SAICA

About SAICA

The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants, or SAICA, is the professional body for Chartered Accountants in South Africa. It trains, develops and regulates members of the profession. It also sets the standards that candidates must meet to earn the CA(SA) designation. In addition, SAICA accredits the university programmes that lead to that qualification and speaks for the profession nationally and abroad.

Because SAICA is a professional body, not a single employer, its bursary work serves the whole profession.

How SAICA supports students

SAICA launched the Thuthuka Bursary Fund in 2005. Its goal was to address the shortage of Black African and Coloured Chartered Accountants. The founders recognised that money, rather than talent, was keeping many capable students out of the field.

Thuthuka does more than pay fees. Published descriptions say it covers tuition at a SAICA-accredited university, books and study materials, meals and residence. It also includes extra tutorials, study-skills workshops, work-readiness and life-skills training, and counselling and mentoring from experienced professionals. Together, these supports help students stay on track through a tough degree, which has high pass standards.

Students also gain access to a professional network. For example, mentors and fellow bursars can offer advice on articles, exams and career choices. This community can be as valuable as the funding itself.

What to know before applying

Recent calls set clear criteria. Applicants must be South African citizens who are Black African or Coloured and come from a disadvantaged background. They should be in matric or have finished within the last two years. Mathematics, not Mathematical Literacy or Technical Mathematics, must reach at least 60% (level 5). The combined family income limit in recent calls was R350,000 a year.

You also need to apply, or be applying, to a SAICA-accredited university. In addition, you must write the National Benchmark Tests before the bursary closing date. Selection draws on your academic results, a financial means test and your NBT scores. Requirements can change, so always check the current Thuthuka advert on the official site.

The programme is not tied to one employer. Bursars are not bound to work for a specific firm afterwards, because the aim is to grow the profession as a whole. Even so, read your agreement closely, since terms such as academic performance conditions may apply.

Collect your documents early: a certified ID, results, proof of household income and the signed consent form. Apply only through the official channels, and do not pay anyone to apply for you.