When does the BDO bursary close?

Applications for the next academic year close on 31 October. Late applications are generally not considered, so apply well before the deadline.

What are the two types of BDO bursaries?

BDO awards a Merit Bursary (based on academic and holistic performance) and a Merit with Financial Need Bursary (which also considers household income). The application form lets you indicate which stream applies.

Do I have to do my articles at BDO?

Yes. Bursary recipients are contracted to complete their SAICA training contract (articles) at BDO South Africa for a period equal to the duration of the bursary.

Which universities are eligible for the BDO bursary?

Any SAICA-accredited South African university offering the CA-stream up to CTA/Honours level. This includes UCT, Wits, Stellenbosch, UP, UKZN, UJ, NWU, UFS, Rhodes and others.

Accounting & Finance

BDO South Africa Bursary

BDO South Africa

BDO South Africa awards bursaries to aspiring Chartered Accountants studying the CA-stream (Accounting and Auditing) at SAICA-accredited universities up to CTA/Honours level. The programme offers two streams — Merit and Merit with Financial Need — and is one of the strongest entry points into the audit profession in South Africa.

Amount: Full or partial tuition + textbook allowance
Deadline: 31 October 2026
Renewable: Yes

Apply now

Eligible Fields of Study

BDO South Africa supports students in the following disciplines

Chartered Accountancy (CA-stream)

Accounting

Auditing

Taxation

Financial Management

Eligibility Requirements

✓ South African citizen
✓ Studying or planning to study a SAICA-accredited CA-stream degree
✓ Strong Matric results with Mathematics (not Mathematical Literacy)
✓ Tertiary academic average of 70% or higher in 1st and 2nd year, 65% in 3rd year
✓ Accounts I and II marks of 70% or higher; Accounts III of 65% or higher
✓ Demonstrate aptitude and attitude suited to a career in auditing

What's Included

✓ Full or partial tuition fees (varies by BDO branch)
✓ Textbook allowance
✓ Renewable annually subject to academic performance
✓ Guaranteed audit traineeship at BDO upon graduation
✓ Vacation work and exposure to live audit teams

Work Commitment

Recipients must serve a BDO traineeship for a period equal to the duration of the bursary, completing their SAICA articles with the firm.

How to Apply

Steps to complete your BDO South Africa bursary application

1
Download the BDO bursary application form from the BDO Student Careers page
2
Complete the form and attach the required supporting documents
3
Submit your application by email to bursaries@bdo.co.za
4
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview at the relevant BDO branch
5
Sign the bursary and traineeship contract if successful

Required Documents

📄 Completed BDO bursary application form
📄 Certified copy of South African ID
📄 Certified Matric certificate
📄 Certified latest university academic transcripts
📄 Proof of household income (for Merit with Financial Need stream)
📄 CV and motivational letter

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the BDO bursary close?: Applications for the next academic year close on 31 October. Late applications are generally not considered, so apply well before the deadline.
What are the two types of BDO bursaries?: BDO awards a Merit Bursary (based on academic and holistic performance) and a Merit with Financial Need Bursary (which also considers household income). The application form lets you indicate which stream applies.
Do I have to do my articles at BDO?: Yes. Bursary recipients are contracted to complete their SAICA training contract (articles) at BDO South Africa for a period equal to the duration of the bursary.
Which universities are eligible for the BDO bursary?: Any SAICA-accredited South African university offering the CA-stream up to CTA/Honours level. This includes UCT, Wits, Stellenbosch, UP, UKZN, UJ, NWU, UFS, Rhodes and others.

Ready to apply?

Applications close on 31 October 2026

Apply on BDO South Africa's official site

Need help? Contact BDO South Africa:

Email: bursaries@bdo.co.za

Information verified 2026-06-22. Always confirm details on the funder's official website before applying.

Other Accounting & Finance bursaries

More funding opportunities in this field

PwC Bursary Programme

PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)

Launch your career with one of the world's leading professional services firms. Build expertise in audit, advisory, and tax services while gaining global exposure and working with Fortune 500 companies across diverse industries.

View details →

SAICA Thuthuka Bursary

South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA)

The SAICA Thuthuka Bursary Fund is the country's flagship transformation bursary for African and Coloured students who want to qualify as Chartered Accountants (CAs(SA)). It provides full funding, a SAICA-accredited university programme and a clear pathway through articles to professional qualification.

View details →

Deloitte Bursary Programme

Deloitte South Africa

Premier Big 4 accounting bursary programme offering comprehensive financial support and guaranteed CA(SA) training contract with global career opportunities.

View details →

View all accounting & finance bursaries →