Key Facts
- Status
- Applications Closed
- Provider
- Field of Study
- Application Closes
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Eligibility Requirements
- South African citizen, Black African or Coloured
- In Grade 12, or out of school for no more than two years with Matric completed
- At least 60% for Mathematics in Grade 11
- Sufficient points for university entrance
- Applied, or applying, for a BCom Accounting (CA-stream) degree at a SAICA-accredited university offering Thuthuka
- Combined family income of R350,000 per annum or less
- Must write and pass the National Benchmark Test (NBT) with minimum set criteria
Documents Needed
- Certified copy of your South African ID document
- Certified copy of your Matric certificate or latest results
- Proof of family income
- National Benchmark Test (NBT) results, or proof of registration to write the NBT
About Thuthuka Bursary Fund
The SAICA Thuthuka Bursary Fund helps Black African and Coloured South African students become Chartered Accountants, addressing a shortage the profession has worked to close since the Fund launched in 2005. As the professional body responsible for training and regulating CAs in South Africa, SAICA created Thuthuka specifically because talented students were being kept out of the profession by financial barriers, not ability.
Because Thuthuka isn't tied to a single employer, bursars aren't bound to work for any specific firm after qualifying - the Fund is about growing the accounting profession as a whole, wrapping financial support in mentoring, academic guidance, and access to a professional network along the way.
Funding Details
The bursary covers tuition, books, meals, residence fees, and accommodation. Beyond the financial support, Thuthuka bursars get mentoring, academic guidance, personal development opportunities, and access to a strong professional network within the accounting profession.
Where You Can Study
You need to study at a SAICA-accredited university that specifically offers the Thuthuka programme - not every SAICA-accredited institution runs Thuthuka, so confirm your chosen university is a Thuthuka partner before applying.
About SAICA
The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) is the professional body responsible for training, developing, and regulating Chartered Accountants in South Africa. It sets the qualification standards CA(SA)…
View full provider profile →Fields of Study & Who Can Apply
You need to be a South African citizen who is Black African or Coloured, either currently in Grade 12 or out of school for no more than two years with Matric completed. You'll need at least 60% for Mathematics in Grade 11, enough points for university entrance, and you must have applied, or be applying, for a BCom Accounting (CA-stream) degree at a SAICA-accredited university offering the Thuthuka programme.
Your family's combined income also needs to be R350,000 a year or less, and you'll need to write the National Benchmark Test (NBT) and meet its minimum criteria before the bursary's closing date.
Application Procedure
Apply directly with the provider using the official application link below, before the closing date.
Applications for this cycle have closed. Check the provider's site for the next intake.
- Closes
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Last verified:
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the Thuthuka Bursary?
Black African or Coloured South African citizens in Grade 12, or out of school for no more than two years with Matric completed.
Is there an income limit?
Yes - combined family income must be R350,000 a year or less.
What Maths mark do I need?
At least 60% for Mathematics in Grade 11.
Do I need to write a special test?
Yes - the National Benchmark Test (NBT), which you must write and pass with the minimum set criteria before the closing date.
Can I study at any SAICA-accredited university?
No - only those that specifically offer the Thuthuka programme, not every SAICA-accredited institution runs it.
What does the bursary cover?
Tuition, books, meals, residence fees, and accommodation.
What support does it include beyond funding?
Mentoring, academic guidance, personal development opportunities, and access to a professional network.
When do applications close?
31 August 2026 at 23:59.
