EY Bursary Application for 2026/2027

Detailed guide on EY (Ernst & Young) Bursary Application for 2026/2027. Are you an ambitious South African student dreaming of becoming a Chartered Accountant [CA(SA)]? The EY (Ernst & Young) Bursary Programme 2026 offers a prestigious opportunity for high-achieving learners with a passion for accounting, auditing, and finance. As one of the Big Four global professional services firms, EY South Africa is committed to building a future of inclusive economic growth by investing in the next generation of finance leaders.

The EY bursary is awarded to top-performing students pursuing a BCom Accounting (CA-stream) or equivalent qualification at a SAICA-accredited South African university. More than just funding, the bursary includes tuition coverage, accommodation, textbooks, meals, and often a monthly allowance. Successful applicants also gain access to mentorship programmes, vacation work, and a guaranteed training contract with EY—offering a direct pathway to qualifying as a CA(SA).

This article gives you everything you need to know about the EY Bursary Application for 2026/2027, including eligibility criteria, academic requirements, supported fields of study, step-by-step application instructions, and the official closing date. Whether you’re a top-performing matriculant or a current university student, this bursary could be your gateway to a rewarding and impactful career in South Africa’s finance and audit sector.

In addition, satrends.co.za offers a wide range of other bursary categories to suit your preference. Click on the links below to access other kinds of bursaries.

Universities in South Africa Bursaries Available for 2026

Government Departments Bursaries Available for 2026

Field of Studies Specified Bursaries Available for 2026

Keep reading for answers to queries like “How to apply for EY bursary 2026,” “Ernst & Young bursary requirements South Africa,” and “CA(SA) bursaries in South Africa 2026.”

About EY (Ernst & Young)

EY, formerly known as Ernst & Young, is one of the world’s largest and most respected professional services firms. Although officially formed in 1989 through the merger of Ernst & Whinney and Arthur Young & Co., the company’s roots go back to 1849. EY is now a global powerhouse and part of the prestigious “Big Four” accounting firms.

Headquartered in London, EY operates in 150 countries, with more than 700 offices and over 230,000 employees. The firm offers a wide range of services including assurance (financial auditing), tax, consulting, and advisory services, working across industries like:

Oil & Gas
Mining & Metals
Power & Utilities
Real Estate & Construction
Media, Tech & Telecom
Financial Services
Healthcare & Life Sciences
Consumer Products
Public Sector, and more

About the EY Bursary Programme – 2026/2027

What It Covers

EY is inviting applications for their 2026 bursary programme, aimed at students pursuing a Chartered Accountancy qualification.

There are two types of bursaries available:

Academic Merit Bursary – covers part of your tuition fees.
Academic Merit with Financial Need Bursary – may cover a combination of expenses including tuition, accommodation, books, and meals.

Important: Upon completing your qualification, you’ll be required to work at EY under a minimum 3-year training contract.

Shortlisted applicants will undergo a virtual interview. If successful, you’ll receive a training contract (if not already signed) and a bursary agreement.

Eligibility Requirements for EY Bursary 2026/2027

To apply, you must meet the following criteria:

Be a South African citizen
Have completed Matric
Have obtained at least 4 A’s in Matric (excluding Life Orientation)
Be studying towards a Chartered Accountancy degree
Be enrolled at one of the SAICA-accredited universities, including:
- Wits, UJ, UP, Rhodes, UCT, UWC, Stellenbosch, UFS, NWU, UKZN, Fort Hare, Limpopo, Zululand, Venda, Walter Sisulu, UNISA, NMMU, Monash, Institute of Accounting Science
Have a strong academic record
Demonstrate strong accounting skills
Show proven financial need (only required for financial need bursary applicants)

How to Apply for EY Bursary in 2026/2027

Click here to start your EY Bursary Application 2026 online

(Use Reference: 1523504)

You must upload all required documents in one PDF file, including:

Certified copy of your ID document
Certified Matric certificate
Full academic transcript, including 2024 mid-year results
Proof of university registration for 2024
Your last 3 months’ bank statements
Proof of household income (payslips or affidavit), if applying for the financial need bursary
Latest university fee quote
Your Curriculum Vitae (CV)
A motivational letter explaining why you deserve the bursary

(Need help? Ask me for tips or a template.)

Application Deadline EY Bursary 2026/2027

30 September

Late applications will NOT be considered. Be sure to submit everything before the deadline.

Contact Details of EY (Ernst & Young) Bursary Office

If you have questions about the bursary, contact EY directly via their website: Click to Contact EY