When does the EY bursary close?

Applications are typically open from January to October each year. EY recommends applying as early as possible because places fill quickly.

What are the two types of EY bursaries?

EY offers an Academic Merit Bursary (partial tuition support based on academic performance) and an Academic Merit with Financial Need Bursary (broader cover including tuition, accommodation, books and meals).

Can I apply if I'm already at university?

Yes. EY funds Matric learners pursuing a CA degree and university students from second year onwards who are already in a CA-stream programme with a strong academic record.

Do I have to do my articles at EY?

Yes. Bursary recipients sign a training contract with EY and must complete their three-year SAICA articles with the firm, sitting the IAC and APC exams during that period.

Accounting & Finance

EY CA Stream Bursary

Ernst & Young South Africa (EY)

EY's CA Stream Bursary funds Matric learners and current university students pursuing the Chartered Accountancy route at SAICA-accredited South African universities. The programme offers an Academic Merit Bursary and an Academic Merit with Financial Need Bursary, both leading into a three-year SAICA training contract at EY.

Amount: Partial to full tuition + textbook, accommodation and meal support
Deadline: 31 October 2026
Renewable: Yes

Apply now

Eligible Fields of Study

Ernst & Young South Africa (EY) supports students in the following disciplines

Chartered Accountancy (CA-stream)

Accounting

Auditing

Taxation

Financial Management

Eligibility Requirements

✓ Valid South African ID
✓ Matric learners pursuing a CA-stream degree, OR university students from 2nd year onwards already in a CA-stream programme
✓ Matric applicants need a minimum of four A's (excluding Life Orientation)
✓ Studying or planning to study at a SAICA-accredited South African university
✓ Strong academic record with clear potential to qualify as a CA(SA)
✓ Demonstrate financial need (for the Merit with Financial Need stream)

What's Included

✓ Academic Merit Bursary — partial tuition support
✓ Academic Merit with Financial Need Bursary — combination of tuition, accommodation, books and meals
✓ Renewable annually subject to academic performance
✓ Guaranteed three-year SAICA training contract at EY after qualifying
✓ Vacation work and exposure to live audit and advisory teams
✓ Support through the IAC and APC professional exams

Work Commitment

Recipients must sign a training contract with EY and complete a minimum three-year SAICA articles period during which they sit the IAC and APC professional exams to qualify as CA(SA).

How to Apply

Steps to complete your Ernst & Young South Africa (EY) bursary application

1
Visit the EY South Africa Apply for our Bursary Program page
2
Create an EY careers profile and complete the bursary application
3
Upload your latest academic results and supporting documents
4
Complete EY's online assessments if invited
5
Attend an interview and assessment day if shortlisted
6
Sign the bursary agreement and training contract if successful

Required Documents

📄 Certified copy of South African ID
📄 Certified Matric certificate (or latest Grade 11/12 results if still at school)
📄 Certified latest university academic transcripts (if currently studying)
📄 Proof of acceptance or registration at a SAICA-accredited university
📄 Proof of household income (for Merit with Financial Need stream)
📄 Up-to-date CV and motivational letter

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the EY bursary close?: Applications are typically open from January to October each year. EY recommends applying as early as possible because places fill quickly.
What are the two types of EY bursaries?: EY offers an Academic Merit Bursary (partial tuition support based on academic performance) and an Academic Merit with Financial Need Bursary (broader cover including tuition, accommodation, books and meals).
Can I apply if I'm already at university?: Yes. EY funds Matric learners pursuing a CA degree and university students from second year onwards who are already in a CA-stream programme with a strong academic record.
Do I have to do my articles at EY?: Yes. Bursary recipients sign a training contract with EY and must complete their three-year SAICA articles with the firm, sitting the IAC and APC exams during that period.

Ready to apply?

Applications close on 31 October 2026

Apply on Ernst & Young South Africa (EY)'s official site

Information verified 2026-05-25. Always confirm details on the funder's official website before applying.

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