EY Chartered Accountancy Bursary Programme 2027: Your Path to a CA Qualification

Are you a driven South African student aiming for a career as a Chartered Accountant (CA)? EY, a leading global professional services firm, is offering a valuable opportunity through its Chartered Accountancy Bursary Programme for the 2027 academic year. This bursary can help cover educational costs and set you on the path to a rewarding career. The application deadline is approaching, so understanding the details is key to a successful application.

This analysis will guide you through the EY Chartered Accountancy Bursary Programme, covering who can apply, the types of bursaries available, required documents, and how to submit your application.

Understanding the EY Chartered Accountancy Bursary Programme

The EY Chartered Accountancy Bursary Programme is designed to support talented South African students who wish to pursue a CA qualification. The programme is open to both current Matric learners and university students. A key requirement is that your chosen course of study must be at an institution accredited by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA). This ensures you are on the right track for professional recognition.

The bursary aims to foster future CA leaders by providing financial assistance and linking recipients to EY’s own training pathway. This means that after completing your studies, you may have the opportunity to enter into a training contract with EY, which is essential for gaining practical experience and qualifying as a CA.

Types of Bursaries Offered

EY provides two main categories of bursaries to cater to different applicant needs:

Academic Merit Bursary

This bursary is awarded to students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement. It focuses primarily on your performance in your studies and provides funding to help cover a portion of your tuition fees. If you have a strong academic record, this could be the right option for you.

Academic Merit with Financial Need Bursary

This bursary considers both your academic performance and your financial circumstances. If you have a good academic record but also face financial challenges, this bursary type may offer more comprehensive support. Funding can potentially cover a combination of expenses, including tuition fees, accommodation, books, and meals. To apply for this category, you will need to provide documentation that proves your household’s financial situation.

Who is Eligible to Apply?

To be considered for the EY Chartered Accountancy Bursary Programme, you must meet several criteria:

• Citizenship: You must be a South African citizen.
• Current Education Level: You should either be currently in Matric or have already completed your Matric.
• Academic Record: A strong academic record is essential. Specifically, you need to have achieved at least four ‘A’ symbols in your Matric examinations, with Life Orientation excluded from this count.
• Field of Study: You must be studying or intend to study towards a Chartered Accountancy qualification.
• Institution Accreditation: Your chosen programme of study must be at a SAICA-accredited institution.
• Accounting Ability: You should demonstrate a strong aptitude for Accounting.

If you are applying for the Academic Merit with Financial Need Bursary, you will also need to show that you have a genuine financial need.

SAICA-Accredited Study Requirements

Studying at a SAICA-accredited institution is non-negotiable for this bursary. SAICA accreditation ensures that the programme meets the high standards required for a CA qualification. Many reputable South African universities offer SAICA-accredited programmes, including well-known institutions like the University of the Witwatersrand, University of Pretoria, University of Cape Town, and Stellenbosch University, among others listed in the research data. It is crucial to verify that your specific Chartered Accountancy programme holds SAICA accreditation before applying.

Required Documents for Your Application

The documents you need to submit will depend on whether you are currently a Matric learner or a university student.

For Matric Learners

If you are currently in Matric, you will need to prepare the following:

• Your Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• A certified copy of your South African ID.
• Your Grade 11 final results.
• Your Matric Term 1 results.
• Your Matric Term 2 results.
• Your university acceptance letter.
• A pro forma invoice or fee statement for your 2027 university fees.

For University Students

If you are already enrolled at university, your required documents include:

• Your Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• A certified copy of your South African ID.
• Your Matric certificate.
• Your full university academic record to date.
• Your latest available academic results (e.g., 2026 mid-year results).
• Bank statements for the last three months.

Financial Need Documentation

For those applying for the Academic Merit with Financial Need Bursary, you must provide proof of your household income. This could include recent payslips if your parents or guardians are employed, or an affidavit if they are unemployed. Ensure all financial information is accurate and complete.

Important Application Submission Note

A critical instruction for the application is that all your supporting documents must be combined into one single PDF document. This combined PDF should then be uploaded in the “Additional Optional Attachment” section of the EY application system. Even though this section is labelled “optional,” it is essential to upload your documents here as per the bursary instructions.

The EY Training Contract Opportunity

Beyond financial support, this bursary is closely linked to EY’s professional development pathway. Successful bursary recipients are often offered the chance to enter into an EY training contract. This contract is a vital part of the journey to becoming a CA, providing the practical experience needed alongside your academic studies. Before accepting any award, carefully review the conditions of both the bursary and the training contract, understanding any commitments you might have after graduation.

How to Apply

EY has made the application process accessible online, with separate links for Matric learners and current university students.

• For Matric Learners: Use the dedicated application link for the Matric stream.
• For Current University Students: Use the separate application link provided for university students.

When you begin your application, make sure to select “South Africa” to ensure you see the relevant local opportunities.

Application Closing Date

Mark your calendars: the deadline for submitting your application is 30 September 2026. Late applications will not be considered, so it is important to complete and submit your application well before this date.

Final Thoughts on Your CA Journey

The EY Chartered Accountancy Bursary Programme offers a significant opportunity for aspiring CAs in South Africa. By understanding the eligibility criteria, the types of bursaries available, and the required documentation, you can strengthen your application. Remember to combine all your supporting documents into a single PDF and submit it by the 30 September 2026 deadline. This bursary could be the stepping stone you need to launch a successful career in chartered accountancy with a globally recognized firm.

Frequently Asked Questions