Heads-up: the closing date is almost here. Most listings give the deadline as 15 October 2026, which is only two days from now. One other site lists 15 September 2026, so confirm the date on the official portal. If you qualify, apply today.
Direct application link
When the form asks how you heard about the bursary, you can enter
This is a bursary, not a general scholarship. It funds one career path, Chartered Accountancy, and it comes with a work commitment afterwards.
What is the AGSA Bursary Programme?
The Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA) is the country’s top audit institution. It was established in 1911 and audits government bodies and reports on how public money is managed and spent. To do that work, AGSA needs a steady flow of qualified Chartered Accountants. This bursary is one way it builds that pipeline.
The programme is for students who want to become Chartered Accountants (CAs). After graduating, recipients must complete their articles through a training contract with AGSA. The bursary pays for your studies, and in return you train at AGSA.
Which qualifications are covered?
The bursary is for Chartered Accountancy studies, mainly these qualifications: BCom Accounting (CA stream), Bachelor of Accounting (CA stream) and BCompt.
You must also study full-time at a university accredited by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA). A general accounting degree is not enough. It must be the CA route at an accredited university. If you are unsure, ask your university’s accounting department before you apply.
What does the bursary cover?
The bursary covers tuition fees, university accommodation, meals and prescribed books
Other benefits include:
- Career-focused development
- Access to a SAICA-accredited training environment
- Practical experience while building your career
- A chance to help strengthen accountability and good governance in South Africa
The exact amounts and conditions are set out in your bursary contract. Read it carefully if you are selected.
Who can apply? Eligibility for every study level
Everyone must meet these basic rules:
- You must be a South African citizen.
- You must be in Matric now, or have already finished Matric.
- You must study (or plan to study) full-time towards one of the CA qualifications above.
- Your university must be SAICA-accredited.
Then the academic rules depend on where you are in your studies.
Matric learners (starting first year in 2027)
- A Matric exemption with university entrance
- At least 60% in Mathematics (Mathematical Literacy does not count)
- At least 60% in English
- You must start first year in 2027 in a qualifying CA programme
First-year students (going into second year in 2027)
- At least 60% in Financial Accounting
- At least 60% in Matric Mathematics (not Maths Literacy) and English
- You must go into second year in 2027
Second-year students (going into third year in 2027)
- At least 60% in Financial Accounting
- At least 60% in Management Accounting
- You must go into third year in 2027
Final-year students (going into postgraduate study in 2027)
- At least 55% in all core modules of your qualification
- You must start postgraduate study in 2027
- You must already have acceptance into a CTA programme
Skills AGSA says are an advantage
These are not strict requirements, but they help. AGSA lists fluent English, strong communication, excellent people skills, leadership potential, and being determined and driven. Mention real examples of these in your application.
Documents you must upload
Missing documents can get your application disqualified, so gather everything before you start.
| Your level | Documents needed |
|---|---|
| Matric | ID document, Grade 11 final results, Matric mid-year results, university acceptance letter on the institution’s letterhead |
| First year | ID document, Matric certificate, full academic record |
| Second year | ID document, full academic record |
| Final year | ID document, full academic record, CTA programme acceptance letter |
File rules: documents should be in PDF format and no larger than 2MB. If something is not available, submit your most recent highest completed academic results.
How to apply, step by step
- Check that you qualify. Compare your marks and study level with the list above.
- Scan your documents. Save each one as a PDF under 2MB. Make sure the scans are clear and every page is readable.
- Open the application link at the top of this article.
- Create your profile on the AGSA careers portal, if the system asks you to.
- Fill in the form with accurate details. Names and ID numbers must match your documents exactly.
- Enter the source “www.zabursaries.co.za” where it asks how you heard about the bursary.
- Upload your documents for your study level.
- Review everything, then submit. Keep a screenshot or confirmation email.
Tips to strengthen your application
These are practical suggestions from me, not official AGSA advice.
- Do not wait until the last minute. Portals slow down near deadlines, and file uploads can fail.
- Check your marks honestly. If you are below the minimum percentage, your application will probably not be considered. Look at other bursaries instead.
- Be sure about the work-back commitment. This bursary is for people who want to article at AGSA, which is public-sector auditing. That is different from the private-sector Big Four route.
- Keep your email and phone number active. AGSA will use them to contact you.
- Apply to more than one bursary. Use the same document pack for other CA bursaries.
Important things to know before you apply
The work-back agreement is a real commitment. You will train with AGSA after you graduate. Make sure this suits your plans.
Final-year applicants need a CTA acceptance letter. Without it, you cannot complete that part of the application.
Maths Literacy does not count. AGSA asks for Mathematics specifically.
“May cover” is not “guaranteed to cover.” Benefits depend on the final bursary agreement.
Do not confuse this with the AGSA/Solarpop Bursary. That is a separate programme. It is advertised for the 2026 academic year and focuses on outstanding fees for the current year. If you are looking for funding for 2027 and the CA pathway, the programme in this article is the right one.
Check the deadline yourself. Most sources say 15 October 2026. Because one listing differs and the situation is urgent, confirm it on the application page.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply while I’m still writing Matric?
Yes. Matric learners can apply if they meet the requirements. You will need your Grade 11 final results, your mid-year Matric results and a university acceptance letter.
Does the bursary cover postgraduate (CTA) studies?
Yes. Final-year students who have been accepted into a CTA programme can apply for that year of support.
Do I have to work for AGSA afterwards?
Yes. You are required to complete your articles through a training contract with AGSA.
Can I apply with Mathematical Literacy?
No. The requirement is Mathematics.
Who do I contact with questions?
Use AGSA’s contact form: https://apply.agsa.co.za/contactus. Contact AGSA only while applications are still open.
Final thoughts
The AGSA Bursary Programme 2027 is a strong opportunity if you want to become a Chartered Accountant and work in public-sector auditing. It covers study costs and leads straight into a training contract, so you would have funding and a clear path to your CA articles.
The deadline is very close, so gather your documents, double-check your marks and submit as early as you can.
I can also put this into a Word or PDF file if you’d like.
Conversation
0 Comments