Deloitte Vacation Work Opportunities 2027: The Complete Guide

Vacation work is one of the best ways to get noticed by a big professional services firm before you graduate. Deloitte South Africa runs several short programmes for students, and it also offers funding for those studying towards Chartered Accountancy. This guide covers what is open, who can apply, which documents you need, where to apply and how to prepare. It assumes you mean Deloitte South Africa.

What is vacation work?

Vacation work is a short, structured placement during university holidays. You spend a few days or weeks inside the firm, see how teams operate and learn practical skills. You also meet people who may later help you get a graduate or trainee role. Most programmes are unpaid or carry a modest allowance. Deloitte does not disclose pay for the RFR programme, so do not plan around a salary.

Programme 1: Regulatory and Financial Risk (RFR)

This is the main 2027 vacation programme I found listed as open.

Who it is for: Students preparing to finish an Honours or Masters degree in 2027.

Relevant fields: Actuarial Science, Data Science, Mathematical Sciences and Statistics, (Applied or Financial) Mathematics, Quantitative Risk Management and other relevant fields.

When and where: The programme runs from 11 to 15 January 2027. The location is Midrand, Gauteng, and applications close on 31 October 2026.

What you get: Hands-on project experience, professional skill development, career exploration, networking and insight into industry practices.

What to submit: Your CV, a copy of your ID and your Matric certificate.

It is a one-week programme, so the selection process is usually competitive. Apply well before the closing date.

Programme 2: Audit vacation (VAC) programmes

If you are studying towards becoming a CA(SA), this is the route to look at.

• Introductory programme: It runs over two days and shows you what being a trainee involves, what makes Deloitte special and how its software works.
• Who it suits: 2nd and 3rd year university students on the CA stream. Second-year students who have already completed Auditing as a university module should apply for the Advanced Programme.
• Field Work: This places you on a real audit engagement team at the client’s premises. It is only open to students who have completed the Advanced Programme and already hold a Deloitte training contract.
• Locations: Cape Town, Durban and Gauteng, with sessions scheduled between late 2026 and early 2027.

Programme 3: Strategy & Transactions (S&T)

The 2026 intake is closed, but it shows what to expect next time. Applicants had to be in their penultimate year and studying Investment Management, Finance, Accounting or a similar discipline. They also needed at least 65% in all Matric subjects and Pure Mathematics at Matric level. No prior work experience was required. The 2026 intake closed on 17 July 2026. If this is your field, check Deloitte’s careers page around mid-year for the next opening.

The Deloitte bursary and scholarship

Deloitte does not advertise a separate scholarship. Its student funding is the bursary, also called the “Financial Contribution.” It is for SAICA-accredited Chartered Accountancy qualifications, both undergraduate and postgraduate.

Eligibility

• You must be a South African or Namibian citizen.
• You must have completed Matric, or be in Matric now, with Mathematics (not Mathematical Literacy).
• You must study or intend to study at a SAICA-accredited university.
• In first or second year you need a 70% average. In third year you need 65%. You must also have completed at least four subjects in your previous academic year.

What it covers

It covers part of your tuition and textbooks and, in some cases, accommodation. Each application is reviewed individually, looking at academic results, financial need and personal circumstances. The bursary is also renewable each year based on academic performance.

The catch: a training contract

Bursaries like this come with a commitment. Successful candidates are expected to complete a three-year training programme with Deloitte after their studies. Make sure you are happy to train with Deloitte before you accept.

Required documents

You need a certified copy of your ID, your Matric results or certificate, your latest tertiary academic record and a motivational letter. Missing items mean your application will be disregarded.

Closing date

Sources disagree. One lists the closing date as 30 September 2026, which is today. Others say there is no closing date and you can apply all year. Submit as soon as you can and confirm the current position on the official portal.

Direct links to apply

• Bursary application: https://www.joindeloitte.co.za/Information/Bursaries
• Create your applicant profile: https://joindeloitte.co.za/Account/Register
• Audit vacation programmes: https://www.joindeloitte.co.za/vacregistration/
• Deloitte South Africa careers (for RFR and other listings): deloitte.com/za/en/careers

I found these links through third-party sites. If one does not open, go through the careers page above. Only apply on official Deloitte pages, and never pay anyone to submit an application.

How to apply, step by step

1. Register a profile. You need an account on the Join Deloitte site before you can apply for the bursary.
2. Pick the right programme. Match your degree, year of study and qualification to the requirements above.
3. Gather your documents. Scan everything clearly. If the portal struggles with multiple uploads, merge them into one PDF.
4. Complete the online form. Fill in every field and double-check your marks.
5. Submit before the deadline. Keep a screenshot or confirmation email.
6. Prepare for what follows. Some Deloitte routes include an assessment centre at one of its offices.

Checklist before you apply

• Your degree is relevant to the programme.
• You know your year of study and your average.
• Your university is SAICA-accredited, if you want the bursary.
• Your CV is one to two pages, with no typos.
• Your ID is certified where required.
• You have your Matric certificate or results ready.
• Your latest academic transcript is up to date.
• Your motivational letter is written and proofread.
• You have noted the closing date in your calendar.

Tips to stand out

These are general tips rather than official Deloitte requirements.

• Write a specific motivational letter. Explain why this programme and why this field. Avoid generic lines you could send to any company.
• Show results with numbers. Mention marks, projects, society roles or part-time work, and what you achieved.
• Keep your CV clean. Use clear headings and consistent formatting, and put your most relevant experience first.
• Learn about the division. For RFR, read up on financial risk and regulation. For audit, understand what a trainee actually does.
• Apply early. Late applications are the easiest to lose.
• Follow up politely. If you hear nothing after the stated period, check your spam folder and contact the recruitment team.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Applying with the wrong qualification, such as Maths Literacy for the bursary.
• Submitting uncertified copies when certified ones are required.
• Forgetting the motivational letter.
• Relying on outdated dates from third-party sites.
• Missing the deadline by a day.

What comes after vacation work?

Vacation work is often a stepping stone. Deloitte also runs graduate programmes, and its 2027 graduate intake offers rotational assignments and work alongside experienced professionals. Doing well in a vacation programme gives you a good reference point for those later applications.

Final word

Deloitte’s 2027 vacation opportunities suit different students: Honours and Masters students in quantitative fields, CA-stream students, and those who need funding to reach the CA(SA). Check your eligibility, gather your documents and apply early. Dates and requirements can change, so confirm everything on Deloitte’s official site before you submit.

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