EY bursary

Open for applications Closes 30 September 2026

Study fields: Accounting

WHAT FIELDS OF STUDY DOES THE EY BURSARY COVER?

EY is inviting students to apply for their bursary programme, for the 2027 academic year.

2 types of bursaries will be awarded for studies towards a Chartered  Accounting degree studies:

  • Academic Merit with  Financial Need Bursary: for students with strong academic record and proven  financial need.
  • Academic Merit Bursary: for students with strong academic record only.

WHAT EXPENSES DOES THE EY BURSARY COVER?

The bursary will provide cover for the following expenses:

  • Academic Merit Bursary: it will cover a portion of the tuition fees only.
  • Academic Merit with Financial Need Bursary: it will cover one or more, or a combination of tuition fees, accommodation, books and meals.

WHAT IS THE OBLIGATION & SELECTION OF THE EY BURSARY?

Once students have completed their qualification, they will be required to work for EY, for the duration of the training contract (for a minimum of 3 years).

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for a virtual video interview. Candidates who pass the interview stage, you will be offered at training contract (if not already signed with EY), and thereafter a bursary agreement.

WHAT ARE THE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR THE EY BURSARY?

Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying (please note that failure to satisfy all the requirements will lead to your application not being considered):

EY Bursary Consulting
  • You must be a South African citizen
  • You must be currently in Matric or have completed Matric
  • You must have achieved a minimum of 4 A’s in Matric (excluding Life Orientation)
  • You must be studying or intend on studying towards a Chartered Accountancy degree qualification
  • You must be studying or intend on studying at one of the following SAICA (South African Institute of Chartered Accountants) accredited Universities: University of Witwatersrand/ University of Johannesburg/ University of Pretoria/ Rhodes University/ University of Cape Town/ University of Western Cape/ University of Stellenbosch/ University of Free State/ North West University/ University of KwaZulu-Natal/ University of Fort Hare/ University of Limpopo/ University of Zululand/ University of Venda/ Walter Sisulu University/ UNISA/ Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University/ Monash/ Institute of Accounting Science
  • You must have a strong academic record
  • You must have strong accounting skills
  • You must have proven financial need, if applying for the Academic Merit with Financial Need Bursary

HOW CAN I APPLY FOR THE EY BURSARY?

Applications must be submitted online at:

Education

Note: when applying, select ‘South Africa’ as your country option and all programmes will automatically be listed on the page.

WHAT DOCUMENTS MUST I SUBMIT FOR THE EY BURSARY?

Submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation along with your online application (the submission of these documents is compulsory – if any items are missing, your application may be disqualified):

Accounting Degree Info
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • ID document (certified copy)
  • Current Matric students:
    • Grade 11 final results (certified copy)
    • Matric term 1 and term 2 results (certified copy)
    • University Acceptance Letter
    • 2027 Fees Pro forma/ Invoice
  • Current University students:
    • Matric certificate (certified copy)
    • Full Academic record including 2026 mid-year results (certified copy)
    • Student’s 3 months bank statement
  • Parents or guardians proof of household income (latest payslips if employed/ affidavit if unemployed), if applying for the financial need bursary

Note: all documents must be combined into a single pdf document and submitted under the “Additional Optional Attachment” tab.

WHEN IS THE CLOSING DATE FOR THE EY BURSARY?

  • Current Matric students: 30 September 2026.
  • Current University students: 30 September 2026 (applications will open on 1 August 2026).

(Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted – please apply before the closing date to ensure your application is considered.)

HOW CAN I CONTACT THE BURSARY PROVIDER?

For any queries related to this bursary programme, please contact EY directly:
Contact page: https://www.ey.com/en_za/connect-with-us

WHAT DOES EY DO?

EY, formerly known as Ernst & Young, is one of the world’s leading professional services organisations and a member of the global “Big Four”  accounting firms. The company adopted the simplified EY brand in 2013, although its history stretches back more than 175 years through a series of predecessor firms. The modern organisation was established in 1989 following the merger of Ernst & Whinney and Arthur Young & Co.

Today, EY operates as a global network with a presence in more than 150 countries and territories, employing over 400,000 professionals who provide services to businesses, governments and non-profit organisations. Its multidisciplinary expertise spans assurance, consulting, strategy and transactions, tax, and a growing range of technology, sustainability and managed services that help organisations navigate an increasingly digital business environment.

EY serves clients across a wide variety of industries, including  financial services, energy, mining, manufacturing, technology, telecommunications, healthcare, life  sciences, consumer products, retail, real estate, infrastructure, government, automotive, and the public sector. Through its combination of industry knowledge, innovation and global reach, the firm supports organisations in improving performance, managing risk and creating long-term value.

 

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