EY Bursary Programme 2027: CA(SA) Requirements and Closing Date
EY (Ernst & Young) is calling on students pursuing the CA Stream to apply for its 2027 Bursary Programme. As one of the Big Four accounting firms, EY is committed to growing and transforming the Chartered Accountancy profession, and its bursary programme supports individual development from school level, through university, and into a full three-year training contract.
If you are a Matric learner or university student on the CA stream who needs financial support and wants a direct pathway into a training contract at a global firm, this is one of the more structured routes available.
About the EY Bursary Programme
EY believes in developing talent long before it reaches the workplace. Bursaries are awarded to individuals whom EY believes have the commitment to qualify as a Chartered Accountant, along with an academic record indicating the ability to do so, with due regard to financial need. In return for the bursary, students are required to work at EY for the duration of their training contract, a minimum of three years.
Two Types of Bursaries Available
EY offers two distinct bursary options:
- Academic Merit with Financial Need Bursary — covers one or more, or a combination of, tuition, accommodation, books and/or meals.
- Academic Merit Bursary — covers a portion of tuition fees only.
Which bursary you qualify for will depend on your combination of academic performance and demonstrated financial need.
Who Can Apply
EY accepts applications from two categories of students:
Matric Applicants
Grade 12 learners currently on track for the CA stream who want to secure funding before starting university.
University Applicants
Students already registered and studying towards a CA stream qualification who need ongoing financial support.
Required Documents
For Matric Applicants
- CV
- Certified ID
- Certified Matric certificate and Grade 11 results
- Certified Grade 11 full report, along with Grade 12 Term 1 and Term 2 results
- Parent’s payslip, or an affidavit stating proof of unemployment
For University Applicants
- CV
- Certified ID
- Certified Matric certificate
- Certified full academic record, including 2026 mid-year results
- Parent’s payslip, or an affidavit stating proof of unemployment
- Student’s 3 months’ bank statements
All documents must be combined into a single PDF document and uploaded under the “Additional Optional Attachment” tab on the application portal, rather than submitted as separate files.
Closing Date
Applications are open from 1 July to 30 September 2026. Because both Matric and University applicants use the same application window, it is worth submitting well before the deadline rather than waiting until the final days of September.
How to Apply
- Decide whether you are applying as a Matric Applicant or a University Applicant.
- Click the relevant application link (Matric or University) on EY’s official bursary page.
- Select South Africa as your country option once on the application platform, so all relevant programmes are automatically listed.
- Prepare and merge all required documents into a single PDF.
- Upload your combined document under the Additional Optional Attachment tab.
- Submit your application before the 30 September 2026 closing date.
Visit the official website to apply
What Happens After You Qualify as a CA(SA)
A training contract with EY spans three years, structured in progressive stages:
- Year 1 – Assistants: Learn the client and their business, then write the Qualifying Exam 1 (Initial Assessment of Competence, or IAC).
- Year 2 – Seniors: Take on more team responsibility and write the Qualifying Exam 2 (Assessment of Professional Competence, or APC).
- Year 3 – Supervisors: Manage or run client assignments, and supervise and coach junior trainees.
Once trainees pass both exams and complete their three years of training, they register with SAICA as a Chartered Accountant, CA(SA).
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the EY Bursary Programme? Matric learners and university students who are pursuing, or intend to pursue, a CA stream qualification in South Africa.
When does the EY Bursary Programme close? Applications are open from 1 July to 30 September 2026.
What do I need to work for after receiving the bursary? Bursary recipients are required to complete a minimum three-year training contract at EY.
What is the difference between the two bursary types? The Academic Merit with Financial Need Bursary can cover tuition, accommodation, books and meals, while the Academic Merit Bursary covers only a portion of tuition fees.
Do Matric and University applicants need the same documents? No. Each category has a distinct document checklist, though both require a CV, certified ID, and proof of parental income or unemployment.
How do I submit my documents? All documents must be combined into a single PDF and uploaded under the Additional Optional Attachment tab on the application platform.
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