The Thuthuka Bursary Fund is run by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) to increase the number of Black African and Coloured chartered accountants in South Africa. It is a transformation programme, and its eligibility criteria reflect that purpose explicitly.
It is also among the most comprehensive bursaries available to South African students, typically covering far more than tuition and providing structured academic and professional support through the degree.
Eligibility Requirements at a Glance
The criteria are specific and are applied strictly.
- Be a South African citizen of Black African or Coloured descent, in line with the fund’s transformation mandate
- Be studying towards, or intending to study, a SAICA-accredited Bachelor of Accounting or equivalent degree leading to the CA(SA) qualification
- Have Mathematics, not Mathematical Literacy, at the level the fund requires — this is an absolute requirement
- Meet the fund’s academic minimums in Mathematics, English and overall performance
- Meet the financial need criteria, which are means-tested
- Be registered at, or accepted by, a university whose accounting programme is SAICA-accredited and participates in the programme
Income and Affordability Requirements
Mathematics is the non-negotiable requirement. Mathematical Literacy disqualifies an applicant entirely, regardless of any other strength, because the CA(SA) route requires Mathematics at university level. Learners considering this route must keep Mathematics in Grade 10.
The fund is means-tested against a household income threshold. Proof of household income is required, and where a parent is deceased, unemployed or self-employed, supporting affidavits and documents are needed. Confirm the current threshold with SAICA, as it is revised.
Selection generally involves more than the application form. Confirm with SAICA what the current process involves for your intake — assessment and interview stages have formed part of the process, and preparing for them matters.
Applications open and close on dates set annually, and the closing date falls well before the academic year. Missing it means waiting a full cycle.
Credit and Financial Requirements
What the bursary covers is unusually comprehensive: tuition, accommodation, meals, books and a stipend are typically included, along with academic support, mentoring and professional development through the degree. Confirm the current coverage with SAICA, as it is set by the fund.
That support structure is a significant part of the value. Thuthuka students are placed in a cohort with structured tutoring and monitoring, which is why completion rates on the programme are strong.
Most large bursaries carry a work-back obligation: you agree to work for the funder for a defined period after qualifying, commonly one year for each year funded. If you leave early, or do not take up the post, the bursary usually converts into a repayable debt. Read that clause carefully before signing — it is a contract, not a gift.
For Thuthuka specifically, the obligation typically involves completing the full CA(SA) route including the training contract, and the terms of repayment where a student does not complete are set out in the agreement. Read it carefully with someone who can explain it.
Continuation of funding is conditional on academic performance each year. Failing to meet the required standard can end the funding, so the academic support offered is worth using rather than declining.
Bursary applications are always free. No legitimate funder charges an application fee, a “processing” fee or a fee to release funding. Anyone asking for payment to secure a bursary is defrauding you. Apply only through the funder’s own official website or advertised channel, and never send money or share banking details to obtain funding.
Documents and Verification Required
Applications are document-heavy and incomplete submissions are excluded.
- Certified copy of your South African ID
- Certified copies of your parents’ or guardians’ IDs
- Grade 11 final results and Grade 12 mid-year results, or the final NSC where available
- Proof of household income: payslips, pension advice, or an affidavit where a parent is unemployed or self-employed
- Death certificates where a parent is deceased
- Proof of residence
- Proof of application to or acceptance at a participating university
- A motivation letter, where required
How to Apply and Improve Approval Readiness
Apply in Grade 12, in parallel with university applications, and to more than one funder. NSFAS, institutional bursaries and audit firm bursaries are all worth applying for alongside Thuthuka.
Audit firms run substantial bursary programmes of their own, and they recruit from the same pool. An application to Thuthuka and to two or three firms costs nothing extra beyond the effort.
- Keep Mathematics from Grade 10 — Mathematical Literacy disqualifies you
- Confirm which universities participate before choosing where to apply
- Gather proof of household income early
- Prepare for the selection process, not just the form
- Apply for NSFAS and audit firm bursaries in parallel
- Read the agreement and its repayment terms before signing
- Use the academic support offered — continuation depends on performance
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply with Mathematical Literacy?
No. Mathematics is an absolute requirement, because the CA(SA) route requires it at university level.
Who is eligible?
South African citizens of Black African or Coloured descent studying towards a SAICA-accredited accounting degree, meeting the academic and financial need criteria. It is an explicit transformation programme.
What does the bursary cover?
Typically tuition, accommodation, meals, books and a stipend, along with academic support and mentoring. Confirm current coverage with SAICA.
What happens if I do not complete?
The agreement sets out the consequences, which usually include repayment. Read the terms carefully before signing.
Eligibility criteria, income thresholds, participating universities, coverage and closing dates are set by SAICA and revised annually. Confirm current requirements directly with the Thuthuka Bursary Fund before applying.