Thuthuka Bursary

Are you a student looking for funds to fulfil your dream of becoming a chartered accountant? The Thuthuka bursary is just for you! Thuthuka bursary applications for the 2026 academic year are officially open and applications will close on the 31st of August 2025. 

Thuthuka Bursary 2026

About the Thuthuka Bursary

The Thuthuka Bursary was established in 2005 by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) to support underprivileged African and Coloured students aspiring to become chartered accountants in South Africa. The bursary programme is amazing because it goes above and beyond simply funding educational expenses; instead, it supports students’ growth and helps prepare the way for their future careers as chartered accountants.

The bursary programme is open to students who want to pursue or a pursuing an undergraduate Accounting qualification in the following Universities:

• Nelson Mandela University: B Com Accounting (Course code 40103)
• North West University – Potch Campus: B Com CA (Course code 5DAH01-E302)
• University of Witwatersrand: B Acc Science (Course Code CB008)
• University of Free State – Bloemfontein Campus: Bachelor of Accounting (Course code BC636060) / PGCA (Course code BC656060)
• University of Western Cape: (Course Code 1021 or 1753)
• University of Johannesburg: Bachelor of Accounting (Course code BCA012)
• University of Pretoria: Accounting Sciences (Course code 07130044)
• Stellenbosch University: B Com Accounting/ B Rek (Course code 3091001)
• Rhodes University: Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting)
• University of Kwa-Zulu Natal – Westville Campus: Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting (code BCOM-C)
• University of Limpopo – CTA only: PGDA [Post Graduate Diploma in Accountancy]
• University of Fort Hare: B Com Accounting (Course Code 60001)
• University of Cape Town: B Com (Course Code CB024) / PGDA (Course Code CG010ACC01)

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE THUTHUKA BURSARY

To qualify for the Thuthuka Bursary, you must meet the following requirements:

• You must be a South African citizen.
• You must be a Black African or Coloured.
• You must either be in Grade 12 OR have been out of school (with Matric) for no more than two years OR are a university student currently pursuing CA-stream BCom degree.
• You must have obtained at least 60% (Level 5 or above on the NSC scale of achievement) in Mathematics in Grade 11 (Maths Literacy and Technical Maths learners are NOT considered).
• If you are in Grade 12 or out of school, you must have applied (or are in the process of applying) for a BCom Accounting (CA-stream) degree at a SAICA accredited university offering the Thuthuka programme.
• You must come from a family with a combined family income of R350 000 per annum or less.  
• You must write the National Benchmark Tests (NBT)
• You must be studying OR intend on studying towards one of the qualifications listed above, in 2026

NB: You will also have to apply for and write the National Benchmark Tests (NBT) before the closing date or submit your results if you have written it already.

THUTHUKA BURSARY COVERS: 

• Accommodation 
• Books 
• Meals 
• Tuition 

THUTHUKA BURSARY REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

• Signed consent form (download the form HERE).
• Your certified ID.
• Your Parent(s)’/Guardian(s)’ certified ID.
• Your Parent(s)’/Guardian(s)’ proof of income (pay slips) .
• Copies of ID documents of persons dependent on family income.
• Your final Grade 11 results.
• Your final Grade 12 results (if completed Grade 12). 
• If you are currently studying, your full university transcript. 
• University provisional acceptance letter (if you are still in high school) 

How to apply for the Thuthuka Bursary for the 2026 Academic Year 

Interested applicants can visit the Thuthuka website to apply online for the Thuthuka bursary for the 2026 academic year. Below is a step by step guide on how to go about submitting your online application.

• Visit the Thuthuka website HERE
• Click on the "Please confirm you have read the above" button
• Then click on the "start Thuthuka bursary application" tab
• Fill in your Personal Details
• Fill in your Address Details
• Fill in your Current Education Details
• Fill in Study Details Being Applied For
• Fill in Guardian Details
• Upload Documents (Don't forget the consent form)

CLOSING DATE:

The closing date for the Thuthuka Bursary for the 2026 academic year is the 31st of August 2025. This deadline is strictly enforced, and SAICA has made it clear that no late or incomplete applications will be accepted under any circumstances. Submitting your application after this date means you will automatically be disqualified from consideration, regardless of how strong your academic performance or financial need may be.

Many applicants make the mistake of waiting until the last minute to gather documents and apply, only to run into issues such as:

• Technical problems or website errors on the day of submission
• Missing certified documents
• Incomplete academic records
• Forgotten login details for the application portal
• Delays in getting affidavits or proof of income from guardians or parents

To avoid unnecessary stress, we highly recommend that you start your application as early as possible – ideally a few months before the deadline. This gives you enough time to collect and certify your supporting documents, request any necessary information from your school or parents, and ensure that every section of your application is completed accurately.

The Thuthuka Bursary programme is an amazing opportunity, don’t miss this chance to soar into your CA dreams. If you know someone who would be interested in this incredible opportunity share this post with them. Good Luck with your application!