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Thuthuka Bursary Fund 2027: Requirements and How to Apply
The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) is calling for applications to the Thuthuka Bursary Fund, one of the most established pathways in South Africa for students from disadvantaged communities who want to qualify as Chartered Accountants (CAs(SA)). Established in 2005, Thuthuka has built a strong reputation not just for funding, but for the full support system built around every bursar.
If you are aiming for a BCom Accounting degree and need more than just tuition covered, this is worth a close look.
What the Thuthuka Bursary Covers
Thuthuka’s model goes well beyond tuition. Bursars receive:
- Tuition, books, meals, residence fees and accommodation
- Academic enrichment, including additional tutorials and study skills workshops
- Social and emotional support
- Work-readiness and life skills training
- Mentoring and counselling
- A dedicated programme manager and exposure to experienced chartered accountants and business leaders as mentors
This “wrap around” support model is designed to help students succeed academically and prepare them for the realities of the workplace, not just fund a degree.
Thuthuka Bursary Requirements
To qualify for the Thuthuka programme, applicants must meet all of the following:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be Black African or Coloured
- Be currently in Grade 12, have been out of school with a Matric for no more than two years, or already be a university student studying a CA-stream BCom degree
- Have achieved at least 60% (Level 5 or above on the NSC scale) in Mathematics in Grade 11 — note that Maths Literacy and Technical Maths do not qualify
- Have applied, or be in the process of applying, for a BCom Accounting (CA-stream) degree at a university that offers the Thuthuka programme
- Come from a family with a combined annual income of R350,000 or less
- Write the National Benchmark Tests (NBT)
The NBT requirement is easy to miss but is compulsory. Applicants must write the NBT before the end of August, or submit their results if they have already written it.
Why the Maths Requirement Matters
Because the programme feeds directly into a CA-stream BCom Accounting degree, the Grade 11 Mathematics requirement is strictly enforced at pure Mathematics level. Applicants who took Maths Literacy or Technical Maths in Grade 11, even with strong results, will not be considered, so it is worth confirming your subject choice matches this requirement before applying.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted through the official Thuthuka Bursary Fund website at thuthukabursaryfund.co.za. As part of the process, applicants also need to apply separately for a BCom Accounting (CA-stream) place at one of the universities partnered with the Thuthuka programme.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the Thuthuka Bursary? South African citizens who are Black African or Coloured, currently in Grade 12 or within two years of matriculating (or already studying a CA-stream BCom), with at least 60% in Grade 11 Mathematics and a family income of R350,000 or less per year.
What degree does the Thuthuka Bursary fund? A BCom Accounting degree on the CA-stream, at a university partnered with the Thuthuka programme.
Does Maths Literacy qualify for Thuthuka? No. Maths Literacy and Technical Maths are not accepted. Applicants need pure Mathematics results.
What is the family income threshold? A combined family income of R350,000 per annum or less.
Do I need to write the NBT? Yes. Writing the National Benchmark Tests is compulsory, and results must be submitted or the test written before the end of August.
Where do I apply? Through the official Thuthuka Bursary Fund website, in addition to applying separately for a CA-stream BCom Accounting degree at a partner university.
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