Ernst & Young (EY) Bursary South Africa For 2026. For ambitious South African students aiming to build a career in chartered accountancy, the Ernst & Young (EY) Bursary South Africa 2026 offers a golden opportunity. EY, one of the world’s leading professional services networks and a member of the prestigious “Big Four” accounting firms, extends its support to high-performing, financially deserving students through its dedicated bursary programme.
In this comprehensive guide, we explore everything you need to know about the EY Bursary, including the eligibility criteria, benefits, application process, and essential documents required.
About Ernst & Young (EY)
Before delving into the bursary specifics, it’s important to understand who EY is. EY, formerly known as Ernst & Young, was established in 1989 after the merger of two firms Ernst & Whinney and Arthur Young & Co. Despite the merger date, the company’s heritage traces back to 1849 through the founding of Harding & Pullein.
Today, EY is a global powerhouse headquartered in London, employing over 230,000 professionals across 700+ offices in 150 countries. The firm provides services in:
- Tax
- Assurance and Financial Audits
- Consulting
- Advisory Services
EY’s services cater to a wide range of sectors, including:
| Industry Sectors Covered by EY |
|---|
| Oil & Gas |
| Mining & Metals |
| Automotive & Transportation |
| Financial Services |
| Consumer Products & Retail |
| Technology & Telecommunications |
| Healthcare & Life Sciences |
| Real Estate & Construction |
| Media & Entertainment |
| Government & Public Sector |
About the EY Bursary Programme
The Ernst & Young (EY) Bursary South Africa 2026 is tailored for students pursuing a career in chartered accountancy. The programme is designed to reduce financial burdens and attract the best talent to the accounting profession.
Fields Covered
The bursary specifically supports studies in:
- Chartered Accountancy undergraduate degree (3–4 years)
- Accounting Honours / Certificate in the Theory of Accounting (CTA) (1 year)
EY offers two categories of bursaries:
- Academic Merit Bursary – For students with strong academic records.
- Academic Merit with Financial Need Bursary – For high-achieving students who also demonstrate financial need.
What Does the EY Bursary Cover?
The level of financial support provided by EY depends on the type of bursary awarded.
| Bursary Type | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Academic Merit Bursary | Partial coverage of tuition fees |
| Academic Merit with Financial Need | Full or partial coverage of tuition, accommodation, books, and meals |
In return for receiving the bursary, recipients must sign a service contract with EY, agreeing to work at the firm for a minimum of three years upon graduation as part of their training contract.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for the EY Bursary South Africa 2026, applicants must meet the following minimum criteria:
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Must be a South African citizen |
| Education | Completed or currently in Matric |
| Academic Performance | Minimum of 4 A’s in Matric, excluding Life Orientation |
| Degree Requirements | Must be studying or intending to study a Chartered Accountancy degree |
| Further Study | Must be pursuing or planning to pursue CTA or Honours in Accounting |
| University Acceptance | Must be enrolled at a SAICA-accredited university |
| Skills | Demonstrated strength in accounting |
| Financial Need (if applicable) | Must prove financial need with supporting documentation |
List of SAICA-Accredited Universities
| SAICA Accredited Institutions |
|---|
| University of the Witwatersrand |
| University of Johannesburg |
| University of Pretoria |
| Rhodes University |
| University of Cape Town |
| University of the Western Cape |
| University of Stellenbosch |
| University of the Free State |
| North West University |
| University of KwaZulu-Natal |
| University of Fort Hare |
| University of Limpopo |
| University of Zululand |
| University of Venda |
| Walter Sisulu University |
| UNISA |
| Nelson Mandela University |
| Monash |
| Institute of Accounting Science |
How to Apply for the EY Bursary 2026
The application process for the EY Bursary is straightforward but must be completed diligently. Applications must be submitted online.
Application Links
- EY Bursary Application for Matric Students (Ref: 1445160)
- EY Bursary Application for University Students (Ref: 1442531)
Make sure to enter “https://zaupdates.co.za/” when asked how you heard about the bursary.
Required Supporting Documents
To complete your application successfully, gather and combine the following documents into one PDF file:
| Document Required | Description |
|---|---|
| Certified ID Copy | Applicant’s South African ID |
| Grade 11 Final Report & Latest Matric Report | If currently in Matric |
| Matric Certificate | If Matric is completed |
| University Transcript | For current university students |
| Proof of Registration | For 2025 or 2026 academic year |
| University Acceptance Letter | If currently in Matric |
| Household Income Proof | Payslips or affidavit if unemployed |
| Latest University Fee Statement | For tuition planning |
| Curriculum Vitae (CV) | Updated and tailored to the accounting field |
| Motivational Letter | Highlighting your goals and financial need |
EY Bursary Application Closing Date
The deadline to apply for the Ernst & Young (EY) Bursary South Africa 2026 is 31 October 2025. Applications received after this date will not be considered, so it’s best to apply early and double-check all required documents before submission.
Post-Bursary Obligations
Upon completing your studies, you’ll be required to:
- Enter into a training contract with EY for at least 3 years
- Work at one of EY’s offices in South Africa
- Uphold ethical and professional standards
This structure not only ensures students gain valuable work experience but also provides a direct employment pathway into one of the world’s most reputable firms.
Why Choose the EY Bursary?
Choosing the EY Bursary South Africa 2026 opens doors to numerous benefits:
- Financial relief during your academic journey
- Structured support with academic mentorship
- A guaranteed job opportunity after graduation
- Experience with a globally recognized employer
For aspiring accountants, this bursary is not just funding it’s a launchpad for a high-impact career.
FAQs About Ernst & Young (EY) Bursary South Africa
Can I apply for the EY Bursary if I’m still in Matric?
Yes, EY welcomes applications from current Matric students. Just ensure you include your Grade 11 final report and latest Matric results with your application.
Does the EY Bursary guarantee employment at EY?
Yes, upon completing your studies, bursary recipients must work at EY for at least three years as part of their training contract, which provides solid career foundations.
What makes the Academic Merit with Financial Need Bursary different?
This bursary covers more than tuition. Depending on financial assessment, it may also cover accommodation, books, and meals, making it ideal for students from low-income households.
Conclusion
The Ernst & Young (EY) Bursary South Africa 2026 is more than a financial aid programme. It is a career-enabling initiative crafted to uplift future chartered accountants in South Africa. If you’re a high-achieving student passionate about numbers and leadership, and you meet the requirements, this bursary could be your stepping stone to a remarkable professional journey.
