EY CA Stream Bursaries 2027: A Guide for Matric and University Students

Aspiring Chartered Accountants in South Africa have a significant opportunity to fund their education and begin their careers with the EY CA Stream Bursaries for the 2027 academic year. This program, offered by global professional services firm Ernst & Young (EY), supports students pursuing the demanding Chartered Accountancy (CA(SA)) qualification. Whether you are currently in Matric or already enrolled at university, understanding the requirements and application process is key to securing this valuable financial aid.

The EY CA Stream Bursary Programme is designed to attract and develop top talent within the accounting field. It aims to ease the financial pressures of tertiary education while providing a clear pathway into a professional career. This bursary is not just about financial assistance; it’s an investment in future leaders within EY and the broader accounting profession.

Understanding the EY CA Stream Bursary Programme

EY South Africa is committed to fostering the next generation of Chartered Accountants. The CA Stream Bursary Programme is a cornerstone of this commitment, offering financial support to students who demonstrate academic excellence and a strong desire to pursue the CA(SA) designation. The program is specifically tailored for individuals aiming to study at universities accredited by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA).

This initiative recognizes the financial challenges many students face when undertaking a rigorous qualification like CA(SA). By providing funding, EY helps to ensure that financial barriers do not prevent talented individuals from achieving their professional goals. A crucial aspect of the bursary is the commitment to a training contract with EY upon completion of studies, offering a structured entry into the professional world.

About EY: A Global Leader

Ernst & Young, known globally as EY, is one of the largest professional services networks in the world. With operations in over 150 countries and a workforce exceeding 300,000 people, EY provides a wide range of services including assurance, tax, transaction, and advisory. The firm’s mission is to build a better working world by supporting clients, employees, and communities.

In South Africa, EY plays a vital role in the economic landscape, particularly in developing skilled professionals within the finance and accounting sectors. The firm’s dedication to talent development is evident through programs like the CA Stream Bursary, which aims to nurture local talent and contribute to the country’s economic growth.

Available Bursary Categories

EY offers two distinct categories for its CA Stream Bursaries, allowing applicants to find the option that best suits their circumstances:

Academic Merit with Financial Need Bursary

This bursary is awarded to students who not only possess strong academic records but also demonstrate a genuine financial need. The support provided can be substantial, potentially covering multiple expenses such as tuition fees, accommodation costs, textbooks, and meals. The exact financial package is determined on a case-by-case basis, considering the applicant’s specific financial situation.

Academic Merit Bursary

The Academic Merit Bursary focuses primarily on rewarding outstanding academic achievement. While it provides financial assistance, it typically covers a portion of tuition fees. Applicants should be aware that this bursary may not cover all educational expenses, and they should be prepared to manage any remaining costs.

Programme Duration and Location Requirements

The EY CA Stream Bursary is intrinsically linked to a career path within the firm. Successful recipients are expected to complete a minimum three-year training contract with EY after graduating. This contract is a vital part of the CA(SA) qualification process and provides invaluable practical experience. The bursary is exclusively for students pursuing their studies at SAICA-accredited universities located within South Africa.

Minimum Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the EY CA Stream Bursary Programme, applicants must meet several key requirements:

• Citizenship: Hold a valid South African identity document.
• Academic Pursuit: Be currently studying or planning to study towards the Chartered Accountancy (CA(SA)) qualification.
• University Accreditation: Be enrolled or intend to enroll at a SAICA-accredited university.
• Academic Potential: Demonstrate the academic capability required to succeed in the challenging CA(SA) pathway.
• Documentation: Submit all necessary academic transcripts and supporting documents as requested.
• Financial Need (for specific category): Applicants applying for the “Academic Merit with Financial Need” bursary must provide evidence of their financial need.

The Importance of SAICA Accreditation

A non-negotiable requirement for all applicants is that their chosen course of study must be at a SAICA-accredited university. This accreditation ensures that the qualification obtained will be recognized by SAICA and is essential for progressing towards the CA(SA) designation. Prospective applicants must verify that their intended program of study meets this critical standard before applying.

Required Documents for University Students

University students applying for the EY CA Stream Bursary must gather and submit the following documents:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV): An up-to-date CV detailing your academic and any relevant work experience.
• South African ID: A certified copy of your South African identity document.
• Matric Certificate: A certified copy of your Matric certificate.
• Academic Record: A certified full academic record showing all results obtained to date.
• Mid-Year Results: Your 2026 mid-year academic results are required.
• Proof of Financial Need: If applying for the financial need category, include your parent’s payslip or an affidavit confirming unemployment.
• Bank Statement: A three-month bank statement.

All these documents must be combined into a single PDF file for upload.

Required Documents for Matric Applicants

Current Grade 12 learners applying for the bursary need to prepare the following documentation:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV): An updated CV.
• South African ID: A certified copy of your South African identity document.
• Grade 11 Documentation: Certified copies of your Grade 11 results.
• Grade 12 Term Results: Certified copies of your Grade 12 Term 1 and Term 2 results.
• Proof of Financial Need: Similar to university students, if applying for the financial need category, provide parent’s payslip or an affidavit of unemployment.

Specific instructions for current Grade 12 learners regarding the submission of ongoing school year documents will be provided on the EY application portal.

Document Upload Guidelines

To ensure a smooth application process, follow these guidelines for uploading your documents:

• Clarity: Scan all documents clearly so they are easily readable.
• Completeness: Ensure all pages of each document are visible and legible.
• Consolidation: Combine all required supporting documents into one single PDF file.
• Designated Section: Upload the merged PDF document in the “Additional Optional Attachment” section of the online application system.
• Verification: Always verify that your document has uploaded successfully before submitting your application.

The Work-Back Obligation

A fundamental part of the EY CA Stream Bursary is the work-back obligation. By accepting the bursary, recipients commit to working at EY for a minimum of three years as part of their training contract. This commitment allows EY to benefit from the skills and knowledge of the bursary recipients while providing them with essential practical experience for their CA(SA) career development.

Application Timelines

The application periods are staggered for Matric learners and university students:

• Matric Application Period: Applications for current Matric learners are open from 1 July 2026 to 30 September 2026.
• University Application Period: Applications for current university students are open from 1 August 2026 to 30 September 2026.

It is crucial to submit your application within these specified windows.

How to Apply

Applying for the EY CA Stream Bursary is done online:

• Matric Learners: You can submit your application through the dedicated EY careers portal. A direct link is provided for this purpose.
• University Students: University students should navigate to the official EY South Africa bursary page to find the correct application link for the 2027 university bursary programme.

Application Closing Date

The definitive deadline for all EY CA Stream Bursary applications, regardless of whether you are a Matric learner or a university student, is 30 September 2026. Late applications will not be accepted.

Key Application Notes

Before submitting your application, please review these important points:

• This bursary is exclusively for those pursuing the Chartered Accountancy pathway.
• Study must be at a SAICA-accredited university.
• Both current Matric learners and university students are eligible.
• Two bursary categories exist: Academic Merit with Financial Need and Academic Merit.
• The financial-need bursary may cover tuition, accommodation, books, and meals.
• The Academic Merit Bursary primarily covers a portion of tuition fees.
• University applicants must include their 2026 mid-year academic results.
• All supporting documents must be combined into a single PDF.
• Successful recipients must complete a minimum three-year EY training contract.
• Matric applications opened on 1 July 2026.
• University applications opened on 1 August 2026.
• All applications close on 30 September 2026.

Conclusion

The EY CA Stream Bursaries for 2027 present a valuable opportunity for ambitious students in South Africa to pursue their Chartered Accountancy dreams. By understanding the different bursary categories, meeting the specific document requirements, and adhering to the application deadlines, prospective candidates can significantly improve their chances of success. This bursary not only offers financial relief but also provides a structured entry into a rewarding career with a leading global firm, setting recipients on a strong path toward becoming a CA(SA).