The Ernst And Young (EY) 2026 CA STREAM Bursary Opportunity For Aspiring Chartered Accountants In South Africa

About the Ernst and Young (EY) 2026 CA STREAM Bursary

The Ernst and Young (EY) 2026 CA STREAM Bursary is an exceptional opportunity for young South Africans who dream of becoming Chartered Accountants. EY, one of the world’s leading professional services firms, is dedicated to transforming and strengthening the Chartered Accountancy profession in South Africa by investing in promising talent early. Through this bursary, EY supports exceptional learners from matric through university, ensuring they have the academic, financial, and professional backing needed to qualify as Chartered Accountants.

Recipients of this bursary not only receive financial support but also gain a pathway to valuable professional experience. In exchange for the bursary, students are required to complete their training contract at EY (a minimum of three years), guaranteeing exposure to world-class mentorship and practical learning.

Eligible Fields

The Ernst and Young (EY) 2026 CA STREAM Bursary is strictly for students pursuing a Chartered Accountancy qualification. Applicants must be enrolled in or planning to enroll in a degree program accredited by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA). Fields of study include, but are not limited to:

Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) in Accounting
Bachelor of Accounting (BAcc)
BCompt
Any other SAICA-accredited program leading toward the CA(SA) designation.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for this highly competitive Ernst and Young (EY) 2026 CA STREAM Bursary, applicants must meet the following requirements:

South African Citizenship: Applicants must hold a valid South African identity document.
Strong Academic Record: A minimum of four A’s (excluding Life Orientation) in matric results is mandatory.
Relevant Degree Program: Candidates must either be in matric intending to study toward a CA degree or already studying at a SAICA-accredited South African university.
Commitment to EY: Recipients must be willing to serve their training contract at EY for at least three years upon graduation.
Financial Need (for combined bursary): Students applying for the Academic Merit with Financial Need Bursary must demonstrate financial constraints that hinder their education.

Selection Criteria

EY looks for more than just academic excellence. The ideal candidate must:

Demonstrate a passion for the accounting profession.
Show resilience, leadership potential, and integrity.
Be committed to professional and personal growth.
Have the drive to complete the rigorous CA qualification journey successfully.

Academic performance remains a primary consideration, but EY also values well-rounded individuals who are prepared to make a meaningful impact in the profession and the firm.

Eligible Countries

This bursary is exclusively available to citizens and permanent residents of South Africa who meet the specified requirements.

Documents Required

Applicants will typically need to submit:

A certified copy of their South African ID.
A complete academic record (matric results or latest university transcript).
Proof of admission or enrollment at a SAICA-accredited university.
A comprehensive CV detailing achievements and extracurricular activities.
For financial need bursary applicants: documents proving financial circumstances (e.g., household income statement).

Benefits of the Ernst and Young (EY) 2026 CA STREAM Bursary

The EY bursary provides comprehensive support tailored to individual student needs:

Academic Merit Bursary: Covers part of the tuition fees for high-performing students.
Academic Merit with Financial Need Bursary: May cover a combination of tuition, accommodation, meals, and books, depending on the student’s financial situation.
Guaranteed Training Contract: A minimum three-year training contract at EY after graduation, giving recipients an opportunity to work in a global professional environment.
Mentorship and Career Development: Access to EY’s network of Chartered Accountants, industry leaders, and training programs.

How to Apply

Prepare all supporting documents, including your certified ID, academic transcripts, and proof of enrollment.
Visit EY’s official application portal to complete the online application.
Clearly indicate whether you are applying for the Academic Merit Bursary or the Academic Merit with Financial Need Bursary.
Submit your application on or before October 31, 2025.
Shortlisted candidates may be contacted for interviews or additional documentation.

Final Thoughts

The Ernst and Young (EY) 2026 CA STREAM Bursary is more than just financial support—it’s a career-defining investment in your future. By becoming part of EY, you will gain world-class experience, professional mentorship, and the tools to qualify as a Chartered Accountant in one of the world’s most respected firms. If you are academically driven, passionate about accounting, and ready to work hard, this bursary can open doors to limitless opportunities.

Do not let financial barriers hold you back. Take the first step today and apply before the October 31, 2025 deadline. EY is waiting to help you unlock your potential and lead in the world of accounting.