The EY(previously known as Ernst & Young, until it underwent re-branding in 2013) has opened its 2026 year-round bursary program and they are inviting all applicants to apply now. All interested applicants should apply using the details below.
Chartered Accountancy degree students to apply for one of their bursary programmes. EY bursaries include the following:
1) The Academic Merit Bursary: for students with a strong academic record. This bursary will provide cover for a portion of tuition fees.
2) The Academic Merit with Financial Need Bursary: for students with a strong academic record AND in financial need. This bursary will provide cover for some or all of tuition fees, accommodation, books and meals.
MORE ABOUT THE BURSARY PROGRAMME – SERVICE CONTRACT & SELECTION
Once students have completed their qualification, they will be required to work for EY, for the duration of the training contract (for a minimum of 3 years).
All applications will be reviewed by an EY recruiter and bursary coordinator – if you meet the bursary academic criteria, they will contact you for a virtual video interview (find EY interview tips here: https://www.ey.com/en_za/careers/interview-tips). If your interview is successful, you will be offered at training contract and then a bursary agreement.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying (please note that failure to satisfy all the requirements will lead to your application not being considered):
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must be currently in Matric or have completed Matric
- Must have a strong academic record
- Must be studying or registered to study towards a Chartered Accountancy degree qualification (3 to 4 years) and an Accounting Honours/ Certificate in Theory in Accounting (CTA) (1 year)
- Must be studying or accepted to study at one of the following SAICA (South African Institute of Chartered Accountants) accredited Universities: University of Witwatersrand/ University of Johannesburg/ University of Pretoria/ Rhodes University/ University of Cape Town/ University of Western Cape/ University of Stellenbosch/ University of Free State/ North West University/ University of KwaZulu-Natal/ University of Fort Hare/ University of Limpopo/ University of Zululand/ University of Venda/ Walter Sisulu University/ UNISA/ Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University/ Monash (IIE MSA)/ Institute of Accounting Science
- Must have achieved a minimum of 4 A’s in Matric (excluding Life Orientation)
- Must have strong accounting skills
- Must have the ability to build relationships
- Academic Merit with Financial Need Bursary: must have proven financial need
HOW TO APPLY FOR THE BURSARY
Applications must be done online here: EY Bursary Application
(Reference number: JOH002YS)
Submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation along with your online application (the submission of these documents is compulsory – if any items are missing, your application be disregarded):
- ID document (certified copy)
- Grade 11 final academic report or transcript (certified copy)
- Latest fee quote from University (on letterhead)
- Proof of University registration (on letterhead)
- Curriculum Vitae
- Motivational letter to support your application
- Academic Merit with Financial Need Bursary: proof of household income
CLOSING DATE
None – applications are open throughout the year.
(Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted – please apply before the closing date to ensure your application is considered.)
CONTACT THE BURSARY PROVIDER
For any queries related to this bursary programme, please contact EY directly via their contact form: https://www.ey.com/en_za/connect-with-us
Need Information or Confused about Something ?
Ask a QuestionRelated Resources
Sponsored Guide
Complete Guide to NSFAS Online Loan Application for South African Students (2025)
If you are a South African student looking to pursue higher education but are facing financial difficulties, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is one of the most accessible funding options available. NSFAS provides financial aid in the form of bursaries and loans to qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the NSFAS loan application process, from eligibility requirements to application steps and frequently asked questions.
📌 What is NSFAS?
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded financial aid scheme aimed at helping students from low- and middle-income households to access tertiary education without the burden of upfront fees.
NSFAS offers both bursaries and income-contingent loans:
- Bursaries: For eligible students who meet academic and household income criteria (especially for TVET and university students).
- Loans: For students who do not meet all bursary criteria or who are pursuing postgraduate qualifications not funded under bursary schemes.
✅ Who Qualifies for an NSFAS Loan?
To qualify for an NSFAS loan (especially for postgraduate students or programs not funded under the bursary system), you must:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Be financially needy, with a household income of less than R350,000 per year.
- Have a valid South African ID.
- Be enrolled or accepted to study at a public university or TVET college.
- Not be funded through another bursary program that covers all expenses.
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress (returning students).
📚 Courses Funded by NSFAS
NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate qualifications, but certain postgraduate programs (e.g., PGCE, postgraduate diplomas in education, and professional courses like LLB) may be considered under the NSFAS loan scheme, not bursaries.
If you’re studying:
- Undergraduate degree or diploma: You are likely eligible for a full NSFAS bursary.
- Postgraduate study: You may qualify for a loan, depending on the course and funding availability.
📄 Required Documents for NSFAS Application
When applying, make sure you have the following documents scanned and ready:
- Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
- Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
- Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
- Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
- Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
- Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).
🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online
Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)
-
Visit the NSFAS Website
Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za
-
Create an Account
- Click on “MyNSFAS” and register your profile.
- You’ll need a valid email address and South African cellphone number.
- Choose a strong password and verify your account via email or SMS.
-
Login and Start the Application
- After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
- Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.
-
Fill in Your Personal Details
- Input your ID number, name, surname, and other details exactly as they appear on your ID.
- Provide household income information and living arrangements.
-
Upload Required Documents
- Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
- Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.
-
Submit Your Application
- Review your application for accuracy.
- Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.
-
Track Your Application
- Log in regularly to check your application status.
- You will be notified via SMS and email at each stage of the process.
🗓️ Important NSFAS Dates (2025)
- Application Opening Date: September 1, 2025
- Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
- Appeals Period: February 2026 (if rejected)
- Disbursement: After registration and approval
Note: Dates are subject to change; always confirm on the official NSFAS website.
💸 What Does the NSFAS Loan Cover?
NSFAS funding typically includes:
- Tuition fees
- Registration fees
- Accommodation (if living away from home)
- Meals and transport
- Learning materials (e.g., textbooks)
For loans, repayment is only required once you start working and earn above a threshold (around R30,000 annually, but subject to change).
🔄 NSFAS Loan Repayment
Repayments are:
- Income-contingent – you only repay when you can afford to.
- Administered by DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training).
- Interest-bearing, but interest rates are low and favorable.
You can also apply for a partial loan conversion to a bursary if you perform well academically.
🔁 How to Appeal a Rejected NSFAS Application
If your application is rejected, you may submit an appeal via your MyNSFAS portal:
- Log into your MyNSFAS account.
- Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
- If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
- Upload any missing or corrected documents.
- Provide a clear explanation or motivation.
📱 NSFAS Contact Information
- Website: https://www.nsfas.org.za
- Email: info@nsfas.org.za
- Toll-Free Number: 08000 67327 (Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM)
- Twitter: @myNSFAS
- Facebook: NSFAS
📝 Final Tips Before Applying
- Apply early to avoid system overload near the deadline.
- Use your own email and cellphone number (do not use someone else’s).
- Double-check that all your documents are certified and legible.
- Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for reference.
By following this guide, you can confidently apply for NSFAS funding and move one step closer to achieving your academic and career dreams—without the burden of immediate financial pressure.