If you are planning a career as a Chartered Accountant (CA), the PwC South Africa Bursaries 2027 programme could help you finance your studies while opening the door to one of South Africa’s leading professional services firms. For many students, the cost of university tuition, accommodation, textbooks, and living expenses can become a major obstacle. A bursary linked to future career opportunities can make that journey far more achievable.
Unlike bursaries that simply provide funding, the PwC CA Programme Bursary is connected to a structured Chartered Accounting training pathway. This means successful applicants may receive financial assistance during their studies and have the opportunity to continue into PwC’s CA(SA) training programme after meeting all academic requirements.
This guide explains how the bursary works, who qualifies, what documents you need, and how you can improve your chances of submitting a strong application.
What You Should Know First
The PwC South Africa Bursaries 2027 programme is designed for South African students who want to qualify as Chartered Accountants through the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA).
Here are the essentials:
- Applications close on 31 August 2026
- Applicants must study or intend to study a SAICA-accredited accounting qualification
- Mathematics (not Maths Literacy) is compulsory
- Strong academic performance is required
- The bursary is linked to PwC’s Chartered Accounting Training Programme
- Students must meet the stated academic averages depending on their year of study
Rather than being open to every university student, this bursary specifically targets those committed to the CA(SA) profession.
Understanding the PwC South Africa Bursaries 2027
The PwC South Africa Bursaries 2027 programme supports students pursuing the educational pathway required to become Chartered Accountants.
The bursary is connected to PwC’s CA(SA) Training Programme, which means students are not only applying for financial assistance but also positioning themselves for future professional training.
The overall journey typically looks like this:
- Complete Grade 12 with the required marks.
- Study a SAICA-accredited accounting degree.
- Complete an Honours degree or obtain the Certificate in the Theory of Accounting (CTA).
- Begin articles through PwC’s Chartered Accounting Training Programme.
- Complete professional examinations and practical training to qualify as a Chartered Accountant.
This makes the bursary part of a longer professional development pathway rather than a once-off funding opportunity.
Why PwC Focuses on Chartered Accounting Students
Professional services firms invest heavily in developing future Chartered Accountants because these professionals play important roles across many industries.
Qualified CAs work in areas such as:
- Financial reporting
- External auditing
- Internal auditing
- Taxation
- Corporate finance
- Consulting
- Risk management
- Business advisory
- Investment analysis
By supporting students early in their university studies, PwC helps develop future professionals who understand both technical accounting and client service.
Who Can Apply?
The bursary is intended for students who have already decided to pursue the Chartered Accounting profession.
Applicants should:
- Intend to become a Chartered Accountant
- Study or plan to study a SAICA-accredited accounting degree
- Attend a SAICA-accredited university
- Be South African citizens or permanent residents
- Meet PwC’s academic requirements
- Demonstrate strong English communication skills
The bursary is not intended for students pursuing unrelated business qualifications or those who need bridging courses before qualifying for postgraduate accounting studies.
Academic Requirements Explained
One area that often causes confusion is the minimum academic criteria.
PwC uses different requirements depending on your stage of education.
Grade 12 learners
Applicants should have:
- University entrance qualification
- Mathematics (not Maths Literacy)
- English
- A B symbol for Mathematics and English
- Approximately 75% overall average
For example:
A learner with:
- Mathematics – 82%
- English – 79%
- Accounting – 84%
- Overall average – 78%
would generally meet the published academic expectations.
First and Second-Year Students
University students in their first or second year should achieve:
- Overall university average of at least 70%
Consistent academic performance matters more than one outstanding semester.
Third and Fourth-Year Students
Senior undergraduate students should maintain:
- Overall average of at least 65%
Although the required average is slightly lower, students are expected to be completing more advanced accounting modules.
The Importance of Studying at a SAICA-Accredited University
One requirement many students overlook is university accreditation.
Not every accounting qualification automatically leads to CA(SA) registration.
SAICA accreditation ensures that:
- Your curriculum meets professional standards.
- Your qualification allows progression toward CTA or Honours.
- You remain eligible for articles with approved training offices such as PwC.
Before applying, confirm that both your university and accounting programme are SAICA accredited.
PwC Office Locations Across South Africa
Successful applicants may eventually be linked to one of several PwC offices, including:
- Johannesburg
- Cape Town
- Durban
- Gqeberha
- East London
- Bloemfontein
- Kimberley
- Stellenbosch
- Pietermaritzburg
- Mahikeng
- Emalahleni
- Nelspruit
- Worcester
Having multiple office locations provides flexibility for future training depending on business needs.
Step-by-Step: How the Application Process Works
Applying becomes much easier when you prepare everything before opening the online application.
Step 1: Check your eligibility
Read every requirement carefully.
Avoid applying if you do not meet the academic minimums, as PwC specifically advises against submitting applications that fall below these standards.
Step 2: Gather your documents
Typical documents include:
- Updated CV
- South African ID or proof of permanent residency
- Matric certificate
- Latest academic transcript
- Complete university record (if studying)
- University acceptance or registration letter (where applicable)
- Any additional supporting documents requested
Naming files clearly can help avoid confusion during submission.
Step 3: Complete the online application
Fill in all requested information carefully.
APPLY HERE: PwC South Africa Bursaries 2027
Small typing mistakes, incorrect contact details, or missing sections can delay processing.
Step 4: Upload supporting documents
Double-check that every uploaded document is readable.
Blurred scans or incomplete uploads may affect your application.
Step 5: Submit before the deadline
Applications close on 31 August 2026.
Submitting early gives you time to resolve any technical issues before the portal closes.
ALSO APPLY FOR: (AWS) Skills Development Bursary 2027
Skills You May Develop Through the CA Pathway
Although the bursary itself provides funding support, the broader Chartered Accounting journey helps students develop valuable professional skills.
These include:
Technical accounting
Understanding financial statements, reporting standards and accounting principles.
Auditing
Learning how organisations maintain accurate financial records and comply with regulations.
Tax knowledge
Developing an understanding of corporate and individual taxation.
Business analysis
Evaluating financial information to support business decisions.
Communication
Preparing reports and explaining financial information clearly to clients and colleagues.
Professional ethics
Making responsible decisions while maintaining integrity and confidentiality.
These skills remain valuable even beyond traditional accounting careers.
Common Misunderstandings About PwC South Africa Bursaries 2027
Many applicants misunderstand certain aspects of the programme.
“Maths Literacy is acceptable.”
It is not.
PwC specifically requires Mathematics.
“Any accounting degree qualifies.”
Not necessarily.
The qualification must follow the SAICA-accredited CA pathway.
“The bursary guarantees employment.”
The bursary is linked to PwC’s CA training pathway, but applicants must still meet programme requirements throughout their studies.
“Only final-year students can apply.”
Students at different stages—including prospective university students—may qualify if they meet the published academic requirements.
“Average marks don’t matter once you’re at university.”
University performance remains extremely important throughout your studies.
Practical Tips to Strengthen Your Application
While meeting the minimum requirements is essential, competitive applications often demonstrate additional strengths.
Some useful strategies include:
- Apply well before the deadline.
- Keep your CV updated.
- Maintain strong academic performance throughout the year.
- Ensure all uploaded documents are complete.
- Use a professional email address.
- Carefully review every section before submitting.
Attention to detail reflects professionalism—an important quality in accounting careers.
Why This Bursary Can Make a Difference
University costs continue to rise each year.
Financial support can reduce pressure and allow students to focus more effectively on demanding accounting studies.
Beyond funding, the connection to PwC’s professional training pathway provides valuable career direction from an early stage.
Students who successfully progress through the Chartered Accounting route often gain access to opportunities in:
- Large corporations
- Government institutions
- Financial services
- Consulting firms
- Entrepreneurship
- International organisations
Because Chartered Accountants are employed across many sectors, the qualification remains one of South Africa’s most respected professional credentials.
Key Takeaways
The PwC South Africa Bursaries 2027 programme offers more than financial assistance—it supports students working toward becoming Chartered Accountants through a recognised professional pathway.
The most important points to remember are:
- Applications close on 31 August 2026.
- Mathematics is compulsory.
- Maths Literacy does not qualify.
- Applicants must study a SAICA-accredited accounting qualification.
- Strong academic performance is required throughout university.
- The bursary is linked to PwC’s CA(SA) Training Programme.
- Prepare all supporting documents before applying.
- Submit your application before the deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can Grade 12 learners apply?
Yes. Learners planning to study a SAICA-accredited accounting qualification may apply if they meet the published academic requirements.
2. Does Maths Literacy qualify?
No. Applicants must have completed Mathematics. Maths Literacy does not meet the eligibility requirements.
3. Can students already at university apply?
Yes. First-, second-, third-, and fourth-year students may apply provided they meet the required academic averages.
4. Is the bursary only for accounting students?
Yes. The programme is intended for students pursuing the Chartered Accountant (CA(SA)) qualification through a SAICA-accredited pathway.
Final Thoughts
The PwC South Africa Bursaries 2027 programme is aimed at students who are serious about building a long-term career in Chartered Accounting. It combines financial support with a pathway toward professional training, making it particularly valuable for those committed to earning the CA(SA) designation.
Before applying, carefully review the eligibility requirements, confirm that your university programme is SAICA accredited, prepare all required documents, and submit your application well before the closing date. Taking the time to understand the requirements can help you avoid common mistakes and improve your chances of a successful application.
