal details are correct
- Their contact details are updated
- Their Grade 11 Mathematics result meets the requirement
- Their household income information is accurate
- Their chosen degree is a CA-stream BCom Accounting qualification
- They have applied to a university offering the Thuthuka programme
- Their NBT requirement has been handled
- All documents are uploaded clearly
- The consent form is signed
- The application has been officially submitted
A saved but unsubmitted application may not be considered.
Why does the Thuthuka Bursary matter?
The road to becoming a Chartered Accountant can be expensive and demanding.
Many talented learners have the marks and ambition, but they need financial support and structured guidance.
The Thuthuka Bursary helps close that gap.
It supports students with funding, academic development, mentoring and work-readiness preparation.
For the right applicant, this bursary can become a powerful first step toward a CA(SA) career.
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Final Thoughts
The SAICA Thuthuka Bursary 2027 gives qualifying students a chance to pursue CA-stream BCom Accounting studies with financial and developmental support.
Applicants must meet the citizenship, academic, financial and NBT requirements before submitting.
Because applications close on 31 August 2026 at 11:59 am, students should prepare early, gather every document, complete the online form carefully and press submit before the deadline.
