What is the Thuthuka Bursary Fund?
The Thuthuka Bursary Fund is a transformative initiative aimed at nurturing and developing aspiring Chartered Accountants from underrepresented communities. Successful applicants will enter into a contract with both the Thuthuka Education and Upliftment Fund (TEUF) and the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Thuthuka Bursary, applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Nationality: Must be a South African citizen.
- Race: Must be Black African or Coloured.
- Education: Should be in Grade 12, out of school (with Matric) for no more than two years, or a university student studying a CA-stream BCom degree.
- Mathematics: Must have achieved at least 60% in Mathematics in Grade 11 (Maths Literacy and Technical Maths are not considered).
- University Application: Must have applied (or be in the process of applying) for a BCom Accounting (CA-stream) degree at a SAICA-accredited university offering the Thuthuka programme.
- Income: Family income must be R350,000 per annum or less.
- NBT: Must write the National Benchmark Tests (NBT) before the end of August or submit results if already taken.
What Does the Thuthuka Bursary Cover?
The Thuthuka Bursary is comprehensive, covering more than just tuition fees. It includes:
- Tuition fees
- Books
- Meals
- Residence fees
- Accommodation
Additionally, the programme offers extensive support to ensure academic success and personal development:
- Academic Support: Includes additional tutorials, study skills workshops, and academic enrichment programmes.
- Social and Emotional Support: Provides mentoring and counselling services.
- Life Skills and Work-Readiness Training: Prepares students for the professional world.
- Mentorship: Access to experienced Chartered Accountants and business leaders.
Eligible Universities and Courses
The Thuthuka Bursary is available for specific courses at selected institutions:
- University of Johannesburg (UJ): Bachelor of Accounting (Course code BCA012)
- University of Pretoria (UP): Accounting Sciences (Course code 07130044)
- University of Witwatersrand (WITS): B Acc Science (Course Code CB008)
- University of Free State (UFS – Bloemfontein Campus): Bachelor of Accounting (Course code BC636060) / PGCA (Course code BC656060)
- University of Fort Hare (UFH): B Com Accounting (Course Code 60001)
- University of Cape Town (UCT): B Com (Course Code CB024) / PGDA (Course Code CG010ACC01)
- University of Western Cape (UWC): (Course Code 1021 or 1753)
- Stellenbosch University (SU): B Com Accounting/ B Rek (Course code 3091001)
- Rhodes University (RU): Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting)
- Nelson Mandela University (NMU): B Com Accounting (Course code 40103)
- North West University (NWU – Potch Campus): B Com CA (Course code 5DAH01-E302)
- University of Kwa-Zulu Natal (UKZN – Westville Campus): Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting (code BCOM-C)
- University of Limpopo (UL) – CTA only: PGDA [Post Graduate Diploma in Accountancy]
Related: 2025 University Applications (Key Dates and Fees)
Application Process
To apply, download and fill out the PDF form found here: SAICA Thuthuka Bursary Application Form.
Supporting Documents
Your application must include the following documents:
- Signed Consent Form
- Applicant’s ID
- Parent(s)’/Guardian(s)’ ID
- Parent(s)’/Guardian(s)’ salary slip
- Copies of ID documents of persons dependent on family income
- Final Grade 11 results
- Final Grade 12 results (if completed Grade 12)
- Full university transcript (if already at University)
- University provisional acceptance letter (if you are still in high school)
Incomplete Applications
Your application will remain incomplete if:
- The consent form is not signed.
- All required documents are not uploaded.
Contact Information
For further assistance, you can contact:
- Telephone: +27 8610 SAICA (72422)
- Email: janes@saica.co.za or constancem@saica.co.za
Apply now and take the first step towards a successful career as a Chartered Accountant with the Thuthuka Bursary Fund!