SAICA Thuthuka Bursary Fund 2026: Excellent Funding for BCom Accounting (CA-stream) in South Africa

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Closing Date: 31 August 2025

The SAICA Thuthuka Bursary Fund is one of the best options for Black African and Colored students who dream of becoming Chartered Accountants (CAs) in South Africa. Run by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA), this bursary helps disadvantaged students pay for their studies and get extra support to succeed. It focuses on transforming the accounting profession by increasing the number of qualified CAs from previously disadvantaged groups. The program started in 2005 and has helped thousands of students become professionalshttps://www.saica.org.za/initiatives/thuthuka/apply-to-the-thuthuka-bursary-fund

Quick Summary Of the SAICA Thuthuka Bursary Fund

Bursary Name	SAICA Thuthuka Bursary Fund
Company / Organization	South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) / Thuthuka Education Upliftment Fund (TEUF)
Fields Covered	Bachelor of Commerce Accounting (CA-stream) leading to Chartered Accountant (CA(SA)) qualification
Who Can Apply	South African citizens who are Black African or Coloured, from disadvantaged backgrounds, Grade 12 learners / recent matriculants / university students in CA-stream Bachelor of Commerce
Closing Date	31 August 2025 (closed)
How to Apply	Online via the Thuthuka Bursary Application System at thuthukabursaryfund.co.za

Bursary Overview
Who the Bursary is For
Fields of Study Covered
What the Bursary Covers
Eligibility Requirements
Required Documents
Step-by-Step How to Apply
Closing Date
Selection Process
Frequently Asked Questions
Important Notes & Warnings
Related Searches Section

Overview of the SAICA Thuthuka Bursary Fund

The SAICA Thuthuka Bursary Fund is a transformation program to make the accounting profession more inclusive. SAICA set it up in 2005 under the Thuthuka Education Upliftment Fund (TEUF) to help Black African and Colored students from disadvantaged communities study towards becoming Chartered Accountants (CAs). South Africa needs more diverse CAs to handle business, finance, and economy issues fairly. This bursary does more than pay fees – it gives full support including academic help, life skills, and mentoring so students can pass tough accounting subjects and qualify as CAs.

The programme works with universities that offer the Thuthuka model. These schools have extra classes, tutors, and support to help students succeed. Many bursary holders get good results and go on to articles (training contracts) and become full CAs. The bursary links with NSFAS for financial checks, so it targets real need. It covers the full undergrad degree and sometimes more, with a focus on academic performance, National Benchmark Tests (NBT), and family income.

Why is this bursary important? The accounting field in South Africa has historically had few Black and Coloured professionals. Thuthuka changes this by investing in youth from poor areas. Students get not just money but also emotional and academic backing to handle university stress. Past winners have become auditors, financial managers, and leaders in companies. If you are good at maths and want a stable career in finance, this bursary can open doors. It aligns with South Africa’s goals for equity and skills development.

The Thuthuka model is unique because it includes “funded academics” like extra tutorials and workshops. This helps students who might struggle otherwise. SAICA partners with big firms and government bodies to fund it. For students dreaming of CA(SA), this is one of the top bursaries. Check Open Bursaries or Commerce Bursaries for more options.

In short, the SAICA Thuthuka Bursary Fund is a life-changer for motivated students from disadvantaged backgrounds. It builds not just accountants but confident leaders for South Africa’s future.

Who the SAICA Thuthuka Bursary fund is For

The Thuthuka Bursary is for South African students who face barriers due to their background but have potential to become Chartered Accountants. It targets Black African and Coloured citizens from disadvantaged homes.

It suits Grade 12 learners, those who finished Matric in the last two years, or university students already in a CA-stream BCom Accounting degree. The programme wants people who are hardworking, good at maths, and committed to the CA path. It helps those who might not afford university otherwise.

This bursary is perfect if you come from a low-income family and want to study accounting full-time. For other opportunities, see Closing Soon bursaries.

Fields of Study Covered by the SAICA Thuthuka Bursary Fund

The SAICA Thuthuka Bursary Fund covers only one main field: BCom Accounting (CA-stream). This degree leads to the professional Chartered Accountant (CA(SA)) qualification after further training (articles) and exams.

It does not cover other commerce degrees or non-CA paths. The focus is on universities accredited by SAICA that run the Thuthuka programme (like UCT, Wits, Stellenbosch, UKZN, UJ, NWU, and others). If you want accounting funding, check Commerce Bursaries for alternatives.

What the SAICA Thuthuka Bursary Fund Covers

The Thuthuka Bursary is comprehensive and often full funding. It covers:

Tuition fees
Books and study materials
Accommodation and residence fees
Meals
Living allowance
Extra academic support (tutorials, mentoring)
Life skills and personal development

It partners with NSFAS for means testing, so it fills gaps where needed. Bursary holders sign a contract but do not always have to work back (though many choose accounting firms). It cannot pay off old debts or loans.

Who Qualifies for the SAICA Thuthuka Bursary Fund

To qualify:

South African citizen
Black African or Colored
From a disadvantaged background
In Grade 12, matriculated within last 2 years, or studying CA-stream BCom Accounting
Minimum 60% (level 5) in Mathematics in Grade 11 (no Math Literacy or Technical Math)
Applied (or applying) to a SAICA-accredited university with Thuthuka program
Combined household income usually R350,000 or less (NSFAS means test)
Write or have written National Benchmark Tests (NBT)

Financial need, academics, and NBT results are key.

Required Documents When applying for the SAICA Thuthuka Bursary Fund

You need to upload:

Applicant’s ID (certified copy)
Parent(s)/Guardian(s) ID (certified copies)
Parent(s)/Guardian(s) salary slips or proof of income
IDs of dependents on family income
Final Grade 11 results (certified)
Final Grade 12 results (if completed)
Full university transcript (if at university)
Signed consent form (download from site)

Incomplete applications are not considered.

Step-by-Step How to Apply for the SAICA Thuthuka Bursary Fund

Go to the official site: https://www.thuthukabursaryfund.co.za/
Register and start the online application.
Fill in personal, academic, and family details.
Download and sign the consent form.
Upload all required documents (clear certified copies).
Complete any extra sections like motivation or NBT info.
Submit before the deadline.

If issues, check SAICA site or contact them.

Closing Date for SAICA Thuthuka Bursary Fund

31 August 2025 at 12:00. Closed now for 2026. No late applications.

Selection Process

Applicants are assessed on:

Academic performance (marks, Grade 11/12)
National Benchmark Test (NBT) results
Financial need (NSFAS means test)
Overall fit for the programme

Shortlisted candidates may get further checks or interviews. Successful ones sign contracts with TEUF and NSFAS.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I did Math Literacy?

Not eligible – must have pure Mathematics.

Is it only for first-years?

No – also for recent matriculants or current CA-stream students.

Do I have to pay back?

No work-back usually, but contract required.

What universities qualify?

SAICA-accredited ones offering Thuthuka (list on site).

Can I use it for other degrees?

No – only BCom Accounting CA-stream.

What if my family income is higher?

May not qualify – based on NSFAS test.

NBT required?

Yes – write before deadline.

Contact?

Via thuthukabursaryfund.co.za or SAICA site.

Important Notes & Warnings

Applications closed for 2026; prepare for next cycle.
Submit only real documents; fakes disqualify.
Must attend Thuthuka partner university.
Cannot pay existing debts/loans.
Participate in all support activities.
Check official site for updates – https://www.thuthukabursaryfund.co.za/
For other accounting options, see SAICA or NSFAS.