Understanding the KPMG Bursary Programme for Chartered Accountants

For aspiring Chartered Accountants in South Africa, securing financial support can be a significant hurdle. The KPMG Bursary Programme aims to ease this burden for students pursuing a CA(SA) designation. This program offers funding for full-time studies at SAICA-accredited universities, supporting students through various stages of their academic journey. Understanding the different bursary types, eligibility criteria, and application process is key to a successful application.

KPMG Bursary Programme Overview

KPMG, a global professional services firm, offers a bursary program specifically for students aiming to become Chartered Accountants South Africa (CA(SA)). This initiative supports individuals studying full-time towards a qualification that leads to this professional designation. The program is open to students enrolled at universities in South Africa that offer SAICA-accredited programs. Applications for the 2027 academic year close on October 30, 2026.

Supported Fields of Study

The bursary is designed for students pursuing qualifications essential for CA(SA) registration. This includes degrees and certificates such as:

• SAICA-accredited Chartered Accounting degrees.
• SAICA-accredited Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting.
• SAICA-accredited Accounting Sciences qualifications.
• Certificate in the Theory of Accounting (CTA).
• Postgraduate Diplomas in Accounting.
• Honours programs recognized by SAICA.
• Any other qualification approved by SAICA for CA(SA) candidacy.

It is crucial for applicants to verify that both their university and their specific course of study are accredited by SAICA.

Bursary Categories: Pure Merit and Financial Need

KPMG offers two distinct categories for its bursaries, catering to different applicant profiles:

Pure Merit Bursary

This bursary is awarded primarily based on exceptional academic achievement. It is intended for students who demonstrate a consistently strong academic record and may require financial assistance, though not necessarily full funding. Applicants in this category must show a history of high performance throughout their matriculation year and university studies.

Merit Bursary with Financial Need

This category considers both academic performance and the applicant’s financial circumstances. It is designed for students who demonstrate academic merit but also face financial challenges that could prevent them from continuing their studies without support. Applicants must provide detailed evidence of their household income, expenses, and overall financial need. KPMG will assess these applications to determine the most suitable bursary category.

Eligibility and Academic Requirements

To be considered for the KPMG Bursary Programme, applicants must meet a set of general and specific academic criteria. These requirements ensure that recipients are well-suited for a career in chartered accounting and have the potential to succeed.

General Eligibility Criteria

All applicants must:

• Be South African citizens.
• Have successfully completed their Matriculation exams.
• Be enrolled in full-time studies.
• Be pursuing a SAICA-accredited qualification for CA(SA).
• Be registered at a SAICA-accredited university.
• Possess a strong academic record.
• Be able to complete their qualification within the minimum prescribed period.
• Meet the specific academic requirements for their current year of study.
• Have applied for a KPMG training contract.
• Submit all required supporting documents accurately.

Matric Academic Requirements

Applicants are expected to have achieved strong results in their Matriculation exams. While specific details on the number of “A” symbols required are not always provided, a competitive academic performance is essential. Applicants should ensure their Matric certificate is submitted, showcasing their overall academic strengths.

University Academic Requirements

The academic requirements vary depending on the applicant’s current year of study:

• First-Year Students: A minimum overall average of 65% and a minimum mark of 70% for Accounting.
• Second-Year Students: A minimum overall average of 65% and a minimum mark of 65% for Accounting.
• Third-Year Students: A minimum overall average of 60% and a minimum mark of 60% for Accounting.
• Honours or CTA Students: A minimum overall average of 50% and a minimum mark of 55% for Accounting.

In addition to these marks, students must remain eligible to progress to their next academic level.

Minimum Study Period

Applicants must be able to finish their degree within the standard timeframe set by the university. Extending study periods, repeating subjects, or taking longer than the prescribed duration may impact eligibility for the bursary.

Financial Need Requirements

For the Merit Bursary with Financial Need, applicants must demonstrate a genuine need for financial assistance. This involves providing comprehensive details about household income, employment status of guardians, number of dependents, university fees, living expenses, and any other financial obligations or support.

Required Documentation

A comprehensive set of documents is necessary for a complete bursary application. Missing or incomplete documents can lead to disqualification.

Standard Required Documents

All applicants must submit:

• A certified copy of their South African identity document.
• A certified copy of their Matric certificate.
• A certified copy of their most recent academic record or transcript.
• Proof of university registration.
• An updated university fee statement.
• A comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Any other documents requested through the application portal.

Additional Documents for Financial-Need Applicants

Applicants applying for the Merit Bursary with Financial Need must also provide:

• Parents’ or guardians’ latest payslips (if employed).
• An affidavit if a parent or guardian is unemployed.
• Proof of pension or social grant income (if applicable).
• Three recent bank statements for parents or guardians.
• An affidavit if a parent or guardian does not have a bank account.
• An affidavit if parents or guardians are absent from the applicant’s life.
• A recent household utility bill.
• Any other evidence to support the assessment of household financial circumstances.

All submitted financial information must be truthful and supported by valid documentation.

The Application Process

Applying for the KPMG Bursary involves several distinct steps, beginning with a training contract application.

Step 1: Apply for a KPMG Training Contract

The initial step is to apply for a KPMG training contract. Applicants will receive a Taleo reference number upon completion of this application, which is essential for the bursary application.

Step 2: Complete the Online Bursary Application

After securing the Taleo reference number, applicants can proceed to the online bursary application. This involves registering an account on the KPMG student platform, logging in, selecting the 2027 bursary program, and entering the required reference number. All compulsory sections must be completed, supporting documents uploaded, and the application reviewed before submission.

Step 3: Submit Supporting Documents

Applicants must ensure all academic, registration, and financial documents are clearly readable, correctly certified where necessary, and uploaded in the accepted format before final submission.

Application Closing Date

The deadline for all KPMG Bursary applications is October 30, 2026. It is advisable to complete the training contract application well in advance to allow sufficient time for the bursary application process. Late or incomplete applications are typically not considered.

Conclusion

The KPMG Bursary Programme offers a valuable opportunity for dedicated students pursuing a career as a Chartered Accountant in South Africa. By understanding the program’s structure, meeting the specific academic and general eligibility criteria, and carefully preparing all required documentation, applicants can significantly improve their chances of securing this financial support. The process requires attention to detail, particularly in aligning with SAICA accreditation standards and completing both the training contract and bursary applications accurately before the closing date.

Frequently Asked Questions