Apply for the AGSA Chartered Accountancy Bursary 2026. Get funding for tuition, accommodation, meals and books. Applications close 15 October 2026.
For many South African students who dream of becoming Chartered Accountants, the biggest obstacle is not ambition or academic ability. It is the cost of the journey.
A Chartered Accountancy qualification demands years of focused study, and university expenses can quickly become overwhelming. Tuition, accommodation, meals and prescribed textbooks all need to be paid for. That is why the AGSA Chartered Accountancy Bursary Programme could be a significant opportunity for students who are serious about following the CA(SA) route.
But this is more than a bursary that simply helps pay university costs. It is designed around a career pathway. Students who are selected receive financial support for their studies and, after graduation, commit to completing their articles through a training contract with the Auditor-General South Africa (AGSA).
The bursary is currently online, with applications closing on 15 October 2026.
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What makes this bursary different?
It is easy to look at a bursary and focus only on the money. Of course, financial support matters. For a student worrying about whether they can afford another semester, funding can make the difference between continuing their studies and giving up.
However, the AGSA Chartered Accountancy Bursary offers something beyond financial assistance: a connection between university and the professional world.
The programme is aimed at South African citizens who are pursuing, or intend to pursue, Chartered Accountancy studies at a SAICA-endorsed university. Eligible qualifications include programmes such as a BCom Accounting CA stream or Bachelor of Accounting CA stream.
Successful bursary recipients can receive funding for:
- Tuition fees
- University accommodation
- Meals
- Prescribed books
In return, recipients commit to completing their articles through a training contract with AGSA after graduating. The programme is therefore best understood as a longer-term commitment rather than simply a once-off payment for university fees.
Who is the AGSA bursary for?
This opportunity is specifically for students following the Chartered Accountancy pathway. That distinction is important.
Not every accounting qualification automatically places you on the CA(SA) route. Before applying, students should make sure that their university programme is aligned with the Chartered Accountancy pathway and meets the requirements of the bursary.
AGSA’s bursary programme is structured to accommodate students at different stages of their academic journey. Whether you are preparing to enter your first year after matric or progressing towards postgraduate CTA studies, the academic requirements differ according to your level of study.
The main message is clear: your marks matter.
Matric students applying for first-year studies
If you are currently in matric and planning to begin your first year of Chartered Accountancy studies, you must meet the academic requirements for bachelor’s degree admission.
Applicants must have achieved, or be on track to achieve, a matric exemption that allows admission to bachelor’s degree studies. You must also obtain at least 60% in English and Mathematics.
It is important to note that the requirement specifically refers to Mathematics, not Mathematical Literacy.
Applicants in this category must provide:
- A copy of their ID
- Grade 11 year-end results
- A university acceptance letter
- Grade 12 mid-year results
This means you do not necessarily have to wait until your final matric results are released before preparing your application. If you meet the requirements and have the necessary documents, you should begin getting everything ready well before the deadline.
First-year students applying for second-year studies
Students already studying towards a Chartered Accountancy qualification can also apply.
For a first-year student moving into second-year studies, AGSA requires more than 60% in Financial Accounting. You must also be pursuing the Chartered Accountancy Programme and must have obtained at least 60% in both Mathematics and English in matric.
The required documents include:
- A copy of your ID
- Your matric results
- Your full academic record
Your academic record becomes particularly important at this stage because it shows how you have performed at university, not only at school.
Second-year students applying for third-year studies
For students progressing from second year to third year, the academic expectations become more specific.
You must obtain more than 60% in Financial Accounting and more than 60% in Management Accounting. You must also still be pursuing the Chartered Accountancy Programme.
The required supporting documents are:
- A copy of your ID
- Your full academic record
These requirements show that the bursary is looking for students who can maintain strong performance in the core subjects that form part of the CA pathway.
Final-year students planning postgraduate studies
Students in their final undergraduate year can also apply if they intend to continue with postgraduate Chartered Accountancy studies.
To qualify, you must achieve at least 55% in all core modules of the Chartered Accountancy Programme and obtain acceptance into the CTA Programme.
You will need to submit:
- A copy of your ID
- Your full academic record
This category is particularly relevant for students who have already invested several years in their CA journey and need financial support to continue into postgraduate studies.
A bursary with a commitment attached
One thing students should not overlook is the commitment that comes with this funding.
AGSA states that bursary recipients will complete their articles through a training contract with the organisation after graduation. This creates a direct link between being funded as a student and beginning your professional training in an auditing environment.
For someone who already knows they want to become a Chartered Accountant and is interested in auditing and public-sector accountability, this could be a valuable opportunity.
However, students should read the full bursary information carefully before applying. A bursary that includes a work-back or training commitment should never be treated as ordinary funding. Understand what you are applying for and make sure the Chartered Accountancy career path is genuinely one you want to pursue.
How to apply for the AGSA Chartered Accountancy Bursary
Applications must be submitted through the official AGSA careers platform.
The application requires you to register or log in to the system and provide the information and documents relevant to your study level. The platform also provides guidance for creating an applicant profile and continuing with the application process.
Apply on the official AGSA bursary website
If you meet the requirements and would like to submit an application, use the official AGSA bursary page below:
Apply for the AGSA Chartered Accountancy Bursary
Bursary reference: agsa_bur_000117
Closing date: 15 October 2026
Status: Online
Before clicking submit, check that every document is clear, correct and relevant to your current level of study. A strong academic record is important, but an incomplete application can create unnecessary problems.
For students who have already imagined themselves becoming Chartered Accountants but are unsure how they will finance the road ahead, this opportunity is worth serious consideration. The journey to CA(SA) is demanding, and there are no shortcuts. But the right financial support, combined with academic discipline and a clear understanding of the commitment involved, can make that journey feel far more achievable.