The Moore Bursary Programme 2026

Don’t Sleep on This One: The Moore Bursary Programme 2026 Is Quietly Funding the Next Generation of South Africa’s Top Accountants

 

A student-first, detail-packed guide to one of the most underrated bursary opportunities in South African professional services — and a step-by-step roadmap to securing it.

 

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While thousands of accounting students compete aggressively for bursaries at the Big Four firms, a significant number of equally generous, equally career-defining opportunities sit quietly off the radar. The Moore Bursary Programme 2026 is one of them. Moore is a globally recognized audit, accounting, and advisory firm with deep roots in South Africa — and their bursary programme offers students not just financial relief, but a structured pathway into a thriving professional career.

 

If you are a student who takes your future seriously, this article gives you everything you need: what the Moore Bursary Programme 2026 offers, who qualifies, how to apply, what to expect, and how to position yourself as the candidate Moore actually selects. Read every section. The details matter.

 

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Who Is Moore South Africa?

 

Moore is a member firm of Moore Global — one of the world’s largest accounting and advisory networks, with a presence in over 114 countries and more than 30,000 professionals globally. In South Africa, Moore operates under Moore South Africa and maintains offices across the country, including Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Pretoria, Bloemfontein, and Port Elizabeth.

 

The firm specializes in audit and assurance, tax compliance and advisory, business consulting, risk management, and corporate finance. Moore’s client base spans privately owned businesses, listed companies, non-profit organisations, and public sector entities — giving trainees and graduates exposure to an unusually broad range of industries and financial environments.

 

What sets Moore apart from the dominant narrative around Big Four bursaries is the firm’s culture. Moore is intentionally structured to give young professionals direct access to senior partners, meaningful client work early in their careers, and a collegial environment where individual contributions are visible and valued. The Moore Bursary Programme 2026 is the front door to that environment — and it opens earlier in a student’s journey than most people realize.

 

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What the Moore Bursary Programme 2026 Provides

 

The Moore Bursary Programme 2026 is a comprehensive financial and professional development package. Students who are selected receive far more than a tuition payment — they enter a multi-year relationship with the firm that is designed to produce qualified, work-ready professionals.

 

Financial support includes:

– Full or partial payment of tuition fees directly to your accredited university

– A monthly living stipend covering accommodation, food, transport, and daily expenses

– Textbook and study material allowances per academic year

– Financial support for professional examination preparation costs where applicable

 

Professional development includes:

– Structured vacation work placements at a Moore office during each university holiday period — fully paid and professionally supervised

– A dedicated mentor from within the firm who guides your academic and career development

– Attendance at Moore internal training events, professional development workshops, and networking functions

– Exposure to real audit, tax, and advisory work from your very first vacation placement

 

Career pathway includes:

– Priority consideration for a SAICA-accredited training contract at Moore upon graduation

– A clear route to qualifying as a CA(SA) or registered auditor within the firm’s structured environment

– Access to Moore’s international network and, for exceptional performers, potential secondment opportunities abroad

 

The Moore Bursary Programme 2026 is not a short-term financial fix. It is the beginning of a professional career that, for many recipients, spans decades within the Moore network.

 

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Fields of Study the Programme Supports

 

Moore’s service lines dictate which qualifications the bursary prioritises. Students applying to the Moore Bursary Programme 2026 are most competitive when studying:

 

Core accounting and financial qualifications:

– Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting (BCom Accounting)

– Bachelor of Accounting Science (BAccSci) — including distance learning programmes through UNISA

– Bachelor of Commerce in Financial Management

– Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting (PGDA) or CTA — essential for the CA(SA) pathway

 

Audit and tax disciplines:

– BCom Auditing

– BCom Taxation

– BCom Internal Auditing

 

Business and advisory fields (select offices):

– BCom Business Management with an accounting focus

– Bachelor of Commerce in Financial Planning

– Risk Management and Governance qualifications

 

Information technology for accounting:

– BCom Information Systems — increasingly relevant as data analytics reshapes modern audit practice

 

Students at universities accredited by SAICA (South African Institute of Chartered Accountants) receive the strongest consideration. These include institutions like the University of the Witwatersrand, Stellenbosch University, University of Pretoria, University of Cape Town, University of Johannesburg, Rhodes University, and several others listed on SAICA’s official accredited institutions register.

 

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Eligibility: Do You Meet the Requirements?

 

Understanding the eligibility criteria for the Moore Bursary Programme 2026 before you apply saves time and prevents disappointment. Moore’s requirements are clearly structured:

 

Academic performance: A minimum of 65% in Grade 12, with strong results in Mathematics (not Mathematical Literacy). Accounting as a matric subject is an advantage but not always mandatory. Current university students must demonstrate a consistent cumulative average of 60% or above, with no failed modules in core subjects.

 

South African citizenship: The programme is open to South African citizens and permanent residents. A valid green barcoded ID or smart card ID is required at application.

 

University enrolment:* You must be registered at or conditionally accepted by a SAICA-accredited university in an approved accounting or financial sciences programme. First-year applicants receive priority, though second-year students in certain fields are also considered.

 

Transformation commitment: Moore South Africa is actively committed to transformation in the accounting profession. Applications from Black African, Coloured, and Indian students — as defined under the Employment Equity Act — receive priority consideration, reflecting both regulatory obligations and the firm’s genuine investment in building a representative profession.

 

Personal attributes: Beyond marks, Moore’s selection process evaluates analytical reasoning, professional communication ability, evidence of leadership or community involvement, and authentic motivation for a career in professional services. Students who can articulate why Moore specifically — rather than just “an accounting firm” — are consistently stronger candidates.

 

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How to Apply: A Step-by-Step Process

 

The application process for the Moore Bursary Programme 2026 follows a clear sequence. Preparation is everything — students who assemble their documents in advance and apply early have a measurable advantage over those who rush at the deadline.

 

Step 1: Visit the official Moore South Africa website

Go directly to [www.moore-south-africa.co.za](https://www.moore-south-africa.co.za) and navigate to the Careers or Students section. Look for the bursary programme listing specifically. Some Moore offices also advertise bursary openings on LinkedIn, Careers24, and SAICA’s student opportunities portal — but always verify the details on the official firm website before submitting.

 

Step 2: Identify your nearest Moore office

The Moore Bursary Programme 2026 operates through individual Moore South Africa offices, and some offices manage their own bursary allocations independently. Identifying which office is closest to your university or home address allows you to direct your application correctly and potentially visit the office in person to express your interest.

 

Step 3: Prepare your full document pack

A complete application requires:

– Certified copy of your South African ID

– Certified Grade 12 certificate or most recent university academic transcript

– Proof of university registration or conditional acceptance letter

– A motivational letter (one to two pages, professionally written)

– A current CV highlighting academic achievements, leadership roles, and community involvement

– Proof of residence (utility bill, lease agreement, or traditional authority letter)

– Parent or guardian income documentation (payslips or SASSA confirmation)

 

Step 4: Write a powerful motivational letter

Your letter is what converts a complete application into a shortlisted one. One page. Specific. Honest. Referenced to Moore directly — not a generic accounting firm. More guidance on this in the dedicated section below.

 

Step 5: Submit ahead of the deadline

The Moore Bursary Programme 2026 application window typically opens between January and April 2026. Positions are filled on a rolling basis at many offices, which means an application submitted in January receives more attention than the same application submitted in March. Do not wait.

 

Step 6: Prepare for the interview

Shortlisted candidates participate in a structured interview — in person or via video call. Dress professionally. Research Moore Global and Moore South Africa in advance. Know your motivation. Be ready to discuss your academic results honestly, including any challenges and how you addressed them.

 

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Writing a Motivational Letter That Actually Gets Read

 

More applications to the Moore Bursary Programme 2026 are rejected at the motivational letter stage than at any other point in the process. Not because applicants lack potential, but because their letters are indistinguishable from hundreds of others.

 

Here is the structure that works:

 

Paragraph one — specific and grounded: State your name, qualification, university, and year of study. Make one direct reference to Moore — a service line they offer, a sector they serve, or a value they publicly champion. Show that you know who you are writing to.

 

Paragraph two — your academic and personal story: What led you to accounting? What experiences have shaped your thinking? What challenges have you worked through? This is the section where authenticity beats perfection. A student who failed one module, identified the problem, and improved is more compelling than a student who simply lists distinctions without any self-awareness.

 

Paragraph three — your professional vision: Where do you see yourself in ten years? How does Moore fit into that vision? What specifically do you want to learn during vacation work and your eventual training contract? Be concrete. Vague ambition reads as lack of direction.

 

Closing — commitment, not pleading: Close with a statement of what you commit to bringing — academic discipline, professional curiosity, genuine contribution during vacation placements. Confidence is appropriate here. You are not asking for charity. You are proposing a professional partnership.

 

Proofread your letter three times. Read it aloud. Have someone who communicates professionally review it before it goes anywhere near the Moore Bursary Programme 2026 portal.

 

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Vacation Work: The Opportunity Inside the Opportunity

 

Every student accepted into the Moore Bursary Programme 2026 participates in paid, structured vacation work during university holiday periods. This is one of the most undervalued aspects of the programme — and one of the most practically important.

 

During vacation placements, bursary students are assigned to active engagement teams. You observe audit procedures on real client files, assist with working paper preparation, participate in client interactions under supervision, and gain direct exposure to how a professional services firm actually operates. By the time you submit your final exam, you already understand audit methodology, client relationship management, and professional conduct at a level that most graduates do not reach until their second year of training.

 

Vacation work also functions as a continuous evaluation. Partners and senior managers observe how you learn, how you handle pressure, how you receive feedback, and whether your professional conduct matches the potential your application promised. Students who perform with consistency and curiosity during vacation placements routinely receive training contract offers well before their graduation ceremonies.

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The SAICA Training Contract Pathway at Moore

 

One of the strongest reasons to pursue the Moore Bursary Programme 2026 is the direct, structured pathway it creates into a SAICA-accredited training contract. Qualifying as a CA(SA) requires three years of approved practical training — and Moore South Africa is an accredited training office.

 

Bursary recipients who graduate with the required academic results move into the Moore SAICA Training Contract programme. Over three years, trainees rotate through audit, tax, and advisory assignments across different client sectors, building the competency portfolio assessed by SAICA’s Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) examination.

 

Passing the APC, completing the required training hours, and fulfilling SAICA’s ethics requirements results in CA(SA) registration — one of the most respected and internationally recognised professional designations in South Africa.

 

The career trajectory from Moore bursary recipient to qualified CA(SA) is clear, structured, and achievable. Countless Moore alumni have followed exactly this path and now hold senior positions across banking, corporate finance, the Big Four, and public service.

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Salary and Career Outlook After Qualifying Through Moore

 

Students deserve honest information about what the professional and financial returns on a bursary commitment look like. Here is the reality:

 

A newly qualified CA(SA) in South Africa earns between R500,000 and R900,000 per year in their first post-qualification role, depending on sector, city, and specialisation. Within a mid-tier professional services firm like Moore, the progression from qualified CA to Audit Manager, Senior Manager, and Director follows a structured timeline with material salary increases at each level.

 

Beyond the firm itself, a CA(SA) qualification obtained through a reputable firm like Moore opens doors across corporate treasury, investment banking, CFO tracks, private equity, and international secondments. The Moore Bursary Programme 2026 is the financial investment that initiates this career trajectory — and the returns are substantial.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions About the Moore Bursary Programme 2026

 

Q: Can I apply if I am already in my second year of university?

Yes, in most cases. While first-year students receive priority consideration, Moore offices do review second-year applications — particularly in disciplines where first-year applicant pools are limited. Submit your application regardless of your year of study and address it directly in your motivational letter.

 

Q: Does the Moore Bursary Programme 2026 cover UNISA students?

Some Moore offices do consider UNISA students enrolled in BAccSci programmes, particularly those pursuing the CA(SA) pathway. Contact your nearest Moore office directly to confirm eligibility for distance learning students, as criteria can vary by office location.

 

Q: What happens if I fail a module during the bursary period?

Most bursary agreements include an academic performance clause. A single failed module does not automatically terminate your bursary, but continued underperformance can result in suspension or cancellation of funding. You are expected to communicate any academic challenges proactively with your designated mentor — firms respond far better to honest communication than to surprises at results time.

 

Q: Is there a work-back obligation after graduation?

Yes. The Moore Bursary Programme 2026 includes a standard work-back agreement requiring you to work for Moore for a period equivalent to the years of funding you received. This is typically fulfilled through your SAICA Training Contract — meaning the work-back period and your professional qualification run concurrently, not consecutively. This is one of the most practical structures in any bursary agreement.

 

Q: Can I apply to Moore and other bursary programmes at the same time?

Yes. There is no rule preventing simultaneous applications to multiple firms. Apply widely and consider every serious offer carefully before committing. Once you sign a bursary agreement, you are contractually bound to its terms.

 

Q: What if I do not receive an offer in 2026 — can I reapply?

Absolutely. If your application is unsuccessful this cycle, use the feedback period to strengthen your academic record, expand your CV with community involvement or part-time work, and reapply in the next window. Many students who are shortlisted but not selected in one year succeed in the following cycle.

 

Q: Does Moore offer bursaries outside Johannesburg and Cape Town?

Yes. Moore South Africa operates offices in multiple cities including Durban, Pretoria, Bloemfontein, and Port Elizabeth. Bursary availability varies by office, so contact your regional Moore office directly to confirm active positions for the 2026 intake.

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Final Thoughts: The 2026 Window Belongs to the Prepared

 

The accounting profession in South Africa continues to face a critical shortage of qualified professionals — particularly at senior levels, and particularly among historically underrepresented groups. Firms like Moore are not waiting for the problem to solve itself. The Moore Bursary Programme 2026 is an active, well-resourced, strategically motivated response to that gap — and it creates real opportunity for the students who pursue it seriously.

 

You do not need perfect grades. You do not need to attend an elite school. You need intellectual curiosity, genuine motivation, a well-prepared application, and the discipline to submit before the window closes. Thousands of South Africa’s most accomplished accounting professionals began their careers exactly where you are standing right now — with a bursary application and a determination to build something meaningful.

 

Visit the official Moore South Africa website, assemble your documents today, write a motivational letter that tells your real story, and submit your application to the Moore Bursary Programme 2026 before the opportunity closes. Your future colleagues are already waiting.

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Disclaimer:

The information provided in this article is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy at the time of writing, bursary programme details — including eligibility criteria, application deadlines, funding amounts, fields of study covered, and availability of positions — are subject to change at the discretion of Moore South Africa and its individual offices.