Every year, thousands of South African students dream of becoming Chartered Accountants but struggle to pay for university. Tuition fees, textbooks, accommodation, and other study costs can quickly become overwhelming, even for academically strong students. The KPMG Bursary SA 2027 offers an opportunity for eligible accounting students to receive financial support while building a pathway toward a professional career with one of the world’s leading audit and advisory firms.
If you’re studying towards a Chartered Accountant (CA(SA)) qualification and have consistently achieved good academic results, this bursary is worth considering. This guide explains who qualifies, how the bursary works, what documents you’ll need, and how to submit a strong application before the closing date.
What You Should Know First
The KPMG Bursary SA 2027 is designed for South African students studying full-time towards a Chartered Accountant (CA(SA)) qualification at a SAICA-accredited university.
KPMG offers two different bursary options:
- Pure Merit Bursary, awarded based on academic excellence.
- Merit Bursary with Financial Need, awarded to students who demonstrate both excellent academic performance and genuine financial need.
Unlike many bursaries that only cover tuition, the value and duration of the KPMG bursary are determined individually, depending on academic performance and available funding. Successful applicants will also be expected to complete a training contract (learnership) with KPMG after graduation.
Understanding KPMG and Why Its Bursary Matters
KPMG is one of the largest professional services firms in the world, providing services in:
- Audit
- Tax
- Advisory
- Risk consulting
- Business consulting
Operating in more than 140 countries, KPMG works with multinational corporations, government departments, public sector organisations, and small businesses.
For accounting students, receiving funding from KPMG is about more than financial assistance. It also creates an opportunity to establish an early relationship with an employer recognised throughout the accounting profession.
Why This Bursary Is Different
Many bursaries simply pay university fees.
The KPMG Bursary SA 2027 is designed to identify students who have the potential to become successful Chartered Accountants.
Rather than using only financial circumstances, KPMG places significant emphasis on academic performance. Students who consistently perform well are more likely to qualify.
The company also invests in future professionals who may eventually complete their SAICA training contract with the firm.
Who Can Apply?
To qualify, applicants must meet several important requirements.
You should be:
- A South African citizen
- Have completed Matric
- Studying full-time
- Registered at a SAICA-accredited university
- Working towards a CA(SA) qualification
- Completing each academic year within the normal minimum time
- Have obtained strong Matric results, including “A” symbols (excluding Life Orientation)
These requirements help ensure that bursary funding is directed toward students who are committed to completing the demanding Chartered Accounting pathway.
Understanding the Academic Requirements
KPMG adjusts its academic expectations according to your current level of study.
First-Year Students
If you’ve completed first year, you’ll generally need:
- Overall average of at least 65%
- Accounting mark of at least 70%
Example:
A student with:
- Accounting: 73%
- Economics: 68%
- Statistics: 64%
- Business Management: 67%
would likely satisfy the minimum academic requirement.
Second-Year Students
Students who have completed second year should achieve:
- Overall average of 65%
- Accounting mark of 65%
This recognises that university accounting becomes increasingly challenging while still maintaining high academic expectations.
Third-Year Students
Minimum requirements include:
- Overall average of 60%
- Accounting mark of 60%
Although the percentage requirements become slightly lower, third-year accounting modules are significantly more advanced.
Honours or CTA Students
Students completing Honours or CTA generally require:
- Overall average of 50%
- Accounting mark of 55%
CTA is widely regarded as one of the most demanding accounting programmes in South Africa, which explains the adjusted benchmark.
The Two Types of KPMG Bursaries Explained
Pure Merit Bursary
This bursary focuses entirely on academic excellence.
Students who consistently achieve strong marks but may not necessarily require full financial assistance can qualify under this category.
Selection is based primarily on academic achievement.
Merit Bursary with Financial Need
This option considers two important factors:
- Academic performance
- Demonstrated financial need
Applicants must provide supporting financial documentation showing that funding is necessary for them to continue their studies.
This helps ensure that talented students are not prevented from completing their qualifications because of financial hardship.
Documents You’ll Need
Preparing your documents early makes the application process much easier.
Applicants should prepare certified copies of:
- South African ID
- Matric certificate
- Latest academic transcript
- Proof of university registration
- Current fee statement
- Updated CV
Students applying for the financial need bursary must also include supporting financial documents.
These may include:
- Parents’ or guardians’ payslips
- Proof of grants or pensions where applicable
- Recent bank statements
- Affidavits if unemployed
- Affidavit where parents or guardians are absent
- Utility account or similar proof of household expenses
Before submitting, ensure every document is clear, complete and certified where required.
How to Apply for the KPMG Bursary SA 2027
Applying is relatively straightforward if you prepare in advance.
Step 1: Check your eligibility
Confirm that you meet every academic and citizenship requirement.
Do not assume minor exceptions will automatically be accepted.
Step 2: Prepare supporting documents
Many bursary applications are delayed because students begin collecting documents too late.
Request transcripts, registration letters and certified copies well before the deadline.
Step 3: Complete the online application
Fill in every section carefully.
Double-check:
- Contact information
- Academic history
- Uploaded documents
- Personal information
APPLY HERE: KPMG Bursary SA 2027
Small mistakes can delay processing.
Step 4: Submit before the closing date
Applications for the KPMG Bursary SA 2027 close on:
30 October 2026
Late applications are generally not considered.
ALSO APPLY FOR: SANParks External Bursaries 2027
What Happens After Receiving the Bursary?
Receiving the bursary comes with responsibilities.
Successful students are expected to:
- Continue performing academically
- Meet KPMG’s ongoing bursary conditions
- Complete a learnership (training contract) with KPMG after graduation
This creates a structured pathway from university into professional practice.
Why Academic Performance Matters So Much
Many students assume bursaries only consider financial need.
Professional firms like KPMG invest substantial resources in future Chartered Accountants.
Strong academic results often demonstrate:
- Consistency
- Discipline
- Time management
- Commitment
These qualities are valuable both at university and in professional accounting.
Tips for Submitting a Strong Application
Although meeting the minimum requirements is essential, there are practical ways to improve your application.
Keep your academic record current
Upload the latest official transcript rather than an outdated copy.
Ensure documents are readable
Poor-quality scans may delay assessment.
Submit early
Waiting until the final day increases the risk of technical issues.
Keep your CV professional
Include:
- Academic achievements
- Leadership roles
- Volunteer work
- Student society involvement
- Relevant work experience
Common Reasons Applications May Be Unsuccessful
Applications may not proceed if:
- Academic requirements are not met
- Documents are missing
- Incorrect information is supplied
- Students are not studying at a SAICA-accredited university
- Financial documents are incomplete (where required)
Reading the requirements carefully before applying can prevent avoidable mistakes.
Common Misunderstandings About KPMG Bursary SA 2027
Many students misunderstand how this bursary works. Here are a few common misconceptions.
“Anyone studying accounting can apply.”
Not necessarily. The bursary is specifically intended for students pursuing a CA(SA) qualification at a SAICA-accredited university.
“Financial need guarantees funding.”
No. Academic performance remains a major selection factor, even for applicants applying under the financial need category.
“The bursary amount is the same for everyone.”
KPMG determines bursary values individually based on available funding and each student’s circumstances.
“Receiving the bursary means no future obligations.”
Successful students are expected to complete a training contract (learnership) with KPMG after graduation.
Why This Opportunity Can Shape Your Career
For many aspiring Chartered Accountants, university funding is only one part of the challenge.
Professional exposure matters just as much.
Building a relationship with a respected employer early in your studies may provide:
- Industry experience
- Professional mentoring
- Career guidance
- Structured training opportunities
- Long-term career prospects
Even beyond financial assistance, these opportunities can strengthen your professional development.
Key Takeaways
- The KPMG Bursary SA 2027 supports South African students studying towards a CA(SA) qualification.
- Two bursary categories are available: Pure Merit and Merit with Financial Need.
- Applicants must study at a SAICA-accredited university.
- Academic performance is one of the most important selection criteria.
- Financial need applicants must submit additional supporting documentation.
- Successful recipients are expected to complete a KPMG training contract after graduation.
- Applications close on 30 October 2026, so preparing documents early is advisable.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can first-year university students apply?
Yes. Students who meet the required academic standards after completing first year may apply, provided they satisfy all other eligibility requirements.
2. Does the bursary only pay tuition fees?
KPMG determines the bursary value individually. The amount awarded depends on available funding and the student’s circumstances, rather than a fixed package for every recipient.
3. Can I apply if I study accounting at any university?
No. Your university must be accredited by SAICA for the CA(SA) programme.
4. Is there a work-back obligation?
Yes. Successful bursary recipients are generally expected to enter into a KPMG learnership (training contract) after completing their studies.
Final Thoughts
The KPMG Bursary SA 2027 offers more than financial assistance—it provides academically strong South African students with an opportunity to pursue a Chartered Accounting qualification while building a pathway into one of the country’s leading professional services firms.
If you meet the academic requirements, are enrolled at a SAICA-accredited university, and plan to qualify as a CA(SA), preparing your application early can improve your chances of success. Gather your documents well before the deadline, review every requirement carefully, and ensure your application accurately reflects your academic achievements and eligibility.
