A fully funded accounting bursary with built-in academic support can change the future of a student who has the potential to become a Chartered Accountant but lacks financial backing. The SAICA Thuthuka Bursary 2027 stands out because it does more than pay study costs — it helps students stay on track academically, socially, and professionally from the very start.
The SAICA Thuthuka Bursary 2027 is now open for South African students who want to study accounting and build a future as a Chartered Accountant. This bursary is aimed at students from disadvantaged backgrounds and offers full financial support, structured academic assistance, and professional development.
Applications close on 31 August 2026.
For many students, the real value of this programme is not just the funding. It is the full support system built around success.
That makes this one of the most important accounting bursaries to watch for the 2027 academic year.
What is the SAICA Thuthuka Bursary 2027?
The SAICA Thuthuka Bursary Programme is a support initiative created for students who want to pursue an accounting degree at a SAICA-accredited university and continue on the road to becoming a Chartered Accountant.
It is designed for students who have academic potential but may face financial and structural barriers along the way.
That means the bursary is about more than access to university. It is about helping students complete the journey successfully.
What does the Thuthuka Bursary cover?
The bursary provides full financial support for essential study needs.
This includes:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation and residence fees
- Meals
- Prescribed textbooks
SAICA notes that the bursary does not cover existing debts or loans.
That detail matters, especially for applicants who may already have outstanding financial obligations. The bursary is meant to support current and future study costs, not settle older debt.
What extra support do bursary recipients receive?
One of the biggest strengths of the Thuthuka Bursary is the support structure that comes with it.
Recipients also benefit from:
- Academic support such as extra tutorials and workshops
- Mentorship and counselling
- Life skills and work-readiness training
- Access to programme managers
- Exposure to chartered accountants and business leaders
This matters because accounting qualifications can be demanding. Students often need more than funding to stay on track.
Support can be the difference between qualifying and dropping out.
Which study fields and universities are included?
The bursary supports students studying Accounting degrees at participating SAICA-accredited universities.
These include:
- University of Johannesburg
- University of Pretoria
- University of the Witwatersrand
- University of the Free State
- University of Fort Hare
- University of Cape Town
- University of the Western Cape
- Stellenbosch University
- Rhodes University
- Nelson Mandela University
- North-West University
- University of KwaZulu-Natal
- University of Limpopo (CTA only)
Students planning to apply should make sure their chosen accounting programme aligns with SAICA requirements.
Who can apply for the SAICA Thuthuka Bursary 2027?
To qualify, applicants must meet the bursary’s academic, financial, and background requirements.
You must:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be a Black African or Coloured student
- Be from a disadvantaged background
- Be currently in Matric or have completed Matric within the last 2 years
- Have at least 60% in Mathematics in Grade 11
- Be studying or intending to study Accounting
- Have applied or be applying to a participating university
- Have a combined household income of R350 000 or less per year
- Have written or plan to write the National Benchmark Tests (NBT)
It is important to note that Maths Literacy does not qualify for this bursary.
How are students selected for the programme?
Selection is based on more than one factor, which means students should prepare a strong overall application.
SAICA considers:
- Academic performance
- Financial need using the NSFAS means test
- National Benchmark Tests results
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted directly.
Applicants who do not receive feedback should regard their application as unsuccessful.
Which documents must be submitted?
Applicants need to prepare a full set of supporting documents before applying.
These include:
- Certified copy of ID
- Grade 11 results
- Matric results, if available
- Proof of university application or acceptance
- Full academic record, if currently studying
- Parents’ or guardians’ ID copies
- Proof of household income
- ID or birth certificates of dependents
- Signed Thuthuka Consent Form
Incomplete applications can weaken your chances, so it is important to upload everything correctly.
Why is the National Benchmark Tests requirement important?
Some students focus only on school marks and forget that the NBT can also affect their application.
The bursary requires applicants to have written, or plan to write, the National Benchmark Tests. That means students should not leave this step too late.
A strong bursary application is not just about good Maths marks. It is about meeting every requirement in full.
How can applicants improve their chances?
Students who want to stand out should start preparing early.
A few smart steps can help:
- Make sure all documents are clear, current, and properly certified
- Keep proof of university applications ready
- Confirm household income documents before submitting
- Write the NBT early enough to avoid delays
- Double-check that you meet the Mathematics requirement, not Maths Literacy
Most importantly, treat the application seriously from the start.
Late preparation often leads to missing documents, rushed submissions, and avoidable mistakes.
How to submit your application
Applications must be submitted through the official Thuthuka Bursary application portal.
Because this is a competitive bursary, applying early is the safer move.
Why is this bursary worth serious attention?
The SAICA Thuthuka Bursary is one of the strongest accounting support programmes available to students who want a real chance to qualify and succeed.
It offers:
- Full financial support
- Academic assistance throughout the journey
- Mentorship and counselling
- Exposure to experienced professionals
- A stronger path toward becoming a Chartered Accountant
For students with the talent but not always the financial backing, this bursary can open a door that changes everything.
Itumeleng’s Insider Tip: Do not focus only on funding when applying for this bursary. The real strength of Thuthuka is the support system around students. Show that you understand the demands of the Chartered Accountancy path, and prepare your documents early so your application reflects seriousness, readiness, and long-term commitment.
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Final Thoughts
The SAICA Thuthuka Bursary 2027 is more than a funding opportunity. It is a structured support programme for students who want to study accounting, overcome financial barriers, and work toward becoming Chartered Accountants.
With full financial coverage, academic support, mentorship, and exposure to industry professionals, this bursary gives qualifying students a much stronger foundation for success. For eligible applicants, this is one opportunity that deserves early and careful attention.
