Royal Bafokeng Holdings Opens 2026 Bursary Applications

Royal Bafokeng Holdings invites unemployed South African youth to apply for the 2026 CA Bursary to study Accounting Sciences at SAICA-accredited public universities. Applications close 2 January 2026.

Royal Bafokeng Holdings Opens 2026 CA Bursary Applications for Aspiring Chartered Accountants

Royal Bafokeng Holdings (RBH) has officially opened applications for its 2026 CA Bursary, offering academic funding to eligible South African students who aspire to pursue a career as Chartered Accountants (CA). Through the RBH Bursary Fund, the organisation continues its commitment to developing scarce and critical skills while empowering young people through access to quality higher education.

The bursary supports studies in Accounting Sciences (CA stream) at SAICA-recognised and registered public universities in South Africa. Applications for the 2026 academic year close on 02 January 2026, and eligible candidates are encouraged to apply early.

About the Royal Bafokeng Holdings Bursary Fund

Royal Bafokeng Holdings is known for its long-term approach to economic development, skills investment, and sustainable growth. Education and talent development are central to RBH’s strategy, with bursaries playing a key role in building future professionals who can contribute meaningfully to South Africa’s economy.

The RBH CA Bursary is specifically designed to support students entering the Chartered Accountant pathway—one of the country’s most demanding and highly regarded professional streams. By focusing on first-year students, RBH aims to support learners from the very start of their academic journey.

Who the Bursary Is For

The 2026 RBH CA Bursary is targeted at unemployed South African youth who demonstrate strong academic potential and a clear commitment to pursuing a CA qualification.

Applicants must meet all of the following eligibility requirements:

Be a South African citizen
Be an unemployed youth
Have applied to study at a SAICA-recognised public South African university
Intend to study Accounting Sciences (Chartered Accountant stream)
Be entering first year of study in 2026
Not be in receipt of any other bursary or funding, including NSFAS

This strict eligibility ensures that the bursary reaches students who have limited access to alternative funding sources.

Minimum Academic Requirements

Given the academic intensity of the Chartered Accountant pathway, RBH has set clear minimum subject requirements. Applicants must have achieved at least the following results:

Mathematics: Level 5 or higher
(Mathematical Literacy and Technical Mathematics are not accepted)
English: Level 5 or higher
Accounting: Level 5 or higher

These requirements reflect the strong quantitative, analytical, and language skills needed to succeed in Accounting Sciences and progress toward CA(SA) qualification.

Field of Study Supported

The bursary is strictly limited to the Accounting Sciences (CA stream) at public universities that are recognised and registered by SAICA. This ensures that funded students are enrolled in programmes that meet professional accreditation standards and allow progression toward the Chartered Accountant designation.

The bursary does not cover other accounting-related qualifications outside the CA stream.

Why the CA Bursary Matters

Chartered Accountants play a critical role in financial management, governance, auditing, and strategic decision-making across both public and private sectors. However, the cost of tertiary education remains a major barrier for many capable students.

By offering this bursary, Royal Bafokeng Holdings helps:

Reduce financial barriers to higher education
Support transformation within the accounting profession
Develop scarce professional skills in South Africa
Enable academically strong students to focus on their studies

The bursary is not just a financial investment, but a long-term investment in leadership, ethics, and professional excellence.

Application Timeline and Closing Date

All applications for the 2026 RBH CA Bursary must be submitted by:

📅 Closing Date: 02 January 2026

Late or incomplete applications may not be considered, so applicants are encouraged to prepare all required information well in advance.

Final Thoughts

The Royal Bafokeng Holdings CA Bursary represents a valuable opportunity for academically strong, unemployed South African youth who aspire to become Chartered Accountants. With its focus on first-year students, SAICA-accredited programmes, and strict academic standards, the bursary is designed to support excellence from the outset.

Students who meet the eligibility criteria and are committed to pursuing Accounting Sciences in 2026 are encouraged to apply before the closing date and take a significant step toward a professional career in accounting and finance.