The KPMG Bursary 2027 is open to students pursuing a full-time SAICA-recognised qualification and working towards becoming Chartered Accountants [CA(SA)]. KPMG South Africa offers two bursary options, allowing academically strong students to be considered either on academic merit or on a combination of academic performance and financial need.
The bursary is specifically designed for students following the Chartered Accountancy pathway rather than students pursuing accounting or business qualifications generally. Applicants should therefore make sure that their degree is recognised by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) and that they meet the academic requirements for their current level of study.
KPMG’s official bursary information confirms that applications are currently open. Its published bursary requirements state that applications open annually between 15 September and 30 November.
KPMG Bursary 2027 Overview
| Bursary Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | KPMG South Africa |
| Programme | KPMG Bursary Programme |
| Academic Year | 2027 |
| Career Path | Chartered Accountancy – CA(SA) |
| Qualification | SAICA-recognised degree |
| Study Mode | Full-time |
| Bursary Options | Pure Merit and Merit with Financial Need |
| Application Method | Online |
| Application Period | 15 September – 30 November |
| Application Status | Open |
The programme is intended for students committed to the CA(SA) route. A qualification containing accounting modules does not automatically meet the bursary requirements; applicants must be studying towards a SAICA-recognised degree.
Two KPMG Bursary Options
KPMG offers two bursary options. Both require students to satisfy the programme’s academic and study requirements, but financial need distinguishes the two funding routes.
Pure Merit Bursary
The Pure Merit Bursary is based on academic performance. Applicants must be studying full-time towards a SAICA-recognised degree and must complete their qualification within the minimum prescribed number of years.
For example, a student may not split a one-year course over two years and still meet the programme’s normal progression requirement.
Merit Bursary With Financial Need
The Merit Bursary with Financial Need is intended for academically strong students who also require financial assistance to complete their studies.
The same requirements regarding a SAICA-recognised degree, full-time study and academic progression apply. However, applicants being considered on the basis of financial need must provide additional household financial information.
KPMG determines which bursary option a successful applicant receives and the amount awarded. Continued funding in subsequent years depends on satisfactory academic progress and the availability of funds.
Who Can Apply for the KPMG Bursary?
The programme is intended for students pursuing the academic pathway towards becoming Chartered Accountants.
Applicants must:
- study towards a SAICA-recognised degree;
- study on a full-time basis;
- complete the qualification within the minimum prescribed number of years;
- meet the academic requirements applicable to their current year of study; and
- provide the supporting documents required for their application.
Students should confirm that their university programme meets the SAICA requirement before applying. This is particularly important for applicants studying accounting-related qualifications that may not form part of the recognised CA(SA) pathway.
Check the KPMG Bursary requirements
Academic Requirements
KPMG sets different minimum academic requirements depending on the applicant’s current level of study.
| Academic Level | Minimum Requirement |
|---|---|
| Grade 12 | 4 distinctions excluding Life Orientation and proof of registration towards BCom CA(SA) |
| First Year | 65% average and 70% Accounting |
| Second Year | 65% average and 65% Accounting |
| Third Year | 60% average and 60% Accounting |
| Honours / CTA | 50% average and 55% Accounting |
These thresholds are contained in KPMG’s published bursary requirements.
Students should regard these figures as minimum requirements rather than guaranteed selection thresholds. Meeting the required academic marks means an applicant satisfies that part of the eligibility criteria, but it does not guarantee that funding will be awarded.
Can Grade 12 Learners Apply?
KPMG publishes requirements for Grade 12 applicants, including four distinctions excluding Life Orientation and proof of registration towards a BCom CA(SA) qualification.
Learners should therefore pay attention to the stage at which university registration documentation is required. They should also make sure that the programme they intend to study is recognised by SAICA rather than selecting a general accounting qualification without checking its accreditation.
Documents Required
Supporting documents allow KPMG to assess an applicant’s academic eligibility and determine which of the two bursary options may be appropriate.
University students may need documents such as:
- identity document;
- Matric certificate;
- latest academic record;
- proof of registration; and
- updated university fee statement.
Applicants being considered for the Merit Bursary with Financial Need may also need financial documents relating to their parents or guardians, including payslips, bank statements and other evidence of household circumstances.
Where a parent or guardian is unemployed, absent, deceased or does not have a bank account, supporting affidavits or other relevant documentation may be required.
Applicants should upload all documents requested by the application system. Completing the online application and providing the required supporting documents are prerequisites for an application to be considered.
What Does the KPMG Bursary Cover?
KPMG does not advertise one fixed bursary amount that applies to every successful applicant.
Instead, KPMG determines the bursary option and the amount awarded to an individual recipient. Applicants should therefore be cautious about relying on unofficial claims that every recipient automatically receives a particular amount or an identical package of benefits.
Students selected for funding should refer to their individual bursary agreement for the exact expenses covered, conditions attached to the award and any obligations they are required to fulfil.
Continued funding in later academic years is also subject to satisfactory academic progress and the availability of funds.
KPMG Training Contract Requirement
An important condition of the programme is its connection to KPMG’s Chartered Accountancy training pathway.
KPMG states that a bursary contract is subject to the recipient entering into a learnership or training contract with KPMG. The training contract begins after the student has completed the required studies at a SAICA-accredited university and obtained the relevant CTA/GDA qualification.
Students should understand this condition before accepting an award. The programme is designed for students who intend to continue along the CA(SA) professional pathway and undertake their required professional training with KPMG.
Applicants who want to understand the professional pathway can read more about KPMG Graduate Opportunities.
How to Apply for the KPMG Bursary 2027
Applications are completed online through KPMG South Africa. The official bursary platform provides application options for both the Pure Merit Bursary and the Merit Bursary with Financial Need.
Applicants should first check that they satisfy the requirements and prepare the documents relevant to their current academic level and financial circumstances.
To apply:
- Confirm that your qualification is recognised by SAICA.
- Check the academic requirements for your current year of study.
- Prepare your identity, academic and university documents.
- Prepare household financial documents if financial need applies.
- Complete the KPMG training-contract process where required.
- Open the bursary application platform.
- Select the appropriate bursary option.
- Complete all required sections of the application.
- Upload the requested supporting documents.
- Check the application carefully before submitting it.
Apply for the KPMG Bursary 2027
Check Your Qualification Before Applying
One of the easiest mistakes applicants can make is assuming that every accounting qualification qualifies for the programme.
KPMG specifically requires applicants to study towards a SAICA-recognised degree. Students pursuing other finance, accounting, business or commerce qualifications should therefore check their programme before completing the bursary application.
This is particularly important because universities offer several qualifications containing accounting subjects, but not all of them provide the recognised academic pathway towards qualifying as a CA(SA).
Applicants who are uncertain should confirm their programme’s accreditation before submitting an application.
KPMG Bursary 2027 Application Period
KPMG’s official bursary information confirms that applications are open. Its published requirements state that the annual bursary application period runs between:
15 September and 30 November
Applicants should avoid leaving their submissions until the end of the application period. Preparing academic records, registration documents and household financial information can take time, particularly for applicants seeking consideration under the Merit Bursary with Financial Need.
The official application platform should be checked for any additional instructions affecting the current application cycle.
Important Things to Check Before Submitting
Applicants should review their application carefully before submitting it. Missing academic records, incorrect contact details or incomplete financial documentation can prevent an application from being properly assessed.
Before submitting, check that:
- your qualification is SAICA recognised;
- your academic results meet the applicable minimum requirement;
- all required sections are complete;
- your academic documents are current and readable;
- proof of registration is included where required;
- financial documents are supplied where applicable; and
- your contact details are correct.
Applicants should retain copies of their application and supporting documents. Questions relating to the bursary process can be directed to KPMG’s bursary support team at Bursarysupport@kpmg.co.za.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the KPMG Bursary 2027?
The KPMG Bursary 2027 is an education-funding programme for students pursuing full-time SAICA-recognised studies and working towards the Chartered Accountant [CA(SA)] qualification.
What bursary options does KPMG offer?
KPMG offers a Pure Merit Bursary based on academic performance and a Merit Bursary with Financial Need for academically strong students who also require financial assistance.
Can Grade 12 learners apply?
KPMG publishes requirements for Grade 12 applicants, including four distinctions excluding Life Orientation and proof of registration towards a BCom CA(SA) qualification.
Can first-year university students apply?
Yes. First-year applicants need a minimum overall average of 65% and at least 70% for Accounting.
Can second-year students apply?
Yes. The published second-year requirement is a minimum 65% overall average and 65% for Accounting.
Can third-year students apply?
Yes. Third-year applicants need at least a 60% overall average and 60% for Accounting.
Can Honours or CTA students apply?
Yes. KPMG includes Honours/CTA students in its bursary requirements, with a published minimum of a 50% overall average and 55% for Accounting.
Does KPMG fund every accounting degree?
No. Applicants must be studying a SAICA-recognised degree on a full-time basis.
Is there a work obligation after receiving the bursary?
Yes. The bursary contract is subject to the recipient entering into a learnership or training contract with KPMG after completing the required studies and obtaining the relevant CTA/GDA qualification.
Where can I apply?
Applications are completed online through KPMG’s bursary platform. Applicants should select the bursary option appropriate to their circumstances and complete all required application steps.
Apply for the KPMG Bursary 2027
The KPMG Bursary 2027 provides an education-funding opportunity for students committed to pursuing the Chartered Accountancy profession. With separate Pure Merit and Merit with Financial Need options, the programme allows academic performance and financial circumstances to be considered where appropriate.
Before applying, students should confirm that their qualification is recognised by SAICA, check the academic requirements for their current level of study and prepare all required supporting documents. Applicants should also understand the training-contract condition attached to the programme before accepting a bursary award.
Applications are currently open, and eligible students should complete the application process while the current bursary cycle remains open.