Accounting Bursaries for 2026 Postgraduates

If you hold an undergraduate degree in Accounting and plan to continue with postgraduate studies in 2026, funding is one of the biggest concerns you are likely facing right now. The Certificate in the Theory of Accounting (CTA), Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting (PGDA), and BCom Honours in Accountancy are expensive programmes, and not every student can afford them out of pocket. The good news is that there are several accounting bursaries for 2026 postgraduate studies available to South African students. These bursaries come from major audit firms, corporate organisations, government-backed programmes, and professional bodies — all designed to help you complete your qualification and step into the accounting profession with confidence. This guide breaks down the best opportunities, eligibility criteria, and application tips to help you secure funding for your postgraduate accounting studies.

Why Postgraduate Accounting Qualifications Matter in South Africa

In South Africa, a BCom Accounting degree alone does not qualify you to practise as a Chartered Accountant. To earn the CA(SA) designation through the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA), you need to complete a postgraduate qualification such as the CTA or PGDA, pass two national board exams (ITC and APC), and then complete a three-year training contract at an accredited firm. This pathway is demanding but highly rewarding. Chartered Accountants remain one of the most sought-after professionals in the country, and accounting is classified as a scarce skill by the Department of Higher Education and Training.

The financial demands of this postgraduate year can be a major barrier. Tuition alone at most SAICA-accredited universities ranges between R50,000 and R90,000, and that does not include accommodation, textbooks, or living expenses. That is why accounting bursaries for 2026 postgraduate programmes are so critical — they remove the financial obstacle and allow you to focus entirely on passing your courses and preparing for the board exams.

Top Accounting Bursaries for Postgraduate Students in 2026

South Africa has a strong pipeline of bursary programmes specifically targeting postgraduate accounting students. Here are the most notable accounting bursaries for 2026 postgraduate studies you should know about:

1. PwC Bursary — PricewaterhouseCoopers offers bursaries to students pursuing the CTA or PGDA at SAICA-accredited universities. The bursary covers tuition, accommodation, books, and meals based on a sliding scale determined by your academic results and financial need. In return, recipients commit to completing a three-year training contract at PwC after graduation. Undergraduate students from third year and CTA/Honours students can apply.
2. KPMG Bursary — KPMG provides bursaries for students studying toward a SAICA-accredited CA qualification. To apply, you first need to secure a training contract with KPMG. The bursary then covers tuition and related costs for the duration of your postgraduate studies. KPMG is one of the Big Four audit firms and offers excellent post-qualification career opportunities.
3. EY (Ernst & Young) Bursary — EY awards two types of bursaries: an Academic Merit with Financial Need Bursary that covers tuition, accommodation, books, and meals, and a pure Academic Merit Bursary that covers a portion of tuition fees. Both are available to postgraduate accounting students who commit to a training contract at EY. Strong academic performance is essential.
4. Deloitte & Touche Bursary — Deloitte funds students in the CA stream at SAICA-accredited universities. Their bursary programme supports both undergraduate and postgraduate students and typically includes tuition, accommodation, and a book allowance. Recipients enter into a training contract with Deloitte upon completing their studies.
5. Auditor-General South Africa (AGSA) Bursary — The AGSA bursary is exclusively for Chartered Accountancy studies and covers tuition fees, university accommodation, meals, and books. It is open to South African citizens studying full-time at a SAICA-accredited university. Successful bursary holders serve articles at the Auditor-General’s office after completing their studies.
6. Old Mutual Accounting Bursary — Old Mutual offers bursaries to students passionate about Chartered Accountancy. The bursary supports the full duration of the degree, including the postgraduate year. It covers tuition and accommodation, and recipients join Old Mutual’s CA Training Programme after graduation. Applications typically open in June and close by 30 September each year.
7. SAICA Thuthuka Bursary Fund — Managed by SAICA, the Thuthuka Bursary targets African and Coloured students from disadvantaged backgrounds. While it primarily funds undergraduate studies, it provides a strong foundation and pipeline into postgraduate accounting programmes. Students who maintain good academic standing through Thuthuka are well-positioned for further funding.
8. ISFAP Postgraduate Bursary — The Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme funds postgraduate students in high-demand fields, including BCom Honours in Accountancy. ISFAP covers tuition, accommodation, meals, books, and a monthly stipend. It targets students from poor and middle-income households who do not qualify for NSFAS. Applications are submitted through the ISFAP online portal.

Other Notable Bursary Opportunities

Beyond the Big Four and major organisations, several other programmes offer accounting bursaries for 2026 postgraduate students in South Africa:

• SNG Grant Thornton Bursary: Supports CA-stream students at SAICA-accredited institutions, covering tuition and related costs with a training contract obligation.
• BDO South Africa Bursary: Funds accounting students who commit to completing their articles at BDO. Available for both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
• SizweNtsalubaGobodo (SNG) Bursary: One of South Africa’s largest black-owned audit firms, offering bursaries to aspiring CAs with strong academic records and financial need.
• Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) Bursary: Covers accounting and finance studies at recognised institutions, including postgraduate qualifications in specific cases.
• SC Audit Bursary (Cape Town): Offers a full bursary specifically for students pursuing the BCom Hons/CTA qualification. Recipients combine part-time studies with practical training at their Tygervalley office. A minimum of 70% in Mathematics and Accounting at Matric level is required.

Eligibility Requirements for Postgraduate Accounting Bursaries

While each bursary has its own specific criteria, most accounting bursaries for 2026 postgraduate programmes share common requirements. Here is what you generally need:

• You must be a South African citizen with a valid ID document.
• You must be accepted or registered at a SAICA-accredited university for a CTA, PGDA, or BCom Honours in Accountancy programme.
• You need strong academic results — most bursaries require a minimum average of 60% to 70%, though the Big Four firms often expect higher.
• You must demonstrate financial need (for need-based bursaries) or exceptional academic merit (for merit-based bursaries).
• You must be willing to sign a training contract or service agreement, which typically requires you to work for the bursary provider for a set number of years after completing your studies.
• You need to submit certified copies of your ID, full academic record, proof of registration, household income documents, and a motivation letter.

An important point: your university must be accredited by SAICA. The accredited institutions in South Africa include the University of Cape Town, Stellenbosch University, University of Pretoria, University of the Witwatersrand, University of Johannesburg, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Rhodes University, University of the Free State, Nelson Mandela University, and the University of the Western Cape, among others. Always confirm accreditation before applying.

How to Apply for Accounting Bursaries for 2026 Postgraduate Studies

Applying for accounting bursaries for 2026 postgraduate programmes requires careful planning and attention to detail. There is no single portal for all accounting bursaries, so you need to apply to each one individually. Follow this approach:

1. Start Early: Many accounting bursaries open between May and August each year, with closing dates around September or October. The Big Four firms (PwC, KPMG, EY, Deloitte) often recruit early, so begin your research in your third year of undergraduate studies.
2. Secure a Training Contract First: For firms like KPMG and Deloitte, you must apply for a training contract before or alongside your bursary application. This is a binding agreement to complete your articles at the firm after your studies. Attend career fairs, visit firm websites, and apply through their graduate recruitment portals.
3. Prepare Your Documents: Gather certified copies of your South African ID, full academic transcripts from your undergraduate degree, proof of acceptance into a postgraduate programme, proof of household income, and a well-crafted motivation letter. Certify documents within three months of submission.
4. Write a Strong Motivation Letter: Explain your passion for accounting, your career goals as a future CA(SA), and why you deserve financial support. Be specific about how the bursary will help you and what you plan to contribute to the profession and to South Africa.
5. Apply to Multiple Bursaries: Do not rely on a single application. Apply to every bursary you qualify for, including those from the Big Four, mid-tier firms, government programmes like ISFAP, and any institutional scholarships offered by your university.
6. Follow Up: After submitting, track your application status. Keep records of reference numbers and confirmation emails. If you do not hear back within the expected timeframe, reach out to the bursary provider directly.

What Do These Bursaries Cover?

The coverage of accounting bursaries for 2026 postgraduate studies varies by provider, but most offer substantial support. A typical full bursary for postgraduate accounting students covers tuition fees at your registered university, accommodation (either university residence or a private accommodation allowance), prescribed textbooks and study materials, meals or a meal allowance, and in some cases a monthly living stipend. Some bursaries, particularly from the Big Four firms, also provide mentorship, vacation work opportunities, and guaranteed employment upon qualifying as a CA(SA). This makes them significantly more valuable than just financial aid — they are a launchpad for your entire career.

Important Deadlines to Remember

Timing plays a major role in securing funding. Here is a general timeline for accounting bursary applications:

• May – June: Big Four firms and major corporates begin accepting bursary and training contract applications.
• July – September: Peak application window. Most bursaries close between August and September. Old Mutual, for instance, typically closes on 30 September.
• October – November: ISFAP and some institutional bursaries close. Shortlisting and interviews take place during this period.
• January – February: A few late opportunities and second-round allocations may still be available at the start of the academic year.

The most important rule: never wait until the last week to submit. Online portals often experience heavy traffic near closing dates, and technical problems can prevent you from completing your application on time.

Common Mistakes That Cost Students Their Bursary

Competition for postgraduate accounting bursaries is intense. Avoid these common errors that lead to rejection:

• Submitting uncertified or expired documents. Certifications must be dated within three months of your application.
• Applying to a bursary without confirming that your university is SAICA-accredited for the CA stream.
• Sending a generic motivation letter that does not specifically address the bursary provider or your accounting career goals.
• Missing the application deadline, even by a single day. Late submissions are automatically disqualified by most providers.
• Failing to apply for a training contract when the bursary requires one. Without the contract, your bursary application will not be processed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can NSFAS fund my postgraduate accounting studies?

NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate students at public universities and TVET colleges. Postgraduate students generally do not qualify for NSFAS funding. That is why external bursaries from firms, ISFAP, and other organisations are essential for your CTA or Honours year.

Do I need a training contract to get an accounting bursary?

For most Big Four and mid-tier audit firm bursaries, yes. Firms like KPMG, EY, PwC, and Deloitte require you to sign a training contract as a condition of the bursary. This means you commit to completing your articles at the firm after graduating. Some government and NGO bursaries do not require a training contract.

What is the difference between CTA and PGDA?

Both the Certificate in the Theory of Accounting (CTA) and the Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting (PGDA) are postgraduate qualifications that prepare you for the SAICA board exams. The name varies depending on the university. For example, the University of Cape Town offers the PGDA, while the University of Pretoria offers the CTA. Both serve the same purpose in the CA qualification pathway.

Can I hold more than one accounting bursary at the same time?

Most bursary providers do not allow you to hold multiple bursaries simultaneously. For example, the Royal Bafokeng Holdings Bursary requires that you are not a recipient of any other bursary, including NSFAS. Always read the terms and conditions of each bursary carefully before accepting.

What if I do not get accepted into a postgraduate programme?

If you do not meet the academic requirements for CTA or Honours admission, some universities offer bridging programmes. However, most bursaries will not fund bridging courses. Focus on achieving strong results in your undergraduate degree to qualify for direct entry into the postgraduate programme.

Are accounting bursaries for 2026 postgraduate studies only for CA students?

Accounting bursaries for 2026 postgraduate studies are primarily designed for students on the CA(SA) pathway. However, some bursaries also cover related postgraduate programmes in Management Accounting, Financial Management, Taxation, and Auditing. Check each bursary’s specific field of study requirements before applying.

Final Thoughts

The postgraduate year is one of the most challenging and important steps on your journey to becoming a Chartered Accountant in South Africa. Fortunately, you do not have to face the financial pressure alone. With the range of accounting bursaries for 2026 postgraduate studies available from the Big Four, ISFAP, SAICA, and other organisations, there is genuine support for students who are committed to this career path. Start your research early, prepare your documents thoroughly, and apply to every opportunity that fits your profile. The effort you put into your bursary applications today can define the trajectory of your entire accounting career.