The SAIPA Scholarship is a fully funded opportunity offered by the South African Institute of Professional Accountants for students who want to study accounting but cannot afford university costs, with full financial support for a BCom Accounting degree.
About the South African Institute of Professional Accountants (SAIPA)
The South African Institute of Professional Accountants is a recognised professional body that develops and regulates Professional Accountants in South Africa.
It focuses on education, training, and professional standards within the accounting sector.
The institute plays a major role in building the country’s accounting workforce through structured training and scholarship programmes.
Purpose of the SAIPA scholarship programme
The scholarship is designed to support academically strong students from low-income households who want to study accounting.
It aims to increase access to higher education and grow the number of qualified accountants in South Africa.
It also helps remove financial barriers so students can focus on their studies and complete their degrees successfully.
Type of scholarship funding offered
The SAIPA scholarship is a full-cost undergraduate funding programme.
It supports full-time study towards a BCom Accounting degree or an equivalent qualification at a recognised public university.
Only a small number of students are selected each year, usually around five nationwide.
What the scholarship covers
The scholarship provides full financial support to selected students.
It covers the following:
- Full tuition fees
- Prescribed textbooks
- Accommodation where needed
- Monthly living allowance
This ensures that students can focus fully on their academic work.
Eligibility criteria
Applicants must meet all the following requirements:
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must be in Matric or have completed Matric within the last two years
- Must intend to study full-time towards a BCom Accounting degree
- Must be accepted at a recognised public university
- Must have strong academic results, especially in Mathematics and English
- Must demonstrate financial need
Applications that do not meet all requirements will not be considered.
The type of candidates SAIPA is looking for
SAIPA looks for students who show strong academic ability and commitment to accounting.
Preference is given to candidates who:
- Come from financially disadvantaged backgrounds
- Show potential to succeed in the accounting profession
- Are motivated to complete their degree and qualify as professional accountants
Shortlisted candidates may be required to complete assessments and attend interviews.
Required documents for application
Applicants must submit the following documents:
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Matric results or certificate
- Proof of university acceptance
- Parents or guardians ID documents
- Motivational letter
- Recommendation letters
Incomplete applications may be rejected.
Application timelines and deadlines
The last confirmed application cycle opened on 10 December 2025.
The closing date has already passed (15 January 2026).
The official closing date for the 2027 intake has not yet been announced.
Applicants should expect a similar timeline, with applications likely opening in December 2026 and closing in January 2027 based on previous cycles.
Application process and how to apply
Applications are submitted via email and do not require an online form.
Follow these steps:
- Prepare all required certified documents
- Send your application to the official SAIPA scholarship email
- Use the subject line “SAIPA Scholarship 2027”
- Attach all required documents clearly
- Submit before the closing date
There is no online portal for this application.
Official contact details
Applicants can contact SAIPA directly using the details below:
- Email: scholarship@saipa.co.za
Students should always confirm application details through official SAIPA communication before applying.
