Accenture Scholarship

About Accenture and its scholarship

Accenture is a global professional services company. It offers strategy, consulting, technology and operations services in more than 120 countries. In South Africa, its clients include banks, telecommunications firms and government bodies. Its local head office is in Woodmead, Sandton.

The company needs a steady flow of digital talent. For that reason, Accenture (South Africa) administers an independent body called the Accenture Education Trust, which pays for the scholarship. The Trust exists to help students who have strong academic ability but limited access to money.

How the scholarship supports students

An information sheet from the Trust describes a full scholarship for students in the second to fourth year of full-time study, including Honours. It does not sponsor first-year students. The degrees listed focus on technology, such as computer science, information systems, information technology and several engineering fields, including computer, electrical, electronic, industrial and mechatronic engineering.

The sheet named six partner universities: Cape Town, the Western Cape, Johannesburg, Pretoria, Rhodes and the Witwatersrand. The list can change over time, so check which institutions are current.

The award covers tuition, registration and examination fees. It also pays for residence fees and meals, a book allowance for prescribed books and a laptop. Students who live in a self-catering residence receive a meal allowance. Cost is a major barrier for many young people, so a package like this can make a degree possible.

The scholarship is described as full, so you should not need a second funder for these costs. Scholars also meet students from other universities who study similar fields. That network can help later, when you look for graduate work in technology and consulting.

What to know before applying

Applicants must be South African citizens. Judges look at both financial need and academic ability, so you must show proof of family income. Recent sources mention an average above 65 percent, although the rules may differ between calls.

The scholarship renews each year. To keep it, you must keep up satisfactory results, show leadership and take part in activities outside class. You should also join activities that benefit other people. That means community work counts, not only marks.

In the past, the closing date was in mid-August, and the form had to be signed by the student and a parent or guardian. You also attached a CV, a certified ID copy, your academic transcript and proof of your parents' or guardian's earnings. We could not confirm whether the scholarship carries a work-back period. Therefore, confirm the present deadline, universities and conditions on the Accenture South Africa careers pages before you apply.