General Accounting Bursaries in South Africa Available for 2026

Find on this page a List of General Accounting Bursaries in South Africa Available for 2026. Are you a South African student with strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a passion for numbers? If you are considering a career in Accounting, you are on the right track to entering one of South Africa’s most vital and high-demand professions. With businesses, government institutions, and NGOs relying on accountants to ensure financial stability, transparency, and compliance, the demand for skilled accounting professionals continues to grow. Fortunately, many organizations are offering Accounting bursaries in South Africa for the 2026/2027 academic year, providing financial assistance to deserving students who wish to build a career in this rewarding field.

What Is Accounting?

Accounting is the process of recording, classifying, summarizing, and interpreting financial transactions of a business, organization, or individual. It provides critical financial information that helps stakeholders such as management, investors, regulators, and the public make informed decisions. Accounting goes beyond bookkeeping; it ensures that financial statements comply with laws, standards, and ethical practices while guiding organizations toward financial health and growth.

Major Fields of Accounting in Business Studies

In South Africa, accounting is recognized as a scarce skill and offers multiple specializations, each focusing on a specific financial function:

Financial Accounting: Focuses on preparing financial statements and ensuring compliance with accounting standards.
Management Accounting: Involves budgeting, forecasting, and advising on financial decisions to support management strategy.
Tax Accounting: Specializes in preparing tax returns, ensuring compliance with tax legislation, and advising on tax planning.
Auditing: Evaluates financial records and internal controls to ensure accuracy and detect fraud or misstatements.
Forensic Accounting: Investigates financial irregularities and fraud, often working closely with law enforcement.
Public Sector Accounting: Focuses on managing public funds, budgeting, and compliance within government entities.

Career Opportunities in Accounting in South Africa

An Accounting qualification opens doors to a wide variety of career paths across industries. Graduates can pursue roles such as:

Chartered Accountant (CA)
Financial Accountant
Management Accountant
Auditor
Tax Consultant
Cost Accountant
Forensic Accountant
Budget Analyst
Financial Manager or CFO

In addition, professional registration with bodies such as SAICA (South African Institute of Chartered Accountants), CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants), or ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) enhances employability both locally and globally.

Why Apply for Accounting Bursaries in 2026?

Studying towards a degree in Accounting or related fields can be financially demanding, especially with costs such as tuition fees, textbooks, accommodation, and living expenses. Luckily, several government departments, private firms, professional accounting bodies, and state-owned enterprises are offering General Accounting bursaries for 2026/2027. These bursaries not only cover essential study costs but may also include stipends, mentorship, vacation work, and guaranteed employment after graduation.

Applying for an accounting bursary gives you both financial relief and a strong career advantage, as many bursary providers offer internship opportunities and post-graduation employment. This ensures that you gain the professional experience required to succeed in South Africa’s highly competitive financial sector.

List of General Accounting Bursaries in South Africa Available for 2026

Below, you will find the list of General Accounting bursaries in South Africa for 2026, offered by some of the country’s most reputable firms, government institutions, and industry organizations. Each listing includes information on who can apply, fields of study covered, how to apply online, and closing dates, giving you everything you need to secure your future in the accounting profession.