About EY South Africa
EY, formerly Ernst & Young, is one of the world's largest professional services networks. In South Africa it is one of the "Big Four" firms. It offers assurance, tax, transaction and consulting services to clients throughout the economy, with offices in the main business centres. Like other large firms, EY trains its own chartered accountants. Graduates join as trainees and work towards the CA(SA) qualification while they earn a salary. The bursary programme feeds this pipeline.
The route takes several years. A student completes a degree, then a postgraduate diploma, and then the training period. Support from the first year onwards eases the money pressure over that long stretch.
How EY supports students
EY runs a bursary and training contract programme for students on the chartered accountancy path. The funding is for study towards a SAICA-accredited accounting degree at a recognised university. Published information shows two types of award. An academic merit bursary goes to strong performers and covers part of the tuition fees. An academic merit with financial need bursary is for strong students who also show real need. Entry requirements have been listed for matric applicants. These include South African citizenship and a matric certificate, with about four distinctions, not counting Life Orientation. The student should also be accepted into a CA programme at a SAICA-accredited institution. In addition, EY looks for solid accounting skills and a record of good marks. Requirements may change, so check the current advert.
The firm presents the bursary as an early link to its graduate programme. Because students become known to the firm during their studies, they can often move smoothly into training once they finish.
What to know before applying
The work-back condition is significant. Bursary recipients must complete their training contract at EY after graduating. The minimum length is three years. You should therefore be sure that you want to train with this firm. Breaking the agreement may carry consequences, so ask what they are. Closing dates differ each year, and they are usually announced in the first part of the academic year. Visit the official EY South Africa careers site for the present timeline, the application steps and the documents required. These often include your results, ID and a CV.
Next, prepare for the selection process. Firms in this field often use online assessments and interviews. Practise numerical and verbal reasoning, and learn about the firm's services and values. Finally, keep your marks high through your studies. Progress through the degree on time and meet the academic conditions for renewal. Doing so protects your funding and keeps your training place secure.
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