A Bachelor of Accounting is not one single degree. Universities offer it as a BCom in Accounting or as a Bachelor of Accounting Sciences, and the requirements differ by university. What they share is a bachelor’s-level NSC pass and, for most routes, Mathematics. If you want to become a chartered accountant, the degree must also be endorsed by SAICA.
A student can complete a legitimate accounting degree and then find it does not lead to the designation they wanted, so check the endorsement before you register.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
- School certificate: an NSC that admits you to bachelor’s degree study. The national minimum for bachelor’s degree entry is an NSC with at least 30% in the institution’s language of learning and teaching and achievement level 4.
- Mathematics: required for CA-stream degrees and at contact universities such as UP and UKZN. Unisa’s management accounting degree is the exception and also accepts Mathematical Literacy at 60%.
- Accounting as a school subject: not necessary for the CA(SA) route, according to SAICA, though it can help your studies.
- SAICA endorsement: the university must offer a SAICA-endorsed BCom if you want the CA(SA) designation.
- Points score: set by each university, for example an APS of 34 at UP and 32 NSC points at UKZN.
Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements
The national minimum for bachelor’s degree entry is an NSC with at least 30% in the institution’s language of learning and teaching and achievement level 4 (50–59%) or better in four 20-credit NSC subjects (DHET, GN 1369). Each university then adds its own subject levels and points score.
Published examples:
- University of Pretoria, BCom in Accounting Sciences (2027 intake): English level 5, Mathematics level 6 and an APS of 34 (UP 2027 requirements tables). The faculty closing date shown on that table is 30 June.
- University of KwaZulu-Natal, BCom Accounting: Mathematics level 5, English and Life Orientation level 4, and at least 32 NSC points, over three years (UKZN programme page).
- Unisa, Bachelor of Accounting Sciences in Management Accounting: an NSC with degree endorsement, at least 50% in the language of teaching and learning, and at least 50% in Mathematics or 60% in Mathematical Literacy. A Higher Certificate or Advanced Certificate in Accounting Sciences, or a Diploma in Accounting, is an alternative way in (Unisa qualification page).
Confirm accreditation with SAICA itself, not only the prospectus. SAICA lists the CA(SA) route on its how to become a chartered accountant page.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
For a CA-stream BCom, SAICA says you need pure Mathematics, not Mathematical Literacy, and that you should pass it well, meaning 60% or more (SAICA learners page). School Accounting is not compulsory. Each university sets its own points scale, so calculate your score the way the university you are applying to does, and confirm the figure for your intake year.
The full CA(SA) route. SAICA lists five components: an academic programme (an undergraduate degree at NQF 7, then a postgraduate programme at NQF 8), the Initial Assessment of Competence (IAC), a training programme at a SAICA-accredited training office, a professional programme and the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC). You can apply for membership only once all are complete (SAICA). The postgraduate step is a PGDA or honours equivalent of at least one year, at a SAICA-endorsed university.
A bachelor’s degree alone does not make you a chartered accountant. If your school results do not meet the entry level, ask the university about alternative entry or extended programmes before choosing a different field.
Documents and Application Requirements
Each university has its own application system and documents. Typical requirements are:
- A certified copy of your South African ID, or a passport for international applicants
- Your school results, and your final NSC once available
- Proof of payment of the application fee, where one is charged
- For transferring students: academic transcripts
Unisa’s online application fee is R160 and is non-refundable. Check the exact document list on the university’s application page.
Selection, Intake and Eligibility Considerations
Meeting the minimum makes you eligible, not guaranteed a place. Apply to more than one institution and check each closing date early: UP’s faculty closing date is 30 June and UKZN’s page shows 30 September, so confirm the date for your intake on the university’s own site.
If you are aiming for CA(SA), also plan the training contract and bursary applications early, and ask your faculty how training offices recruit on your campus.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Bachelor of Accounting?
A degree-level qualification in accounting. For the CA(SA) route it must be SAICA-endorsed and followed by a postgraduate programme. Unisa offers a Bachelor of Accounting Sciences, and other universities offer a BCom in Accounting.
Does my degree have to be SAICA-endorsed?
For the CA(SA) route, yes. Confirm with SAICA before registering.
Is Mathematical Literacy accepted?
Not for CA-stream degrees, and not at UP or UKZN. Unisa’s Management Accounting degree accepts 60% in Mathematical Literacy as an alternative to 50% in Mathematics.
Do I need Accounting as a school subject?
SAICA says it can help but is not necessary for the CA(SA) route. Mathematics is the subject that matters.
Is the degree enough to become a chartered accountant?
No. After the degree you need a postgraduate programme, the IAC, a training programme, a professional programme and the APC.
Programme requirements, points scores and closing dates change for each intake. Confirm them with the university and with SAICA. See admission requirements and browse all education requirements.