Thuthuka Bursary Programme 2027

Established by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA), the Thuthuka Bursary Fund supports eligible Black African and Coloured South African students pursuing the Chartered Accountant (CA(SA)) pathway. Rather than providing standalone tuition coverage, Thuthuka utilizes a "wrap-around" support model combining financial aid with academic, social, emotional, and career development resources.

Quick Overview                                       Details

Sponsoring Body                                    South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) / TEUF

Academic Year                                         2027

Target Group                                            Black African and Coloured South African citizens

Eligible Pathway                                      BCom Accounting / Bachelor of Accounting (CA-Stream)

Household Income Cap                           Combined family income of R350,000 per annum or less

Closing Date                                             31 August 2026 (11:59 PM)

Comprehensive Support Structure

• Financial Coverage: Full or partial funding covering university tuition fees, prescribed textbooks, meal allowances, and university residence/accommodation. (Note: Thuthuka does not pay off pre-existing student loans or historic debts).

• Academic Support: Supplementary tutorials, study skills workshops, and dedicated academic development.

• Holistic Support: Access to dedicated programme managers, life-skills development, career-readiness training, and professional mentorship from experienced CAs(SA).

Minimum Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for consideration, candidates must meet all of the following requirements:

• Citizenship & Demographics: Must be a South African citizen who is Black African or Coloured.

• Academic Level: Grade 12 matriculants, individuals who finished Matric within the last two years, or current university students enrolled in an accredited CA-stream BCom degree.

• Mathematics Requirement: Minimum 60% (Level 5) in Grade 11 Pure Mathematics.

  • Important Exclusion: Mathematical Literacy and Technical Mathematics are not accepted under any circumstances.

• National Benchmark Tests (NBT): Applicants must register for and write both NBT assessments (AQL and MAT) or submit existing results.

• Financial Need: Combined family income must not exceed R350,000 per year (evaluated via the NSFAS means test).

Participating University Partners

Funding is restricted to full-time study in approved CA-stream degrees at the following 13 SAICA-partnered public institutions:

• University of Cape Town (UCT)

• University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)

• Stellenbosch University (SU)

• University of Pretoria (UP)

• University of Johannesburg (UJ)

• University of the Free State (UFS)

• Nelson Mandela University (NMU)

• North-West University (NWU - Potchefstroom Campus)

• Rhodes University (RU)

• University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN - Westville Campus)

• University of the Western Cape (UWC)

• University of Fort Hare (UFH)

• University of Limpopo (UL) (Postgraduate CTA / PGDA stream only)

Required Supporting Documents

All files must be submitted digitally in clear, readable formats:

• Signed official Thuthuka Consent Form.

• Certified copy of applicant’s South African ID.

• Certified copies of parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.

• Proof of income for all working parents/guardians (latest payslips or sworn unemployment affidavits).

• Official ID copies of all financial dependents living in the household.

• Certified Grade 11 final academic results.

• Certified Grade 12 final results (if Matric is already completed).

• University provisional acceptance letter (for current Grade 12 learners).

• Full official university academic transcript (for enrolled university students).

How to Apply

1. Submit University & NBT Applications: Apply directly to a participating university for a CA-stream degree, and register to write the National Benchmark Tests.

2. Access Online System: Navigate to the official Thuthuka portal at www.thuthukabursaryfund.co.za.

3. Download & Complete Consent Form: Download, sign, and re-upload the compulsory POPI consent document.

4. Upload & Submit: Fill out all financial details, upload all required documentation, and submit prior to the closing date