EY, one of the world’s Big Four accounting firms, has opened its bursary programme for the 2027 academic year. The bursary funds South African students studying towards a Chartered Accountancy degree at a SAICA-accredited university, and it comes with a training contract that leads directly to a career at EY. Both Matric learners and current university students can apply. Applications close on 30 September 2026.
About the EY Bursary Programme
EY (Ernst and Young) is a global professional services firm with about 400 000 employees worldwide and offices across South Africa, including Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban. It audits some of the largest companies on the JSE and is one of the biggest trainers of chartered accountants in the country.
The bursary programme feeds EY’s CA training pipeline. Two types of awards are made: an Academic Merit Bursary for students with strong academic records, and an Academic Merit with Financial Need Bursary for strong students who also cannot afford their studies. Recipients sign a training contract and work at EY after graduating, which means the bursary is also a guaranteed first job in a profession where South Africa has a recognised shortage.
What The Bursary Covers
- Academic Merit Bursary: covers a portion of your tuition fees
- Academic Merit with Financial Need Bursary: covers one or a combination of tuition fees, accommodation, books and meals
- A training contract with EY after your studies, giving you the workplace experience required to qualify as a CA(SA)
- Exposure to one of the Big Four firms while you study
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Who Can Apply
- South African citizens currently in Matric or who have completed Matric
- A minimum of 4 As in Matric, excluding Life Orientation
- Studying or intending to study towards a Chartered Accountancy degree
- Enrolled or planning to enrol at a SAICA-accredited university, including Wits, UJ, UP, UCT, Stellenbosch, UWC, Rhodes, UFS, NWU, UKZN, Fort Hare, Limpopo, Zululand, Venda, Walter Sisulu, UNISA, Nelson Mandela University, Monash or the Institute of Accounting Science
- A strong academic record and strong accounting skills
- Proven financial need, if applying for the Academic Merit with Financial Need Bursary
Required Documents
- CV and certified copy of your ID
- Current Matric learners: Grade 11 final results, Matric term 1 and term 2 results, university acceptance letter and a 2027 fees pro forma or invoice
- Current university students: Matric certificate, full academic record including 2026 mid-year results, and your latest 3 months of bank statements
- Proof of parents’ or guardians’ household income (latest payslips, or an affidavit if unemployed) for the financial need bursary
- All documents must be combined into a single PDF and uploaded under the “Additional Optional Attachment” tab
How to Apply
- Combine all your supporting documents into one PDF file.
- Open the correct online application for your situation: Matric learner or university student.
- Select South Africa as your country so the local programmes are listed.
- Complete the online form and upload your single PDF under Additional Optional Attachment.
- Submit before 30 September 2026.
Matric learners: Apply at EY (Matric stream). University students: Apply at EY (University stream).
Closing Date
The closing date for the EY Bursary 2027 is 30 September 2026. No late applications will be accepted.
Why This Bursary Matters
Chartered accountancy remains one of the most reliable routes out of unemployment and into a professional career in South Africa. CAs are on the national scarce-skills list, starting salaries are strong, and the qualification travels internationally. The hard part is funding the degree and finding a training contract afterwards.
The EY bursary solves both at once: your studies are supported and your training contract is signed before you even graduate. Shortlisted candidates do a virtual video interview, and successful candidates commit to working at EY for the duration of the training contract, a minimum of three years. That is not a burden, it is three years of guaranteed employment and professional development at a Big Four firm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need 4 As in Matric?
Yes, a minimum of 4 As excluding Life Orientation is a stated entry requirement. Current Matric learners can use Grade 11 finals and Matric term results to show this level.
Must I work for EY afterwards?
Yes. Recipients sign a training contract and work at EY for its duration, a minimum of three years. This is how you complete your CA(SA) articles.
Which universities qualify?
Only SAICA-accredited institutions, listed above. If your university is not SAICA-accredited for the CA stream, the bursary cannot fund you.
Is the bursary available in all provinces?
Yes. It is a national programme, and EY has offices in major centres including Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban.
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