Unlock your financial future with these prestigious bursaries tailored for accounting and finance students—each offered by notable companies and institutions committed to developing the next generation of finance professionals.
1. Old Mutual – Chartered Accountancy Bursary
- Who They Are & Why They Offer It
Old Mutual is a leading pan-African financial services group. They offer bursaries to foster young accounting talent—especially from previously disadvantaged communities—to eventually become chartered accountants within their talent pipeline.
(Mention of investments in actuarial/accounting bursary students appears in their integrated reports) oldmutual.com - Deadline: Varies annually—applications often open in the first half of the year. Exact 2026 dates should be checked on Old Mutual’s bursary site (when available).
- Requirements:
- South African citizens
- Matriculants or undergraduates studying BCom Accounting Sciences (CA stream) at SAICA-accredited institutions
- Strong academic performance in Mathematics, English, and overall average
- Preference given to those with financial need or from under-represented groups
- How to Apply: Through Old Mutual’s official bursary portal—register, submit your academic records, motivation letter, and supporting documents.
2. SAICA Thuthuka Bursary Fund
- Who They Are & Why They Offer It
The Thuthuka Fund, administered by SAICA, aims to redress past inequalities by supporting students from disadvantaged backgrounds in accounting, providing funding, mentorship, and development to uphold standards in the profession. - Deadline: Typically around late August (e.g., 31 August 2025 for 2026 intake) StudyTrust.
- Requirements:
- South African students pursuing SAICA-accredited accounting degrees
- Preference for those from previously disadvantaged backgrounds and with strong academic performance
- How to Apply: Via SAICA or participating universities’ bursary offices—complete the Thuthuka application and submit relevant academic documentation.
3. Sage External Bursary (via StudyTrust)
- Who They Are & Why They Offer It
Sage South Africa is a global enterprise cloud software provider. Their bursary—administered by StudyTrust—aims to empower previously disadvantaged students and persons with disabilities to pursue studies in IT, Accounting, and Computer Science. StudyTrust - Deadline: 1 May to 30 September 2025 for the 2026 academic year. StudyTrust
- Requirements:
- South African citizens, preferably previously disadvantaged individuals
- Admitted into a public university in Accounting, IT, or Computer Sciences (all fields considered for students with disabilities)
- Family income between R350,000 and R500,000 p.a. (NSFAS-eligible applicants still considered if not funded)
- Achieved ≥ 65% average (or ≥ 75% in Grade 12 Maths and Physical Science for current learners); exceptions for students with disabilities under certain circumstances StudyTrust
- What’s Covered: Tuition, accommodation or private residence costs, stationery, books, and historical study debt. StudyTrust
- How to Apply: Submit your application via StudyTrust’s online platform within the specified window. StudyTrust
4. Standard Bank Group Bursary (via StudyTrust)
- Who They Are & Why They Offer It
Standard Bank, a leading African banking group, invests in developing Africa’s skills pipeline by supporting students in fields like IT, Data Science, and Finance, preparing them for careers in a data-driven economy. StudyTrust - Deadline: Open from 1 May to 30 September 2025 for the 2026 intake. StudyTrust
- Requirements:
- South African citizens, succeeding academically (minimum 65%)
- Enrolled or intending to enroll in undergraduate or postgraduate studies in IT, Computer & Data Science, or similar fields. StudyTrust
- What’s Covered: Full tuition, textbooks, accommodation, medical aid, living allowance, laptop, mentoring, and psychological support. StudyTrust
- How to Apply: Via the StudyTrust bursary application platform during the application window. StudyTrust
Summary Table
| Provider | Deadline (2025 for ‘26 Intakes) | Fields Covered | Who They Are & Why They Offer It | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Old Mutual – CA Bursary | TBD; first half of year | Accounting (CA stream) | Create future CAs, support transformation | Old Mutual bursary portal |
| SAICA Thuthuka Fund | ~31 Aug 2025 | Accounting (SAICA-accredited degrees) | Develop contributors to the profession from disadvantaged backgrounds | SAICA or university bursary offices |
| Sage External Bursary (StudyTrust) | 1 May – 30 Sept 2025 | Accounting, IT, Computer Science | Empower PDIs and students w/ disabilities to succeed academically | StudyTrust online platform |
| Standard Bank Bursary (StudyTrust) | 1 May – 30 Sept 2025 | IT, Computer & Data Science, Finance | Develop future talent for innovation and tech growth in Africa | StudyTrust online platform |
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