How to Become a Chartered Accountant in South Africa

Learn how to become a Chartered Accountant in South Africa, including CA(SA) requirements, accounting degrees, SAICA exams, training contracts and bursaries.

Becoming a Chartered Accountant in South Africa is one of the most demanding and respected career paths in accounting. A Chartered Accountant South Africa (CA(SA)) can work in auditing, taxation, financial management, investment, consulting, business and many other areas.

The journey requires more than simply obtaining an accounting degree. Students must complete the required academic training, pass professional assessments and gain practical experience through a SAICA-recognised training contract.

If you are still in high school, planning your university studies or already studying accounting, understanding the pathway early can help you make better decisions about your subjects, degree and career.

This guide explains how to become a Chartered Accountant in South Africa, including school requirements, university qualifications, SAICA assessments, training contracts, costs, bursaries and career opportunities.

What Is a Chartered Accountant?

A Chartered Accountant is a qualified accounting professional who has completed the prescribed academic, professional and practical requirements of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA).

The professional designation is CA(SA).

Chartered Accountants can work in areas such as:

Auditing
Financial reporting
Taxation
Management accounting
Corporate finance
Investment
Risk management
Consulting
Financial management
Business advisory
Forensic accounting
Entrepreneurship

The CA(SA) designation is therefore not limited to working as an auditor.

How to Become a CA(SA) in South Africa

The traditional CA(SA) pathway can be summarised as:

Matric → Accounting degree → Postgraduate accounting qualification → ITC → Training contract → APC → CA(SA)

The exact academic and assessment pathway can vary according to a student’s qualifications and SAICA’s current regulations.

A prospective CA(SA) generally needs to:

Complete Grade 12.
Meet university admission requirements.
Complete a SAICA-accredited undergraduate qualification.
Complete the required postgraduate accounting education.
Pass the Initial Test of Competence (ITC).
Complete the required professional programme and training contract.
Pass the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC).
Meet SAICA’s requirements for membership.
Register as a CA(SA).

SAICA’s current assessment information confirms that the APC is the second part of the qualifying examination and that candidates must have passed the ITC, completed 20 months of a registered training contract and successfully completed a professional programme to be eligible for the APC.

Step 1: Finish Matric

Your journey to becoming a Chartered Accountant normally starts at school.

You should focus on achieving strong marks in Grade 11 and Grade 12 because accounting programmes at universities can be highly competitive.

Important subjects can include:

Mathematics
Accounting
English
Other subjects required by your chosen university

Do You Need Accounting at School?

Not necessarily.

University admission requirements differ, and some accounting degrees may accept students who did not take Accounting at school.

However, Accounting can provide useful preparation for an accounting degree.

Mathematics is particularly important. Students should check the specific requirements of each university before applying.

Do not confuse Mathematics with Mathematical Literacy. Some accounting degrees specifically require Mathematics.

Step 2: Study an Accounting Degree

After matric, you need to complete the appropriate university qualification for the CA(SA) pathway.

Depending on the university and curriculum, this may involve a degree such as:

Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting
Bachelor of Accounting
Bachelor of Accounting Science
Another SAICA-accredited undergraduate qualification

The most important factor is not simply the name of the degree.

You should check whether the specific programme is accredited by SAICA for the CA(SA) pathway.

SAICA accreditation is important because the CA(SA) qualification has specific academic requirements.

Step 3: Complete Your Postgraduate Accounting Qualification

After the undergraduate degree, students generally need to complete the required postgraduate education.

This may involve a Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting (PGDA) or another SAICA-accredited postgraduate programme, depending on the university and pathway.

The postgraduate stage is intensive and prepares students for the professional examinations.

SAICA’s current information states that candidates entering certain examination routes must hold a PGDA accredited by SAICA.

Step 4: Pass the ITC

The Initial Test of Competence (ITC) is one of the major professional assessments on the CA(SA) journey.

It assesses technical competence across areas of accounting and related professional knowledge.

Students should not underestimate this stage.

The ITC requires significant preparation because candidates need to apply accounting knowledge to complex situations rather than simply memorise information.

SAICA identifies the ITC as part of the qualifying examination pathway.

Step 5: Complete a SAICA Training Contract

Academic study is only part of becoming a CA(SA).

You also need practical workplace experience through a SAICA-registered training contract.

During training, trainees gain practical experience and develop professional competencies.

Training can expose students to areas such as:

Auditing
Accounting
Tax
Financial reporting
Risk management
Business processes
Professional ethics
Client communication

SAICA’s current systems include training-contract management and require candidates on the CA(SA) pathway to meet the relevant training requirements.

How Long Is a CA Training Contract?

The duration depends on the applicable training route and the trainee’s circumstances.

SAICA’s current APC eligibility information states that candidates must have completed 20 months of a registered training contract and a professional programme to be eligible for the APC.

Students should therefore check SAICA’s latest training-contract rules rather than relying on older descriptions of the pathway.

Step 6: Complete a Professional Programme

A professional programme forms part of the preparation for the Assessment of Professional Competence.

It develops the ability to apply technical accounting knowledge to real-world professional situations.

This stage focuses heavily on professional competence rather than simply knowing accounting rules.

Step 7: Pass the APC

The Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) is the second part of the qualifying examination.

SAICA describes the APC as an assessment of professional competence. To be eligible, candidates must have passed the ITC, completed the required period of registered training and successfully completed a professional programme.

Passing the APC is therefore an important milestone toward qualifying as a CA(SA).

Step 8: Apply for CA(SA) Membership

Once you have completed the required academic, examination and practical requirements, you can proceed with the applicable SAICA membership process.

SAICA’s current membership portal includes Chartered Accountant as a membership category and provides the application process for CA membership.

Once the relevant requirements have been satisfied and membership has been approved, you can use the CA(SA) designation.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Chartered Accountant?

The CA(SA) pathway generally takes several years because it combines:

Undergraduate university study
Postgraduate accounting education
Professional assessments
Practical training
Professional competence requirements

For a student starting immediately after matric, the journey can take approximately five to seven years or more, depending on the academic route, training contract, examination results and individual circumstances.

The timeline can be longer if a student needs to repeat a qualification, examination or other requirement.

It is therefore better to think of becoming a CA(SA) as a multi-stage professional qualification, rather than simply a four-year university degree.

What Subjects Do You Need to Become a Chartered Accountant?

For high school students, Mathematics is particularly important because many university accounting programmes have Mathematics requirements.

Accounting can also be useful preparation.

Before choosing your matric subjects, check the requirements of the universities you are interested in.

Typical subjects to investigate include:

Mathematics
Accounting
English
Additional subjects required by the university

Mathematics vs Mathematical Literacy

Students should pay close attention to whether a university requires Mathematics or accepts Mathematical Literacy.

Do not assume that Mathematical Literacy will satisfy the requirements of every accounting degree.

If becoming a CA(SA) is your goal, research university requirements before making your subject choices.

What Marks Do You Need to Study Accounting?

There is no single APS score or percentage that applies to every university.

Admission requirements vary by institution and programme.

Universities may consider:

APS score
Mathematics mark
English mark
Other subject marks
Overall NSC performance
Programme-specific requirements

Because admission requirements can change, always use the latest information published by the university when applying.

Can You Become a CA(SA) Without Accounting at Matric?

In some cases, yes.

Not every university requires Grade 12 Accounting for admission to an accounting degree.

However, requirements differ significantly between programmes.

If you did not take Accounting but want to become a Chartered Accountant, check the admission requirements of the universities you are considering.

You may still qualify for an accounting degree if you meet the institution’s Mathematics, language and overall admission requirements.

Which Universities Offer Chartered Accountant Programmes?

Several South African universities offer accounting qualifications that can form part of the CA(SA) pathway.

Examples include universities such as:

University of Cape Town
University of the Witwatersrand
Stellenbosch University
University of Pretoria
University of Johannesburg
University of KwaZulu-Natal
University of the Western Cape
North-West University
University of the Free State
Nelson Mandela University
Rhodes University
University of South Africa

However, students should verify the current SAICA accreditation of the specific programme before applying.

University programmes and accreditation arrangements can change.

How Much Does It Cost to Become a Chartered Accountant?

The total cost varies considerably.

Expenses can include:

University application fees
Tuition
Accommodation
Textbooks
Laptop and study equipment
Transport
Postgraduate tuition
Professional programme costs
Examination fees
Training-related expenses

The total amount depends on the university, whether you live at home, your funding arrangements and how long it takes you to complete the qualification.

Students should therefore create a multi-year budget rather than looking only at first-year tuition.

How to Fund a CA(SA) Qualification

The cost of studying accounting should not automatically prevent you from pursuing the profession.

Students can investigate:

NSFAS
University financial aid
Accounting bursaries
Corporate bursaries
Professional-firm bursaries
Scholarships
Employer-sponsored programmes

There are also bursaries specifically aimed at students studying accounting and related fields.

Some major accounting and professional-services firms offer bursaries or financial-support programmes to students who meet their academic and other requirements.

Accounting Bursaries for CA(SA) Students

Students interested in becoming Chartered Accountants should regularly search for bursaries from:

Audit firms
Banks
Investment companies
Government departments
Accounting organisations
Large corporations
Universities
Professional services firms

Bursaries can have conditions attached.

Some may require recipients to work for the sponsoring organisation after graduation, while others may have academic or performance requirements.

Always read the bursary agreement before accepting funding.

What Is a SAICA-Accredited Programme?

A SAICA-accredited programme has been assessed against the requirements set for the relevant CA(SA) education pathway.

This matters because the CA(SA) qualification has specific academic and professional requirements.

Before enrolling, students should confirm:

The university offers the qualification they need.
The specific programme is currently accredited for the relevant pathway.
The programme’s curriculum meets the applicable requirements.
The postgraduate pathway is available.
The university explains how its programme connects to the SAICA qualification process.

Do not rely solely on an institution advertising itself as an “accounting college.”

What Is the Difference Between an Accountant and a Chartered Accountant?

An accountant and a Chartered Accountant are not necessarily the same thing.

“Accountant” can describe people working in different accounting roles with different qualifications.

CA(SA) is a specific professional designation associated with SAICA.

The CA(SA) pathway involves prescribed academic, practical and professional requirements.

A Chartered Accountant can work as an accountant, but not every accountant is a Chartered Accountant.

What Jobs Can a CA(SA) Do?

One of the major advantages of becoming a Chartered Accountant is the range of career options.

A CA(SA) can work in:

Audit

Auditors examine financial information and assess whether financial statements are prepared appropriately.

Tax

Tax professionals advise individuals and organisations on tax matters and compliance.

Financial Management

CAs can manage financial reporting, budgeting and financial strategy.

Corporate Finance

Some Chartered Accountants work in mergers and acquisitions, valuations, transactions and financial advisory.

Investment

CAs can pursue careers in investment analysis, asset management and related financial services.

Consulting

Accounting expertise can be applied to business strategy, risk, transactions and organisational improvement.

Forensic Accounting

Forensic specialists investigate financial information and potential irregularities.

Entrepreneurship

A CA(SA) qualification can also provide a strong financial foundation for starting and managing a business.

Is Becoming a Chartered Accountant Difficult?

Yes.

The CA(SA) route is academically and professionally demanding.

Students need to manage:

Intensive university coursework
Accounting concepts
Tax
Auditing
Financial reporting
Examinations
Workplace responsibilities
Professional development

Passing university exams does not automatically mean you will pass the professional assessments.

Successful students generally need good time management, consistency and the ability to work under pressure.

Skills You Need to Become a CA(SA)

Academic ability is important, but other skills can make a significant difference.

Useful skills include:

Numerical ability
Analytical thinking
Attention to detail
Problem-solving
Communication
Time management
Teamwork
Professional judgement
Ethics
Adaptability
Discipline

A successful Chartered Accountant needs more than the ability to calculate numbers.

Can You Become a CA(SA) Through Distance Learning?

Potentially, yes, depending on the institution and the qualification.

Students considering distance learning should verify that the specific programme is appropriate for the CA(SA) pathway and meets current SAICA requirements.

Distance learning can provide flexibility, but accounting qualifications are demanding and require considerable self-discipline.

Can You Work While Studying to Become a CA(SA)?

Some students work part-time during university, although the workload of an accounting degree can be significant.

Once you enter a training contract, you will be working in a professional environment while completing the requirements of the CA(SA) pathway.

The training period is an important part of developing practical competence.

What Is a Training Contract?

A training contract is a formal practical training arrangement with a registered training office.

During the contract, a trainee develops the practical and professional competencies required by the CA(SA) pathway.

SAICA maintains systems for managing trainee contracts and training offices.

When looking for a training contract, students should investigate:

Training office accreditation
Type of work
Audit exposure
Tax exposure
Financial reporting experience
Study support
Professional programme arrangements
Location
Training contract duration

Big Four Firms and CA(SA) Training

Many students interested in becoming Chartered Accountants consider the large international accounting firms, commonly known as the Big Four:

Deloitte
EY
KPMG
PwC

These firms are well-known employers of accounting graduates and offer professional training opportunities.

However, they are not the only route to becoming a CA(SA).

There are many SAICA-registered training offices, including firms outside the Big Four.

Students should choose training opportunities based on the quality of practical experience, support, career development and suitability for their goals rather than assuming that one employer is automatically the best.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I become a Chartered Accountant in South Africa?

The general pathway involves completing an appropriate SAICA-accredited undergraduate qualification, postgraduate accounting education, the required professional assessments and practical training, followed by meeting SAICA membership requirements.

How many years does it take to become a CA(SA)?

For a student starting after matric, the complete journey can take approximately five to seven years or longer, depending on the academic and training pathway and examination progress.

Do I need Accounting in matric?

Not necessarily. Requirements vary between universities. However, Mathematics is particularly important for many accounting programmes.

Do I need Mathematics to become a Chartered Accountant?

Many university accounting degrees require Mathematics. Check the admission requirements of your chosen programme because requirements vary.

Can I study accounting without taking Accounting at school?

In some cases, yes. Some universities accept students without Grade 12 Accounting if they meet their other admission requirements.

What degree should I study to become a CA(SA)?

Look for an undergraduate accounting qualification that forms part of the current SAICA-accredited CA(SA) education pathway.

Is a BCom Accounting enough to become a CA(SA)?

Not by itself. The CA(SA) pathway involves further postgraduate education, professional assessments and practical training.

What is the ITC?

The Initial Test of Competence is a professional assessment forming part of the CA(SA) qualifying examination pathway.

What is the APC?

The Assessment of Professional Competence is the second part of the qualifying examination. SAICA states that candidates must have passed the ITC, completed the required registered training contract period and successfully completed a professional programme to be eligible for the APC.

Do Chartered Accountants need a training contract?

Practical training is an important component of the CA(SA) qualification pathway, and SAICA’s APC eligibility requirements include completion of the required registered training contract period.

Can I become a CA(SA) without working for a Big Four firm?

Yes. The Big Four are not the only training route. Students can investigate other SAICA-registered training offices.

Is becoming a Chartered Accountant worth it?

It can be a strong career choice for students who enjoy accounting, finance, analysis and business. The qualification can lead to opportunities across accounting, audit, finance, consulting, investment and management.

However, the training process is demanding and requires a significant commitment of time and study.

Can I get a bursary to study Chartered Accountancy?

Yes. Students can apply for accounting bursaries from companies, professional services firms, banks, government organisations and other sponsors. Eligibility varies by bursary.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a Chartered Accountant in South Africa is a long-term commitment, but it can open the door to a wide range of careers in accounting, finance and business.

If you are still at school, start by focusing on strong Mathematics results and researching university admission requirements. After matric, choose an appropriate accounting programme and confirm that it fits the current SAICA pathway.

Your journey does not end with your university degree. You will also need to complete the required postgraduate education, professional assessments and practical training before you can qualify as a CA(SA).

If the cost of studying is a concern, investigate accounting bursaries, NSFAS, university financial aid and corporate funding early. Funding can make the difference between simply considering the CA(SA) career and being able to pursue it.