Chartered Accountancy Bursary at Auditor-General SA

The Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA) is offering a prestigious Bursary Programme for academically talented South African citizens aspiring to become Chartered Accountants. This bursary is designed to support students pursuing a SAICA-accredited Chartered Accountancy qualification at a South African university, covering a significant portion of their educational expenses. As a bursary recipient, you will not only receive financial assistance but also become part of the AGSA family, gaining exposure to a leading public sector audit institution. This programme is a strategic investment in developing future leaders in the accounting and auditing profession, ensuring a pipeline of skilled professionals dedicated to upholding financial integrity and accountability within the public sector. It represents a commitment to nurturing talent and providing a clear pathway to a rewarding career.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain an excellent academic record, consistently meeting the performance criteria set by AGSA and your university.
• Actively engage with AGSA through any provided mentorship programmes, workshops, or networking events.
• Adhere to all terms and conditions of the bursary agreement, demonstrating commitment to your studies and future career with AGSA.
• Represent AGSA positively in all academic and professional interactions.
• Focus diligently on your studies to successfully complete your SAICA-accredited qualification within the stipulated timeframe.
• Participate in any vacation work or experiential learning opportunities offered by AGSA, if applicable, to gain practical exposure.

Why Join the Company

The Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA) is a highly respected institution dedicated to strengthening South Africa's democracy by enabling oversight, accountability, and good governance in the public sector. Joining the AGSA Bursary Programme means aligning yourself with an organisation that values integrity, excellence, and public service. As a bursary recipient, you will benefit from a supportive environment that is invested in your academic success and professional development. AGSA offers a clear career path towards becoming a Chartered Accountant, with potential opportunities for articles and employment upon graduation. You will be part of a cohort of bright, ambitious individuals, gaining access to mentorship and networking opportunities that are invaluable for a career in auditing. This bursary is more than just financial aid; it's an entry point into a fulfilling career where you can make a tangible difference to the financial health and accountability of the nation.

Application Strategy (Exclusive)

• Demonstrate Academic Excellence in Key Subjects: Highlight your strong performance in Mathematics and English, especially if you are a Matric student. For university students, emphasize your consistent achievement in Financial Accounting and other core CA-stream modules. Provide specific percentages and academic awards.
• Articulate Your Passion for Chartered Accountancy and Public Service: Beyond just meeting academic requirements, convey a genuine interest in the CA profession and, specifically, how you envision contributing to the public sector through auditing. Research AGSA's mandate and mission and subtly weave this understanding into your motivation.
• Showcase Leadership Potential and Soft Skills: While academics are crucial, AGSA also looks for well-rounded individuals. Provide examples of leadership roles, teamwork, or initiatives where you demonstrated strong communication, interpersonal skills, determination, and commitment, as these are highly valued attributes.

Interview Preparation

Prepare for questions that assess your academic commitment, understanding of the CA profession, and alignment with AGSA's values.

• "Why have you chosen to pursue a career as a Chartered Accountant, and what specifically attracts you to the public sector auditing environment at AGSA?"
• "Describe a time when you faced a significant academic challenge. How did you overcome it, and what did you learn about your study habits or resilience?"

You can practice answering these questions using the Xhosadev Interview Simulator.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online through the AGSA bursary application portal. Please apply using the Quick Apply button on this page, and complete the online application and upload all compulsory supporting documents before submitting.

• Be South African citizens.
• Be currently in Matric or have completed Matric.
• Be studying or intending to study full-time towards an approved Chartered Accountancy qualification.
• Study or intend to study at a SAICA-accredited university.
• For Matric Students:
  • Obtain Matric exemption with university entrance.
  • Achieve at least 60% in Mathematics (Mathematics Literacy is not accepted).
  • Achieve at least 60% in English.
  • Be entering first year in 2027.
  • Intend to study towards an approved CA-stream qualification.
• For First-Year University Students (applying to enter second year in 2027):
  • Achieve at least 60% in Financial Accounting.
  • Have achieved at least 60% in Mathematics in Matric.
  • Have achieved at least 60% in English in Matric.
  • Be studying towards an approved Chartered Accountancy qualification.
  • Be entering second year in 2027.
• For Second-Year University Students (applying to enter third year in 2027):
  • Achieve at least 60% in Financial Accounting.
  • Achieve at least 60% in Management Accounting.
  • Be studying towards an approved Chartered Accountancy qualification.
  • Be entering third year in 2027.
• For Final-Year Students (applying for postgraduate studies in 2027):
  • Achieve at least 55% in all core modules.
  • Be studying towards an approved Chartered Accountancy qualification.
  • Be entering postgraduate studies in 2027.
  • Have been accepted into a CTA programme.
• Advantageous Skills and Attributes: Fluency in English, strong communication skills, excellent interpersonal skills, leadership potential, determination, drive, and commitment to success.
• Required Documents for Matric Students: ID document, Grade 11 final results, Matric mid-year results, University acceptance letter on the institution’s letterhead.
• Required Documents for First-Year Students: ID document, Matric certificate, Full academic record.
• Required Documents for Second-Year Students: ID document, Full academic record.
• Required Documents for Final-Year Students: ID document, Full academic record, CTA programme acceptance letter.
• Supporting documents should be uploaded in PDF format and not be larger than 2MB.
• Where a required supporting document is not yet available, applicants are instructed to submit their most recent highest completed academic results.