Thuthuka Bursary Application

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Thuthuka Bursary

The Thuthuka Bursary Fund (TBF), established by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) in 2005, is a transformative initiative aimed at empowering disadvantaged African and Coloured students to pursue careers as Chartered Accountants (CAs[SA]). By providing comprehensive financial and non-financial support, TBF addresses the barriers that often hinder talented individuals from realising their professional aspirations in the accounting field.

Fields of Study

The Thuthuka Bursary is specifically designed for students intending to pursue a Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) Accounting degree, which is the foundational step towards becoming a Chartered Accountant in South Africa. This degree equips students with essential knowledge in financial accounting, auditing, taxation, and management accounting, all of which are critical for the CA(SA) qualification.

Application Criteria

To be eligible for the Thuthuka Bursary, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Citizenship: Applicants must be South African citizens.
  • Ethnicity: The bursary is available to Black African or Coloured individuals, aligning with SAICA’s commitment to transforming the demographics of the accounting profession.
  • Academic Status: Candidates should be in one of the following categories:
  • Current Grade 12 learners.
  • Individuals who have completed Grade 12 within the past two years and have not commenced tertiary studies.
  • University students currently enrolled in a CA-stream BCom degree.
  • Academic Performance: A minimum of 60% (Level 5) in Mathematics (not Mathematical Literacy or Technical Mathematics) in Grade 11 or Grade 12 is required.
  • University Admission: Applicants must have applied to or be in the process of applying for a BCom Accounting (CA-stream) degree at a SAICA-accredited university that offers the Thuthuka programme. A list of these universities is available on SAICA’s website.
  • Financial Need: Candidates should come from families with a combined annual income of R350,000 or less.
  • National Benchmark Test (NBT): Applicants are required to register for and write the NBT, which assesses academic readiness for university studies.

Application Process

The application process for the Thuthuka Bursary involves several key steps:

  • Obtain the Application Form: Prospective applicants can access the application form through the official Thuthuka Bursary Fund website.
  • Complete the Application Form: Fill in all required sections of the form accurately, ensuring that all personal and academic information is up to date.
  • Gather Supporting Documents: Applicants must compile the following documents:
    • Certified copy of the applicant’s ID.
    • Certified copies of parents’ or guardians’ IDs.
    • Parents’ or guardians’ salary slips or sworn affidavits if unemployed.
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    • Certified copies of ID documents of persons dependent on family income.
    • Final Grade 11 results and, if available, Grade 12 results.
    • University provisional acceptance letter (if still in high school).
    • Full university transcript (if already at university).
  • Submit the Application: Once the form is completed and all supporting documents are compiled, submit the application through the Thuthuka Bursary Fund’s online portal before the specified deadline.
  • Register for the NBT: Ensure registration for the National Benchmark Test and complete it by the required date.

Key Dates and Application Deadlines

The application window for the Thuthuka Bursary typically opens in April and closes on 31 August of the year preceding the intended year of study. For instance, applications for the 2025 academic year would open in April 2024 and close on 31 August 2024. It is crucial for applicants to adhere to these deadlines to ensure their applications are considered.

Selection Process

After the application deadline, the selection process involves:

  • Screening: Applications are reviewed to verify eligibility and completeness.
  • Assessment: Shortlisted candidates may undergo further assessments, including interviews and evaluations of academic potential.
  • Notification: Successful applicants are notified and required to sign a contract with both the Thuthuka Education and Upliftment Fund (TEUF) and the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).

Benefits of the Thuthuka Bursary

The Thuthuka Bursary offers a holistic support system that extends beyond financial assistance:

  • Financial Support: Covers tuition fees, textbooks, meals, accommodation, and residence fees.
  • Academic Support: Provides academic enrichment programmes, including additional tutorials and study skills workshops.
  • Mentorship: Offers mentoring and counselling from experienced Chartered Accountants and business leaders.
  • Life Skills Training: Includes work-readiness and life skills training to prepare students for the professional environment.
  • Programme Management: Access to dedicated programme managers who monitor and support students’ progress.

Conclusion

The Thuthuka Bursary Fund stands as a beacon of hope for aspiring Chartered Accountants from disadvantaged backgrounds. Providing comprehensive support not only alleviates the financial burden of tertiary education but also equips students with the necessary tools to succeed academically and professionally. Prospective applicants are encouraged to prepare diligently, adhere to application timelines, and take full advantage of this opportunity to realise

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