SAICA Thuthuka Bursary Fund South Africa
SAICA Thuthuka Bursary Fund South Africa: Your Ticket to Becoming a Chartered Accountant
What if I told you that your dream career in accounting doesn’t need to be just a dream – and you won’t even need to worry about tuition fees, textbooks, or even food?
Hey there, future Chartered Accountants of South Africa! Let’s be honest, the journey to becoming a CA(SA) can feel like climbing Mount Kilimanjaro… with no boots. But what if someone handed you the boots, the map, the snacks, AND a team to climb with? That’s exactly what the SAICA Thuthuka Bursary Fund offers. This bursary doesn’t just cover your fees; it builds your future with academic support, mentorship, and a tight-knit family that wants to see you succeed.
SAICA Thuthuka Bursary Fund South Africa
Whether you’re in Grade 12 or your first year of university, this article is your all-access pass to everything you need to know about Thuthuka — from how to apply, what makes you eligible, what the bursary covers, and how it can change your life.
What is the SAICA Thuthuka Bursary Fund?
In case you haven’t heard, SAICA stands for the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants – they’re basically the gatekeepers of the CA(SA) profession. And Thuthuka? It’s a Zulu word meaning “to develop” – which is exactly what the Thuthuka Bursary Fund (TBF) does: develop talented, hardworking students into fully qualified Chartered Accountants.
SAICA created the Thuthuka Bursary Fund to address racial and economic inequality in the accounting profession, and it’s making a real impact. Think of it as your full-circle support system — covering your financial needs and backing you academically and emotionally throughout your studies.
Official Website: SAICA Thuthuka Bursary Info
SAICA Thuthuka Bursary Fund South Africa
What Does the Thuthuka Bursary Cover?
Hold up — this isn’t just a regular bursary. This is a full ride that covers almost everything you need to survive (and thrive!) at university. Here’s what you’ll get:
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Tuition fees (completely covered)
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Accommodation in university residence or equivalent
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Books and study materials
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Meals
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Living allowance / stipend
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Academic support like tutoring and study skills workshops
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Psychological and emotional support
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Mentoring and coaching
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Life skills and work readiness training
Basically, it’s the kind of bursary that holds your hand from your first class to your final board exam.
SAICA Thuthuka Bursary Fund South Africa
Who Can Apply?
You’re probably wondering, “Okay, but do I qualify?” Here’s the good news: if you’re a hardworking, dedicated South African student with a passion for numbers and a dream to become a Chartered Accountant, you just might!
You should be:
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A South African citizen
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A Black African or Coloured student as per the SAICA transformation policy
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Either in Grade 12 OR a university student in your first year of a BCom CA-stream degree
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Achieving at least 60% in Mathematics (NOT Maths Literacy)
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Have a total average of at least 60%
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From a family with a combined income of less than R350,000 per year
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Planning to study at a SAICA-accredited university
Want to check if your university is accredited? Here’s a list of SAICA-accredited institutions:
SAICA Thuthuka Bursary Fund South Africa
When & How to Apply
Applications for the SAICA Thuthuka Bursary open around March each year.
Closing Date: 31 August 2025
Yup, that’s your final deadline. No extensions, no exceptions. So get cracking early to avoid last-minute stress!
SAICA Thuthuka Bursary Fund South Africa
Application Process:
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Register and fill in your details
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Upload all required documents:
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Certified ID copy
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Final Grade 11 results / latest academic transcript
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Proof of household income
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Proof of university acceptance (if applicable)
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Double-check and submit!
Pro Tip: Your application must be 100% complete — no missing documents, no blurry uploads — or it may be rejected without review.
Why Choose the Thuthuka Bursary?
Honestly, this bursary is in a league of its own. Here’s why it stands out:
It’s More Than Just Money
Thuthuka creates a community. You’re not just another number in the system; you’re part of a team.
Focused on Academic Success
You’ll have access to tutors, mentors, and workshops to keep you on track.
Emotional & Social Support
Because we all know varsity life can get overwhelming, Thuthuka supports your mental health too.
Higher Pass & Completion Rates
Students on the Thuthuka programme have better graduation and pass rates than the national average.
Direct Path to CA(SA)
You’re being shaped and guided straight toward your dream of becoming a Chartered Accountant.
Real Talk from Past Beneficiaries
“I wouldn’t be a CA(SA) today without Thuthuka. They paid for my studies, mentored me, and believed in me when I didn’t even believe in myself.” – Sipho, University of Pretoria
“I had no idea how I’d pay for varsity. Thuthuka didn’t just pay – they prepared me for real life.” – Amanda, University of the Free State
Tips for a Strong Application
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Take Mathematics (not Maths Lit)
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Keep your marks high from Grade 11 onwards
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Start your application early and double-check everything
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Talk to your parents about the documents you need
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Stay calm and be honest in your application
Additional Resources
If you’re still unsure, don’t stress. SAICA and Thuthuka offer more guidance and FAQs online:
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SAICA Thuthuka Brochure: Download PDF
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Email: thuthukabursary@saica.co.za
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Phone: +27 11 621 6600
Conclusion
The road to becoming a Chartered Accountant is long — but with the SAICA Thuthuka Bursary Fund, it becomes a whole lot smoother. This isn’t just a financial lifeline; it’s a full-circle support system that helps you stay focused, stay fed, stay motivated, and, most importantly, stay winning.
So if you’re sitting there with dreams of financial freedom and a killer career in finance, accounting, or auditing — don’t sleep on this opportunity. Apply for the Thuthuka Bursary Fund, and let your CA(SA) journey begin!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I apply if I’m already in university?
Yes, but only if you’re in your first year of a BCom CA-stream degree at a SAICA-accredited university.
2. Is Maths Literacy accepted?
Unfortunately, no. You must be doing pure Mathematics and achieve at least 60%.
3. Do I need to pay back the bursary?
Nope! It’s a full bursary, not a loan — but you are expected to commit to completing your degree and pursuing the CA(SA) route.
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