South African students who want to become Chartered Accountants have an important funding opportunity to consider for the 2027 academic year. The Auditor-General South Africa (AGSA) Bursary Programme supports eligible students who are studying, or intend to study, towards a recognised Chartered Accountancy qualification.
Check if you Qualify for this Bursary Before you Apply
The bursary is specifically aimed at the Chartered Accountancy pathway. This means applicants need to be pursuing an appropriate CA-stream qualification at a university accredited by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA).
What makes the AGSA bursary particularly valuable is that the support extends beyond tuition. Once awarded, the bursary can cover tuition fees, university accommodation, meals and books. There is also an important career commitment attached to the funding: bursary holders are required to serve articles or enter into a training contract with AGSA after completing their studies, in accordance with the bursary contract.
This article breaks down the requirements for matriculants, first-year students, second-year students and students preparing for postgraduate Chartered Accountancy studies.
Quick Overview
- Bursary provider: Auditor-General South Africa (AGSA)
- Academic year: 2027
- Opportunity type: Bursary
- Field: Chartered Accountancy
- Study mode: Full-time
- Citizenship: South African citizens only
- Institution requirement: SAICA-accredited university
- Qualifications: CA-stream qualifications such as BCom Accounting CA stream, Bachelor of Accounting CA stream and BCompt
- Funding: Tuition fees, university accommodation, meals and books
- Post-study obligation: Bursary holders are required to serve articles/enter into a training contract with AGSA in accordance with the bursary contract
- Application period: AGSA indicates that applications generally open in August each year and close around mid-October for the following academic year
- Key academic requirements: Depend on the applicant’s current year of study
Applicants should confirm the exact 2027 closing date on the official AGSA bursary application platform rather than assuming that the general mid-October timeline is the final deadline.
What Does the AGSA Bursary Cover?
According to the bursary information provided, successful recipients receive support covering:
- Tuition fees
- University accommodation
- Meals
- Books
These are some of the biggest expenses associated with full-time university study.
However, applicants should not assume that every possible university-related expense is covered.
For example, the information provided does not specify funding for laptops, personal transport, private accommodation, data, registration-related incidental costs or personal allowances.
Applicants who reach the offer stage should carefully read their bursary agreement to understand exactly what is funded and whether any limits or conditions apply.
Who Can Apply?
The following requirements are based on the AGSA bursary information supplied for this opportunity.
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You must be pursuing Chartered Accountancy
This is not a general accounting, finance or commerce bursary.
The bursary is specifically intended for students who are studying or intend to study towards becoming Chartered Accountants.
Relevant programmes include:
- BCom Accounting CA stream
- Bachelor of Accounting CA stream
- BCompt
- Other applicable Chartered Accountancy programmes that meet the stated requirements
Your programme must form part of the recognised Chartered Accountancy pathway.
-
You must study full-time
The bursary is for full-time university studies.
Students considering part-time or other study arrangements should not assume that they qualify unless AGSA explicitly confirms otherwise.
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Your university must be SAICA accredited
The programme must be undertaken at a university accredited by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA).
This requirement is extremely important.
Simply being accepted into an accounting degree does not automatically mean the programme satisfies the AGSA bursary conditions.
Applicants should verify the accreditation status of their intended programme.
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You must be a South African citizen
The bursary information states that only South African citizens will be awarded bursaries.
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You must meet the academic requirements for your level of study
AGSA has different academic criteria depending on whether you are applying from matric, first year, second year or final year.
Let’s look at these separately.
Requirements for Matriculants Applying for First-Year Studies
Grade 12 learners who want AGSA funding for their first year of university study must meet the following requirements.
Academic requirements
Applicants must:
- Obtain matric exemption with university entrance.
- Obtain at least 60% in English.
- Obtain at least 60% in Mathematics.
- Take Mathematics rather than Mathematical Literacy for purposes of this requirement.
- Intend to pursue an eligible Chartered Accountancy programme.
The distinction between Mathematics and Mathematical Literacy is important. The stated AGSA requirement specifically refers to Mathematics.
Documents required from matriculants
Applicants must attach:
- Copy of ID
- Grade 11 year-end results
- University acceptance letter
- Grade 12 mid-year results
Edupstairs Application Guidance
If you are currently in Grade 12, do not wait until after your final examinations to start preparing for bursary applications.
Create a dedicated folder containing your:
- ID copy
- Latest school results
- Grade 11 results
- University applications
- University correspondence
- Acceptance or provisional acceptance documentation where applicable
Your academic performance during Grade 12 matters because bursary providers may assess results available before final matric results are released.
First-Year Students Applying for Second-Year Funding
Students currently completing their first year and applying for funding for their second year must meet different requirements.
Official academic requirements
Applicants must:
- Obtain over 60% in Financial Accounting.
- Be pursuing the Chartered Accountancy programme.
- Have obtained 60% or above in Mathematics and English in matric.
Required documents
You must attach:
- Copy of ID
- Matric results
- Academic record
Edupstairs Application Guidance
University students should pay particular attention to the wording “over 60%” for Financial Accounting.
Do not assume that a general university average above 60% automatically satisfies a module-specific requirement.
Your academic record should clearly demonstrate your performance in the subjects that AGSA evaluates.
Second-Year Students Applying for Third-Year Funding
Students progressing from second year into third year must meet the following requirements.
Official academic requirements
Applicants must:
- Obtain over 60% in Financial Accounting.
- Obtain over 60% in Management Accounting.
- Be pursuing the Chartered Accountancy programme.
Required documents
Applicants must provide:
- Copy of ID
- Full academic record
Why These Modules Matter
Financial Accounting and Management Accounting form important components of accounting education.
The module-specific thresholds mean applicants should not look only at their overall average when determining whether they may qualify.
Check your actual marks for the specified modules.
If your university uses slightly different module names or structures, do not guess whether they are equivalent. Confirm the programme requirements with the relevant university or AGSA where necessary.
Final-Year Students Applying for Postgraduate Studies
Students completing their undergraduate Chartered Accountancy programme and intending to progress to postgraduate study also have an opportunity to apply.
Official requirements
Applicants must:
- Obtain at least 55% in all core modules of the Chartered Accountancy programme.
- Obtain acceptance into the CTA programme.
Required documents
Applicants must attach:
- Copy of ID
- Full academic record
- Acceptance letter into the CTA programme
This stage is particularly important because postgraduate Chartered Accountancy studies form part of the professional pathway towards qualifying as a CA(SA).
Students should therefore make their postgraduate applications early enough to obtain the necessary university documentation.
Personal Qualities AGSA Considers Advantageous
Academic performance is important, but AGSA also identifies several personal competencies as advantageous.
These include:
- Proficiency in English
- Strong communication skills
- Good interpersonal skills
- Drive
- Determination
- Commitment to succeed
- Strong leadership potential
These qualities should not simply become buzzwords copied into an application.
If an application asks you to explain your motivation, demonstrate these qualities using actual examples.
For instance, leadership potential could be demonstrated through school leadership, university societies, tutoring, volunteering, sports leadership, community activities or academic projects.
The important point is to provide evidence rather than merely claiming that you are a “hard-working leader.”
The Training Contract Requirement: Read This Before Applying
One of the most important conditions of the AGSA bursary is the post-study commitment.
Bursary holders are required to serve articles or enter into a training contract with AGSA after completing their studies, as stipulated in the bursary contract.
Applicants should understand this before accepting an award.
A bursary contract can create obligations for both the sponsor and recipient.
Before signing, carefully read provisions relating to:
- Academic performance requirements
- Continued eligibility
- Funding conditions
- Training contract obligations
- Duration of service
- Circumstances in which funding may be suspended
- What happens if you change programmes
- What happens if you fail modules
- What happens if you discontinue your studies
- Any repayment obligations that may apply
These details were not fully specified in the information supplied for this article, so applicants should rely on the actual AGSA bursary agreement for the binding terms.
How to Apply
Applicants should prepare the documents required for their specific academic level before beginning the application.
Do not submit the same document package simply because a friend is also applying. A Grade 12 applicant, first-year student and final-year student may have different supporting-document requirements.
Before submitting your application
Check the following carefully:
- Your name and personal details are correct.
- Your ID document is readable.
- Your academic record is complete.
- You have uploaded the correct results.
- Your university and programme meet the relevant requirements.
- Your qualification follows the Chartered Accountancy pathway.
- Your supporting documents correspond with your current academic level.
- Every uploaded document opens correctly.
- You have completed all mandatory application fields.
- You have submitted the application before the official deadline.
Do not leave the application until the final day if you can avoid it.
High-traffic application systems can become slower near deadlines, and applicants may discover missing documents only when completing the final submission.
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Common AGSA Bursary Application Mistakes
One of the easiest mistakes is assuming that any accounting qualification qualifies.
It doesn’t.
The bursary information specifically states that funding is for Chartered Accountancy studies at a SAICA-accredited university.
Other common mistakes include:
- Applying with Mathematical Literacy when the matric applicant requirement specifies Mathematics.
- Ignoring the 60% English requirement for matric applicants.
- Applying for an accounting programme that is not part of the required CA pathway.
- Failing to verify SAICA accreditation.
- Uploading an incomplete academic record.
- Uploading unclear or unreadable documents.
- Forgetting the university acceptance letter where required.
- Looking only at your overall university average instead of the required individual module marks.
- Assuming that meeting the minimum academic requirements guarantees selection.
- Applying after the closing date.
- Failing to understand the post-study training contract obligation.
Meeting minimum requirements generally establishes eligibility to be considered; it should not be interpreted as an automatic bursary award.
Why This Bursary Could Be Important for Aspiring Chartered Accountants
Becoming a Chartered Accountant involves a structured academic and professional journey.
Students must progress through the appropriate academic programmes and professional training requirements.
For financially constrained students, the cost of tuition, accommodation, meals and textbooks can become a major obstacle.
A bursary that addresses several of these expenses can therefore make a significant difference.
The AGSA bursary also links academic funding to a potential professional training pathway through its requirement that bursary recipients enter into a training contract with the organisation after their studies.
Applicants should therefore think about the opportunity in two dimensions:
Funding: Can the bursary help you complete your studies?
Career pathway: Are you comfortable with the professional commitment attached to accepting the bursary?
Both questions matter.
Edupstairs Application Guidance
How to Strengthen Your Application
Minimum eligibility and a competitive application are not necessarily the same thing.
If you meet the requirements, focus on presenting an accurate and complete application.
Protect your academic performance
If you are already at university, pay particular attention to Financial Accounting, Management Accounting and the core modules relevant to your level of study.
Your marks may directly affect your eligibility.
Understand why you want to become a CA(SA)
If you’re asked a motivation question, avoid generic answers such as:
“I want to become an accountant because I love numbers.”
Think more deeply about:
- Why Chartered Accountancy interests you
- What you understand about auditing and financial reporting
- What attracts you to public-sector auditing
- Your long-term professional goals
- Why you are interested in AGSA
- Examples showing resilience, leadership or responsibility
Keep your documents organised
Use clear filenames such as:
- ID_Name_Surname
- Matric_Results_Name_Surname
- Academic_Record_Name_Surname
- CTA_Acceptance_Name_Surname
This is a small administrative step, but organised documents make it easier to check that you’re submitting the right files.
Never manipulate your academic documents
Submit authentic records.
Do not alter marks, remove failed modules or edit official academic documentation.
Tools you may find useful:
- SETA Platform
- RDP / BNG Housing Eligibility Checker
- SASSA Grant Eligibility Checker
- SAPS / Metro / Traffic / DCS Eligibility Checker
- Youth Employment Eligibility Checker
- SA Bursary & NSFAS Eligibility Checker
- UIF Benefits Eligibility Checker and Payment Estimator
View Other Employment Opportunities here
Need Help?
Edupstairs Advice
The AGSA Bursary Programme 2027 deserves serious consideration if your goal is specifically to become a Chartered Accountant.
But don’t apply simply because the bursary provides substantial financial support.
Understand the professional commitment attached to it.
If you’re currently in Grade 12, focus strongly on Mathematics and English while making sure that the university programme you’re applying for follows the appropriate Chartered Accountancy route.
If you’re already at university, monitor your marks in the specific modules AGSA identifies. A good overall average may not compensate for failing to meet a module-specific eligibility threshold.
Most importantly, apply early and submit complete, accurate documentation.
And don’t stop with one application. Continue applying for other bursaries for which you genuinely qualify until you have secured funding.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the AGSA Bursary Programme?
It is a bursary offered by Auditor-General South Africa to eligible South African students pursuing the Chartered Accountancy academic pathway.
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Is the AGSA bursary available for 2027 studies?
The bursary information indicates that applications open annually in August and generally close around mid-October for the following academic year. Applicants seeking 2027 funding should check the official AGSA application platform for the confirmed 2027 deadline.
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Can Grade 12 learners apply?
Yes. Matriculants intending to begin an eligible Chartered Accountancy programme can apply, provided they meet the applicable requirements.
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Can I apply with Mathematical Literacy?
For matriculants applying for first-year studies, the stated requirement is at least 60% in Mathematics, not Mathematical Literacy.
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What Mathematics mark do I need?
Matric applicants must obtain at least 60% in Mathematics according to the supplied requirements.
First-year university applicants seeking second-year funding must also have obtained at least 60% in Mathematics while in matric.
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What English mark is required?
Matric applicants must obtain at least 60% in English. First-year students applying for second-year funding must have obtained at least 60% in English during matric.
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Can university students apply?
Yes. The requirements supplied include criteria for first-year students applying for second-year funding, second-year students applying for third-year funding and final-year students applying for postgraduate studies.
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Does AGSA fund any BCom degree?
No. The bursary is specifically for Chartered Accountancy studies. Applicants should confirm that their programme meets the applicable CA and SAICA-accreditation requirements.
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Does the AGSA bursary cover accommodation?
Yes. University accommodation is listed among the expenses covered once the bursary is awarded.
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Does the bursary cover textbooks?
Yes. Books are included in the stated bursary coverage.
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Does it cover meals?
Yes. Meals are listed as part of the bursary funding.
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Do I have to work for AGSA after graduating?
Bursary holders are required to serve articles or enter into a training contract with AGSA upon completion of their studies, in accordance with the bursary contract.
Applicants should read the contract carefully before accepting an award.
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Can non-South African citizens apply?
The supplied bursary conditions state that only South African citizens will be awarded bursaries.
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Do I automatically receive the bursary if I achieve 60%?
No. The academic thresholds are eligibility requirements and should not be interpreted as a guarantee that an applicant will receive funding.
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What does a final-year student need for postgraduate funding?
The supplied requirements state that applicants must achieve at least 55% in all core Chartered Accountancy modules and obtain acceptance into the CTA programme.
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Disclaimer
This article is provided for educational and informational purposes. Bursary requirements, application dates, funding conditions and selection processes can change.
Applicants should verify the final 2027 application deadline, eligibility requirements and bursary conditions directly through the official Auditor-General South Africa application channels before applying.
Never pay an individual who promises to secure an AGSA bursary on your behalf.
Editorial Integrity
Edupstairs independently explains employment, education, bursary, internship, learnership and career opportunities to make official information easier for South African applicants to understand.
Edupstairs is not Auditor-General South Africa and does not control AGSA’s recruitment, bursary selection or funding decisions.
Our role is to explain the opportunity, highlight important requirements and provide practical application guidance without changing, exaggerating or inventing eligibility criteria.
The official application source and bursary agreement remain authoritative.
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