Key Facts
- Status
- Applications Open
- Provider
- Field of Study
- Study Level
- Academic Year
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2027
- Application Closes
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Eligibility Requirements
- Valid South African ID
- Studying or eligible to study a SAICA-accredited CA-track degree
- Academic record showing genuine CA potential
- Willing to sign a three-year training contract with EY after qualifying
Documents Needed
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Matric results or academic transcript
- Proof of university admission or registration (SAICA-accredited programme)
- Proof of household income (Academic Merit with Financial Need track only)
- Motivation letter
- CV
About EY Bursary
The EY Bursary, formally the EY CA Stream Bursary Programme, is run by EY (Ernst & Young) South Africa, one of the country's "Big Four" audit and advisory firms, for students on the path to becoming a Chartered Accountant (SA).
EY runs two separate bursary tracks rather than one - an Academic Merit with Financial Need award, and a standalone Academic Merit award for strong students whose family income would otherwise disqualify them from need-based funding. Knowing which track fits your situation before you apply matters: financial-need applicants must submit full income documentation, while merit-only applicants skip that step entirely but face steeper academic competition.
EY opens Matric applications on 1 July, a full month before university applications open on 1 August - both close on the same date, 30 September. Matric applicants who apply as early in July as possible tend to be seen against a smaller pool than those who wait until the September rush.
Funding Details
The bursary covers tuition, accommodation, textbooks, meals, and typically a monthly allowance, for the full duration of your CA-track degree, on both bursary tracks.
Where You Can Study
Only SAICA-accredited universities count - check your specific degree programme against SAICA's accredited list before applying, since not every Accounting degree at every university carries that accreditation, even at well-known institutions.
About EY (Ernst & Young) South Africa
EY (Ernst & Young) is one of South Africa's "Big Four" professional services firms, providing audit, tax, and advisory services to companies across every major industry. Its CA Stream Bursary is one of the most competiti…
View full provider profile →Fields of Study & Who Can Apply
You need a valid South African ID and must be studying, or eligible to study, towards a CA-track degree at a SAICA-accredited university. Your academic record needs to show genuine potential to qualify as a CA - EY reviews your full subject spread, not just your Accounting or Maths mark in isolation.
A strong application ties your motivation letter to a specific reason you want to become a CA at a Big Four firm rather than in industry or at a smaller practice - EY's selectors read hundreds of generic "I've always loved numbers" letters, so specificity about audit, tax, or advisory work stands out.
Application Procedure
Apply directly with the provider using the official application link below, before the closing date.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the two bursary tracks?
The Academic Merit with Financial Need award requires proof of financial need alongside a strong record. The Academic Merit award is open to strong students regardless of household income, but is more competitive since more applicants qualify on paper.
Is there a work-back requirement?
Yes - a minimum three-year training contract with EY after you qualify as a CA, served through the firm's SAICA training programme.
Should Matric applicants wait until university applications open?
No - Matric applications open a month earlier, on 1 July, and both close on the same date. Applying early means less competition for a reviewer's attention.
Does EY require university admission before I apply?
You should already be studying towards, or have been accepted into, a CA-track programme, since EY assesses your existing or intended course of study directly.
