The SAICA Thuthuka Bursary for 2026 is one of the most prestigious funding opportunities in South Africa for aspiring Chartered Accountants (CAs). Established by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) in 2005, this bursary is designed to provide disadvantaged African and Coloured students with the resources, mentorship, and financial support they need to pursue a career in accounting.
Unlike ordinary bursaries that only cover tuition fees, the Thuthuka Bursary Fund (TBF) follows a holistic support model, ensuring that students receive both academic and personal development assistance to help them succeed in their journey to becoming CAs(SA).
Why the Thuthuka Bursary Matters
The demand for Chartered Accountants in South Africa continues to grow. However, many talented students from disadvantaged backgrounds face financial and social barriers that prevent them from achieving this professional designation.
The Thuthuka Bursary Programme bridges this gap by not only funding education but also preparing students for the challenges of university life and the professional accounting environment. Its integrated approach ensures that students have a higher success rate compared to traditional bursary holders.
What the SAICA Thuthuka Bursary Covers
The bursary goes far beyond tuition. It includes:
- Full tuition fees at a SAICA-accredited university
- Books and study materials
- Meals and living allowance
- Residence fees and accommodation
- Wrap-around academic and social support, including:
- Extra tutorials and enrichment classes
- Study skills workshops
- Life skills training
- Mentoring and counselling
- Exposure to experienced Chartered Accountants and business leaders
This comprehensive package makes the SAICA Thuthuka Bursary a truly life-changing opportunity for disadvantaged but deserving students.
Candidate Requirements for the Thuthuka Bursary 2026
Applicants must meet strict eligibility criteria to be considered. Below is a summary of the requirements:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Must be a South African citizen |
| Race | Black African or Coloured applicants only |
| Education level | Grade 12 learners, gap year students (max 2 years after Matric), or university students studying a CA-stream BCom degree |
| Mathematics performance | Minimum of 60% in Mathematics in Grade 11 (Maths Literacy & Technical Maths not accepted) |
| University application | Must apply (or be in the process of applying) to a SAICA-accredited university offering the Thuthuka Programme |
| Family income | Combined household income must not exceed R350 000 per annum |
| National Benchmark Test (NBT) | Must write the NBT for admission consideration |
Conditions of the Thuthuka Bursary
Successful candidates must sign a contract with both the Thuthuka Education and Upliftment Fund (TEUF) and the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).
Applications are evaluated based on:
- Academic performance
- National Benchmark Test (NBT) results
- Financial need as determined by NSFAS
Important: An application will be considered incomplete if:
- The consent form is unsigned
- Required documents are missing
- The online form is not submitted properly
SAICA-Accredited Universities Offering the Thuthuka Programme
The Thuthuka Bursary is only available at specific SAICA-accredited universities that partner with the programme. Students must ensure they apply to one of these institutions to qualify.
Some universities offering the Thuthuka Programme include:
- University of Pretoria (UP)
- University of Cape Town (UCT)
- University of Johannesburg (UJ)
- University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
- Stellenbosch University (SU)
- Nelson Mandela University (NMU)
- University of the Free State (UFS)
(Note: Always confirm the full updated list on the official SAICA website before applying.)
Required Documents for Application
When applying for the SAICA Thuthuka Bursary 2026, applicants must submit the following documents:
- Signed consent form (downloadable from the bursary portal)
- Certified copy of the applicant’s ID
- Certified copies of Parent(s)’/Guardian(s)’ IDs
- Proof of Parent(s)’/Guardian(s)’ income (salary slips or affidavit if unemployed)
- Certified copies of ID documents of all dependents in the household
- Final Grade 11 results (if currently in Grade 12)
- Final Grade 12 results (if Matric is completed)
- Full university transcript (if already at university)
- Proof of university registration (if already enrolled)
Application Deadline
The closing date for the Thuthuka Bursary 2026 applications is 31 August 2025. Late applications will not be accepted.
Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible to avoid last-minute technical errors or missing documents.
How to Apply for the SAICA Thuthuka Bursary
The application process is conducted online through the official Thuthuka Bursary portal.
Steps to Apply
- Visit the official SAICA Thuthuka Bursary application page.
- Download and complete the consent form.
- Gather all required supporting documents.
- Fill in the application form carefully (all compulsory fields marked in red).
- Upload the documents in the required format.
- Press Submit to finalize your application.
If you fail to submit, your application will remain incomplete and won’t be considered.
Field of Study Supported
The SAICA Thuthuka Bursary specifically funds students pursuing studies in Accountancy, particularly those on the CA-stream BCom degree pathway.
This ensures that bursary recipients are on track to qualify as Chartered Accountants (CAs(SA)), one of the most respected and in-demand professions in South Africa.
COnclusion
The SAICA Thuthuka Bursary for 2026 is more than just financial aid—it’s a comprehensive career-building programme. By offering financial support, academic mentorship, and professional exposure, it equips disadvantaged African and Coloured students with the skills and confidence to become successful Chartered Accountants.
