EY CA Stream Bursary Programme 2027: Applications Open for Future Chartered Accountants

Who can apply

• Having a valid South African Identity Document
• Studying towards a CA degree at a SAICA-accredited university
• Having a certified Matric certificate
• Providing proof that they are studying, or are eligible to study, towards a CA qualification
• EY specifically identifies study at a SAICA-accredited university as part of its bursary eligibility criteria.
• Applicants should therefore verify the accreditation status of their intended accounting programme rather than assuming that every BCom Accounting programme automatically leads to the CA(SA) pathway.
• EY’s published eligibility information identifies applicants studying towards, or eligible to study towards, a CA degree at a SAICA-accredited university, together with other requirements such as a valid South African ID and academic documentation.
• Can Grade 12 learners apply?

Documents you will need

• CV
• Certified copy of ID
• Certified Matric certificate
• Certified full academic record, including 2026 mid-year results
• Parent’s payslip or an affidavit providing proof of unemployment
• Student’s three-month bank statement
• EY instructs applicants to prepare the required documents as a combined PDF document and upload the merged file under the “Additional Optional Attachment” tab during the application process.
• Do not be misled by the word “optional” in the name of the upload tab. EY specifically instructs bursary applicants to upload their merged supporting documents there.
• Certified Matric certificate and Grade 11 documentation, as applicable
• Certified Grade 11 full report
• Grade 12 Term 1 results
• Grade 12 Term 2 results
• Parent’s payslip or affidavit providing proof of unemployment
• These requirements come directly from EY’s published 2027 bursary information.
• Applicants should ensure that scans are clear and that all pages are included before combining the documents into one PDF.
• EY instructs applicants to combine the required documents into one PDF and upload the merged document under the Additional Optional Attachment tab.
• What is the closing date for the EY Bursary 2027?

How to apply

Applications are submitted directly to EY CA Stream - we do not collect applications. Read the eligibility criteria, prepare your supporting documents, then complete your application on the official page.

Full details

South African learners and university students who are working towards becoming Chartered Accountants can now apply for the EY CA Stream Bursary Programme for the 2027 academic year.

This is more than a conventional funding opportunity. EY’s bursary programme forms part of the firm’s commitment to developing and transforming the Chartered Accountancy profession by supporting promising students from school, through university, and ultimately into the workplace.

Check if you Qualify for this Bursary Before you Apply

EY confirms that bursaries are awarded to applicants who demonstrate the academic potential and commitment required to qualify as a Chartered Accountant, with financial need also considered for the relevant bursary category.

A particularly important feature of this bursary is the career pathway attached to it. Successful bursary recipients are required to work at EY for the duration of their training contract, which is a minimum of three years. Applicants should therefore view this as both an education-funding opportunity and the beginning of a potential professional career with EY.

Quick Overview

• Bursary: EY CA Stream Bursary Programme 2027
• Organisation: EY South Africa
• Field: Chartered Accountancy / CA(SA) studies
• Academic year: 2027
• Applicants: Matric learners and eligible university students
• Study requirement: CA degree at a SAICA-accredited university
• Bursary options: Academic Merit with Financial Need Bursary and Academic Merit Bursary
• Matric applications: 1 July to 30 September 2026
• University applications: 1 August to 30 September 2026
• Work-back obligation: EY training contract for a minimum of three years
• Application method: Online

Apply for the EY CA Stream Matric Bursary 2027

EY’s official bursary information confirms the application periods for both Matric and university applicants.

About EY

EY is a global professional services organisation providing services across areas including assurance, consulting, tax and strategy and transactions.

For students, the organisation offers several early-career pathways, including graduate programmes, bursaries and business experience opportunities. Its South African graduate programmes include opportunities connected to Chartered Accountancy and other professional career paths.

The bursary programme is specifically intended to contribute towards the growth and transformation of South Africa’s Chartered Accountancy profession.

EY’s commitment to accounting education is substantial. Its 2025 South Africa Transparency Report recorded 138 South African beneficiaries of bursaries for accounting degrees and total accounting-degree bursary investment of approximately R9.9 million.

What Does the EY CA Stream Bursary Offer?

There are two bursary categories available.

1. Academic Merit with Financial Need Bursary

This bursary considers both academic performance and financial circumstances.

According to EY, funding may cover one or more, or a combination, of:

• Tuition
• Accommodation
• Books
• Meals

Applicants should note that this does not mean every successful applicant will automatically receive funding for every listed expense. The precise support awarded may vary.

1. Academic Merit Bursary

The second option is based primarily on academic merit.

This bursary covers a portion of tuition fees.

Applicants should therefore understand the difference between the two categories when considering their funding needs.

Official Eligibility Requirements

According to EY’s South African graduate programme information, bursary candidates are expected to meet requirements that include:

EY specifically identifies study at a SAICA-accredited university as part of its bursary eligibility criteria.

Applicants should therefore verify the accreditation status of their intended accounting programme rather than assuming that every BCom Accounting programme automatically leads to the CA(SA) pathway.

Documents Required from University Applicants

University applicants must prepare the following:

EY instructs applicants to prepare the required documents as a combined PDF document and upload the merged file under the “Additional Optional Attachment” tab during the application process.

Do not be misled by the word “optional” in the name of the upload tab. EY specifically instructs bursary applicants to upload their merged supporting documents there.

Documents Required from Matric Applicants

Matric applicants should prepare:

These requirements come directly from EY’s published 2027 bursary information.

Applicants should ensure that scans are clear and that all pages are included before combining the documents into one PDF.

Important Note About the Matric Certificate Requirement

Current Grade 12 learners may understandably be confused by the reference to a “Certified Matric certificate” because they have not yet completed Matric.

EY’s 2027 bursary page lists the documentation in this manner while also specifically calling for Grade 11 and Grade 12 Term 1 and Term 2 results for Matric applicants.

Applicants should follow the fields and instructions presented in the live application portal and provide the school records applicable to their current academic position. Where a requirement remains unclear, applicants should seek clarification from EY rather than submitting fabricated or inappropriate documentation.

How to Apply for the EY CA Stream Bursary 2027

Applications are completed online.

For Matric applicants, the official application portal identifies the opportunity as “CA Stream Matric Bursary Application 2027.”

Apply Online for the EY CA Stream Matric Bursary 2027

Applicants can also review the complete bursary information on EY’s official South African website:

View the Official EY Bursary Programme Information

Before starting the application:

1. Prepare your CV.
2. Gather all academic records.
3. Obtain the required certified documents.
4. Collect the relevant financial-supporting documents.
5. Scan everything clearly.
6. Merge the required documents into one PDF.
7. Complete the online application carefully.
8. Upload the merged PDF under Additional Optional Attachment.
9. Review the information entered before submitting.

Application Closing Date

The closing date is 30 September 2026.

EY states that Matric applications run from 1 July to 30 September 2026, while university applications run from 1 August to 30 September 2026.

Applicants should not wait until the final day. Preparing financial documents, certifications, academic records and a merged PDF can take longer than expected.

What Does a Chartered Accountant Do?

A Chartered Accountant does considerably more than record transactions or prepare financial statements.

CAs analyse financial information, assess business risks and use this information to help organisations understand their financial position and make informed decisions.

Depending on the role and career stage, a Chartered Accountant may work with areas such as:

• Auditing and assurance
• Financial reporting
• Risk management
• Tax
• Corporate finance
• Business strategy
• Financial controls
• Governance
• Consulting and advisory work

The profession carries significant responsibility because investors, companies and other stakeholders may rely on financial information reviewed or assessed by accounting professionals.

For a school learner considering the profession, it is useful to think of a CA as someone who combines accounting knowledge, analytical ability, business understanding and professional judgement.

The CA(SA) Career Path

Becoming a Chartered Accountant is a structured professional journey rather than simply completing an undergraduate accounting degree.

EY’s Assurance/Audit Graduate Programme is aimed at students studying towards a Chartered Accountancy qualification at a SAICA-accredited university. EY offers three-year trainee contracts, and its graduate information explains that trainees must complete professional examinations and achieve the required SAICA competencies during their training.

This is why prospective bursary applicants should take their choice of university programme seriously.

The important question is not simply:

“Can I study accounting with this degree?”

It should be:

“Does this programme place me on the recognised CA(SA) academic pathway?”

What Happens When You Enter an EY Training Contract?

EY describes the training contract as spanning a three-year period.

During this period, trainees progressively take on greater responsibility as they gain professional experience.

First-year trainees are introduced to clients and their businesses and begin building practical professional competencies. As trainees progress, they take on greater responsibility within engagement teams.

By the later stages of the training contract, trainees may be responsible for managing aspects of client assignments while supervising and coaching junior trainees.

The broader objective is to combine academic learning, professional examinations and practical workplace experience towards ultimately qualifying for registration as a CA(SA).

Applicants should understand that the professional examination pathway and terminology can evolve over time, so students should always use current SAICA requirements when planning their qualification journey.

The Work-Back Requirement Is Important

One condition deserves particular attention before you apply.

The EY bursary comes with a work-back commitment.

EY states that bursary recipients are required to work at EY for the duration of their training contract, which is a minimum of three years.

For many students, this can be a major advantage because it connects funding with a defined professional pathway.

However, applicants should understand contractual commitments before accepting any bursary.

Read the final bursary agreement carefully and make sure you understand:

• Your responsibilities as a bursary recipient
• Academic performance requirements
• The training-contract commitment
• Circumstances that could affect continued funding
• Any repayment provisions contained in the contract
• What happens if you change your field of study

Do not assume contractual conditions that are not stated in the official application information. The actual bursary agreement provided to successful applicants should be treated as authoritative.

Edupstairs Application Guidance

The following advice is Edupstairs guidance and not additional eligibility criteria from EY.

Make Your Academic Record Easy to Assess

Academic performance is central to this bursary.

Submit complete records rather than selected pages that only show your strongest subjects or modules.

For Matric applicants, make sure your Grade 11 report and the requested Grade 12 results are readable.

University students should check that the academic record includes the requested 2026 mid-year results.

Prepare a Professional Student CV

You do not need years of work experience to create a good bursary CV.

A student CV can include:

• Education
• Academic achievements
• Leadership positions
• Extracurricular activities
• Volunteer involvement
• Relevant work experience, if any
• Skills
• Awards and achievements

Keep it relevant and easy to read.

Pay Attention to Financial Documents

If applying where financial need is relevant, do not treat proof of household financial circumstances as an afterthought.

If a parent is unemployed and EY requests an affidavit confirming unemployment, make sure the affidavit is prepared correctly.

University applicants should also remember the student’s requested three-month bank statement.

Check the Merged PDF

After merging your documents, open the final file yourself.

Check every page.

A common application mistake is successfully merging documents but accidentally uploading pages upside down, cutting off information or leaving out an academic-record page.

Common Application Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Waiting until 30 September to start the application
• Uploading blurry documents
• Forgetting 2026 mid-year results as a university applicant
• Omitting Grade 12 Term 1 or Term 2 results
• Uploading separate files when EY asks for a combined PDF
• Providing incomplete financial documentation
• Using an outdated CV
• Applying for an accounting qualification without checking whether it is on the appropriate SAICA-accredited pathway
• Providing inaccurate information
• Failing to read the bursary contract before accepting an offer

Accuracy matters. A bursary application should represent your real academic and financial circumstances.

Why This Bursary Is Worth Considering

The EY CA Stream Bursary is particularly relevant to students who already have a clear goal of becoming Chartered Accountants.

It combines potential financial assistance with a professional pathway into one of the major professional-services environments.

The work-back requirement also differentiates it from bursaries where students must independently search for training opportunities after completing university.

However, applicants should apply because the programme fits their long-term career plans - not simply because funding is available.

Tools you may find useful:

View Other Employment Opportunities here

Need Help?

Edupstairs Advice

If becoming a CA(SA) is genuinely your career goal, the EY CA Stream Bursary Programme deserves serious consideration.

Start preparing your application early.

Before clicking submit, ask yourself three questions:

• Are all my documents included?
• Can every page be read clearly?
• Have I checked that my intended university programme follows the appropriate SAICA-accredited CA pathway?

The quality of your application begins with getting these basics right.

Most importantly, do not allow uncertainty about your financial circumstances to stop you from applying. The programme specifically includes an Academic Merit with Financial Need bursary category.

Prepare the evidence requested, provide accurate information and allow EY to assess your application.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the EY CA Stream Bursary Programme 2027?

It is an EY South Africa bursary programme aimed at students pursuing the Chartered Accountancy pathway.

1. Who can apply?

EY’s published eligibility information identifies applicants studying towards, or eligible to study towards, a CA degree at a SAICA-accredited university, together with other requirements such as a valid South African ID and academic documentation.

Yes. EY specifically opened a CA Stream Matric Bursary Application 2027, and Matric applications run from 1 July to 30 September 2026.

1. Can university students apply?

Yes. University applications for the 2027 bursary cycle are open from 1 August to 30 September 2026.

1. What does the bursary pay for?

The Academic Merit with Financial Need Bursary may cover one or a combination of tuition, accommodation, books and/or meals. The Academic Merit Bursary covers a portion of tuition fees.

1. Does receiving the bursary mean I must work for EY?

Yes. EY states that bursary recipients are required to work at EY for the duration of their training contract, which is a minimum of three years.

1. Do university students need their 2026 mid-year results?

Yes. EY specifically lists a certified full academic record including 2026 mid-year results among the documents required from university applicants.

1. Where do I upload my supporting documents?

EY instructs applicants to combine the required documents into one PDF and upload the merged document under the Additional Optional Attachment tab.

Applications close on 30 September 2026 for the published Matric and university application windows.

1. Do I need to study at a SAICA-accredited university?

EY lists studying towards a CA degree at a SAICA-accredited university as an eligibility requirement for its bursary programme.

1. Is the EY bursary automatically a full bursary?

No. EY offers different bursary categories. The Academic Merit Bursary covers a portion of tuition, while the Academic Merit with Financial Need Bursary may cover one or a combination of specified study costs.

1. Should I apply before the closing date?

Yes. Applicants should apply as early as reasonably possible once all required documents are ready rather than risk technical or documentation problems close to the deadline.

You can also:

Disclaimer

Edupstairs is not EY and does not administer or award the EY CA Stream Bursary Programme. Application requirements, funding decisions, selection processes and contractual conditions are determined by EY.

Applicants should verify information on the official EY application platform before submitting an application. Never pay anyone claiming they can guarantee selection for a bursary.

Editorial Integrity

Edupstairs independently explains education, employment and youth-development opportunities to help applicants understand official advertisements and application requirements.

The official requirements and dates in this article were checked against EY South Africa’s published bursary and graduate-programme information. Edupstairs guidance - including document-preparation tips, CV advice and common application mistakes - is editorial guidance intended to help applicants submit better-prepared applications. It does not create additional EY requirements.

EDUPSTAIRS IS A REGISTERED NON-PROFIT ORGANISATION NPO No: 232 - 182, PUBLIC BENEFIT ORGANISATION (PBO): 930066984. EDUPSTAIRS DOES NOT, IN ANY WAY OR FORM, SOLICIT MONEY OR CV’S FROM PEOPLE FOR JOBS. PLEASE BE AWARE OF PHONY JOB POSTINGS AND RECRUITMENT FRAUD. USE THE EDUPSTAIRS SCAM DETECTOR TOOL TO SPOT A SCAM BEFORE YOU APPLY

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