Accounting bursaries support students on the road to becoming a chartered accountant, as well as those studying financial accounting, auditing and taxation. Funders include the large audit and advisory firms, banks and the professional bodies behind the CA(SA) pathway, because every firm needs a steady supply of trainee accountants.
The route usually runs from a BCom in accounting, through a postgraduate qualification, to a training contract and the professional exams. Funders know it is long, so many bursaries cover more than one stage and connect to the training contract with the funder. In return, they often ask for a work-back period.
What funders usually ask for:
- Strong results, usually with Mathematics rather than Mathematical Literacy.
- Acceptance into an accredited accounting degree at a recognised university.
- Evidence of leadership, community involvement or work experience, and sometimes an interview.
Apply early, because many close several months before the academic year starts. Read our full accounting funding guide for the career path and a longer list of opportunities.
Funders with opportunities here: South African Reserve Bank, BANKSETA, FASSET, Absa, Afrimat, Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA), BDO South Africa Incorporated, Cape Gate, Compensation Fund (Department of Employment and Labour), Department of Tourism, EY (Ernst & Young) South Africa, Eastern Cape Department of Education
Absa Bank Bursary
Absa
Accounting
BursaryAfrimat Bursary
Afrimat
Engineering
Bursary ClosedAuditor-General of South Africa (AGSA) Bursary
Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA)
Accounting
Closed 2026-10-15
BursaryBANKSETA/CPUT Bursary
BANKSETA
Computer Science & IT
Closes 2026-10-31
BursaryBANKSETA/UKZN Outstanding Student Debt Fund
BANKSETA
Accounting
Closes 2026-10-31
BursaryBdo South Africa Incorporated Bursary
BDO South Africa Incorporated
Accounting
BursaryCape Gate Erwin Robert Balde Bursary
Cape Gate
Accounting
BursaryCompensation Fund Bursary
Compensation Fund (Department of Employment and Labour)
Accounting
BursaryDepartment of Tourism Bursary
Department of Tourism
General
BursaryEastern Cape Department of Education Ecdoe
Eastern Cape Department of Education
Accounting
BursaryEastern Cape Provincial Treasury Bursary
Eastern Cape Provincial Treasury
Accounting
Bursary ClosedErnst Young Bursary
Ernst & Young (EY) South Africa
Accounting
Closed 2026-09-30