The Thuthuka Bursary Programme for 2026

In an era where access to higher education remains critical, the Thuthuka Bursary Programme stands as a beacon of hope. Established in 2005 by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA), the fund was designed to uplift African and Coloured students from disadvantaged backgrounds—empowering them to pursue degrees in accounting and ultimately transform South Africa’s professional landscape.

What Makes Thuthuka Stand Out?

Unlike traditional bursaries that offer only financial aid, Thuthuka takes a holistic approach to student development. The programme covers:

Tuition, books, meals, accommodation, and residence fees
Academic enrichment, including extra tutorials, study-skills workshops, and guided support
Social and emotional support, mentoring, counselling, and engagement in life-skills and workplace-readiness sessions

This wrap-around approach ensures recipients not only gain qualifications but are also prepared personally and professionally for impactful careers.

Who Can Apply for 2026?

To qualify for the 2026 intake, applicants must meet the following:

Be a South African citizen of African or Coloured descent
Be in Matric (Grade 12), have matriculated within the past two years, or be enrolled in a CA-stream BCom degree
Have achieved at least 60% in Grade 11 Mathematics (not Maths Literacy or Technical Maths)
Have a combined household income of R350,000 or less
Have written or plan to write the National Benchmark Tests (NBT) before the August deadline

Eligible candidates can study at accredited institutions offering CA-stream programmes, including prestigious universities like UJ, UCT, SU, Wits, UP, UWC, NMU, and more

How to Apply:

The 2026 application window is now open, with August 31, 2025 as the firm closing date. To apply, applicants must visit the official Thuthuka portal and complete a detailed online application, which includes:

A consent form, certified IDs of applicant and guardians, proof of household income, and academic transcripts (Grade 11 & 12, or university transcripts if applicable)
NBT results
A provisional acceptance letter from a qualifying university for students in Matric

APPLY FOR THE THUTHUKA BURSARY PROGRAMME FOR 2026 HERE

Beyond the Bursary: Building Tomorrow’s CAs

Once enrolled, bursars engage in more than just lecture halls:

Mentorship: Each student is paired with a lecturer mentor and guided by practicing CAs in their senior years
Individual Learning Plans (ILPs): These address core CA subjects—Financial Accounting, Tax, Management Accounting, and Auditing
Vacation work and community projects: Mandatory vacation placements and community service foster professional experience and civic responsibility

At Stellenbosch University’s Thuthuka sub-programme, for instance, bursars live in dedicated campus residences, attend life‑skills workshops, and participate in community initiatives—embodying the programme’s core values: Trustworthiness, Honesty, Unity, Tenacity, Humility, Understanding, Kindness, and Ambition.

Why It Matters

SAICA’s bold goal is to increase the representation of African and Coloured chartered accountants. Out of over 47,000 registered CAs in South Africa, fewer than 9,000 hail from these communities. Thuthuka is a pivotal driver of transformation—one academic, one scholar, one CA at a time.

Our Conclusion:

The Thuthuka Bursary Programme is more than financial aid—it’s a catalyst for systemic change. By integrating funding, personal development, and workplace readiness, it equips students to thrive long after graduation. If you meet the criteria, seize this life-changing opportunity before August 31, 2025. Not only could you earn a prestigious BCom Accounting qualification—you’ll be part of a movement reshaping South Africa’s economic future.

CLOSING DATE: 31 AUGUST 2025

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