One month left to apply for chartered accountancy bursaries for 2019

As the custodian of the chartered accountancy profession, the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) plays the leading role in creating a pipeline of aspiring accountants. Yet, the institution knows that for some learners, funding their tertiary studies is a massive obstacle that stands in the way of achieving their career dreams.

For this reason, one of SAICA’s major initiatives is to transform the profession’s demographics and contribute to the economic and social upliftment of South Africa’s disadvantaged youths. This is done through its Thuthuka Bursary Fund (TBF), which focuses on academically-talented African and Coloured Grade 12 learners who wish to become a CA(SA), but who cannot afford to fund their own studies towards a tertiary qualification.

ALSO READ: Sasol now accepting bursary applications from top maths and science pupils for 2019

In addition to paying for students’ tuition fees, TBF also provides recipients with full ‘wrap around’ support which includes money for accommodation, books, food and an allowance. Most importantly, there is also non-financial support in the form of study skills training, induction programmes, networking, life skills and emotional support, mentorship and counselling. Recipients of TBF bursaries are also continuously monitored by SAICA’s university programme directors to ensure that preventative action and remedial steps are taken if and when needed.

The comprehensive support, explains Nthato Selebi, Project Director of TBF, ‘has proven to reduce university drop-outs, enhance graduation rates and exponentially improve students’ employment potential.’

This support, agree the more than 500 fully qualified CAs(SA) and around 1 900 aspiring CAs(SA) who are currently completing their studies or training contract thanks to TBF, is the real game changer.

Says Talent Mthiyane, a qualified CA(SA) and former TBF beneficiary: ‘Thuthuka has changed my life!’ Talent adds it alleviated her family’s financial burden of sending her to university. It eliminated most of the anxieties and stress of coming from a school and being in a lecture room with students who were from the best schools in the country and had the brightest minds aided by the best resources. Thuthuka’s constant motivation and support aided our abilities as students and showed us that where we are from does not determine our destiny or how high we can rise.’

CA(SA) Colleen Adams, shares a similar experience: ‘[Qualifying] as a CA(SA) would not have been possible without both the financial and non-financial support that Thuthuka offers. I am yet to hear of another programme that goes to the type of lengths to develop and invest in the potential of individuals who do not have a fair chance in succeeding. The passion and dedication with which this programme is implemented is unparalleled. The fund recognised other needs and support that we, as students, needed on our CA(SA) journey.’

APPLICATIONS FOR 2019 CLOSE ON 31 AUGUST 2018

Learners who wish to apply to TFB must:

• have obtained at least 60% (5 or above on the NSC Scale of Achievement) in Mathematics (NOT Maths Literacy) in Grade 11;
• be a South African Citizen;
• be African or Coloured;
• be in Grade 12 and applied (or be in the process of applying) for a BCom Accounting degree at a SAICA-accredited university offering the Thuthuka programme (one of which must be the TBF university closest to your home); and
• register and write the National Benchmark Test (NBT).

* Please note that all candidates will be assessed using the NSFAS Means Test to determine financial need.

If you tick all these boxes, apply by visiting: www.thuthukabursaryfund.co.za

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT AFTER YOU APPLY?

If you meet the selection criteria:

• you will be required to undergo a rigorous selection, screening and assessment process, during which the TBF university teams will identify possible candidates to study at their institution;
• following the release of the Grade 12 matric results, successful candidates will be contracted and admitted to university as a Thuthuka Bursary Fund student.

If you thought your dream of becoming a CA(SA) would never become a reality because of your family’s financial situation, think again. TBF could be your chance of making your dream a reality. 

Apply today. Applications close on 31 August 2018.

About SAICA:

The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA), South Africa’s pre-eminent accountancy body, is widely recognised as one of the world’s leading accounting institutes. The Institute provides a wide range of support services to more than 40 000 members who are chartered accountants [CAs(SA)] and hold positions as CEOs, MDs, board directors, business owners, chief financial officers, auditors and leaders in their spheres of business operation. Most of these members operate in commerce and industry, and play a significant role in the nation’s highly dynamic business sector and economic development.

About the Thuthuka Bursary Fund and Education Upliftment Project:

One of SAICA’s prime goals is to contribute towards strengthening the country’s economy by playing a significant and leading role in transformation and skills development. The Thuthuka Education Upliftment Project, a pioneering initiative to promote transformation in the profession, was launched in the Eastern Cape in 2002 and is fast growing into a national project.

Thuthuka’s objective is to transform the demographics of the profession to reflect those of the country in terms of race and gender, and provide educational support to African learners and students for the benefit of the profession, while simultaneously helping to uplift communities. Therefore, SAICA prides itself in leading the chartered accountancy profession as a socially responsible driver of business and skills development by supporting and encouraging enterprise development initiatives.

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