2019 bursaries for aspiring chartered accountants up for grabs

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As the custodian of the chartered accountancy profession, the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) plays the leading role in creating a pipeline of aspiring accountants. Yet, the institution knows that for some learners, funding their tertiary studies is a massive obstacle that stands in the way of achieving their career dreams.

For this reason, one of SAICA’s major initiatives is to transform the profession’s demographics and contribute to the economic and social upliftment of South Africa’s disadvantaged youths. This is done through its Thuthuka Bursary Fund (TBF), which focuses on academically-talented African and Coloured Grade 12 learners who wish to become a CA(SA), but who cannot afford to fund their own studies towards a tertiary qualification.

In addition to paying for students’ tuition fees, TBF also provides recipients with full ‘wrap around’ support which includes money for accommodation, books, food and an allowance. Most importantly, there is also non-financial support in the form of study skills training, induction programmes, networking, life skills and emotional support, mentorship and counselling. Recipients of TBF bursaries are also continuously monitored by SAICA’s university programme directors to ensure that preventative action and remedial steps are taken if and when needed.

The comprehensive support, explains Nthato Selebi, Project Director of TBF, "has proven to reduce university drop-outs, enhance graduation rates and exponentially improve students’ employment potential."

This support, agree the more than 500 fully qualified CAs(SA) and around 1,900 aspiring CAs(SA) who are currently completing their studies or training contract thanks to TBF, is the real game changer.

Application criteria

Learners* who wish to apply to TFB must:

• have obtained at least 60% (5 or above on the NSC Scale of Achievement) in Mathematics (NOT Maths Literacy) in Grade 11;
  
• be a South African Citizen;
  
• be African or Coloured;
  
• be in Grade 12 and applied (or be in the process of applying) for a BCom Accounting degree at a SAICA-accredited university offering the Thuthuka programme (one of which must be the TBF university closest to your home); and
  
• register and write the National Benchmark Test (NBT).

* Please note that all candidates will be assessed using the NSFAS Means Test to determine financial need.

If you tick all these boxes, apply by visiting: www.thuthukabursaryfund.co.za

What to expect after applying

If you meet the selection criteria:

• you will be required to undergo a rigorous selection, screening and assessment process, during which the TBF university teams will identify possible candidates to study at their institution.
  
• following the release of the Grade 12 matric results, successful candidates will be contracted and admitted to university as a Thuthuka Bursary Fund student.

Applications close on 31 August 2018.