Applications will soon open for a fully funded bursary opportunity aimed at students pursuing Chartered Accountancy, with BDO South Africa offering financial support and career development through its Thrive Bursary Programme for the 2027 academic year.
About BDO South Africa
BDO South Africa is part of the global BDO network, which provides audit, tax, advisory, and business services in many countries.
The firm works with both private companies and public sector organisations, helping them manage finances and improve business performance.
It is also one of the approved training offices for Chartered Accountants in South Africa.
Purpose of the BDO Bursary
The BDO bursary programme is designed to support students who want to qualify as Chartered Accountants.
The company uses the bursary to invest in future professionals who may later complete their training within the firm.
It also aims to reduce financial barriers for talented students who have strong academic results.
Type of Bursary Offered
BDO offers two main types of bursaries under its Thrive programme.
- Merit bursary based on strong academic performance.
- Merit bursary with financial need based on both grades and financial background.
The bursary may be full or partial depending on the student’s performance and circumstances.
Successful applicants are usually required to complete their training contract with BDO after graduating.
What the BDO Bursary Covers
The bursary provides financial assistance to help students complete their accounting studies.
It may include the following:
- Tuition fees
- Prescribed textbooks
- Additional support depending on need
The exact funding level depends on academic results and financial need.
BDO Bursary Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet strict academic and general requirements before applying.
General requirements include:
- You must be a South African citizen.
- You must study towards a Chartered Accountant qualification.
- You must be studying at a SAICA accredited university.
Academic requirements depend on your study level:
- Second and third year students must have at least 70 to 80% average depending on bursary type.
- Fourth year students must have at least 65 to 75% average.
- CTA or PGDA students must have at least 60 to 70% average.
Students applying for the financial need bursary must also provide proof of financial need.
Preferred Candidate Profile
BDO looks for students who are committed to becoming Chartered Accountants.
They prefer candidates who show strong academic discipline and consistent performance.
Students must also demonstrate a willingness to learn and a clear passion for accounting.
Good communication skills and a positive attitude are also important during selection.
Required Documents
Applicants must submit clear supporting documents when applying.
These include:
- Certified copy of ID
- Full academic record
- Proof of household income or financial need
- Motivational letter
All documents must be submitted together with the online application.
Missing documents may result in the application being rejected.
Application Timeline and Deadline
The closing date for the BDO bursary is not always fixed and may change each year.
Students are advised to apply as early as possible once applications open.
Late applications are usually not considered.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through the official BDO careers platform.
You must follow these steps:
- Visit the official application portal
- Complete the online application form
- Upload all required documents
- Submit your application before the deadline
Make sure all information is correct before submitting your application.
Contact Details
For more information about the bursary, you can contact BDO South Africa directly:
- Email: bursaries@bdo.co.za
- Phone: 011 488 1700
- Contact page: www.bdo.co.za/en-za/contact
