KPMG Bursaries 2027: Chartered Accounting Students Can Apply for Funding

KPMG is inviting qualifying South African students to apply for its 2027 Bursary Programme. This opportunity is for students pursuing qualifications to become Chartered Accountants South Africa (CA(SA)). The application deadline is 30 October 2026.

Application Closing Date: 30 October 2026
Location: SAICA-accredited universities in South Africa
Programme Duration: Not specified
Stipend: Not specified
Minimum Qualification: SAICA-accredited Chartered Accounting qualification

About the KPMG Bursary Programme 2027

The KPMG Bursary Programme aims to support students on their journey to becoming Chartered Accountants. This programme is designed for individuals studying full-time at universities accredited by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA). KPMG offers two types of bursaries: a Pure Merit Bursary and a Merit Bursary with Financial Need.

Before applying for the bursary, candidates must first apply for a KPMG training contract. This contract is essential for gaining the practical experience required to qualify as a CA(SA).

About KPMG

KPMG is a global network of professional services firms offering audit, tax, and advisory services. In South Africa, KPMG is a leading firm committed to developing future accounting professionals. The company’s bursary programme reflects its dedication to nurturing talent within the accounting sector.

Fields of Study Covered

The bursary is open to students pursuing qualifications that lead to the Chartered Accountant South Africa designation. This includes:

• SAICA-accredited Chartered Accounting degrees.
• SAICA-accredited Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting.
• SAICA-accredited Accounting Sciences qualifications.
• Certificate in the Theory of Accounting (CTA).
• Postgraduate Diplomas in Accounting.
• Honours or CTA programmes recognised by SAICA.
• Other approved qualifications leading towards CA(SA) registration.

It is important for applicants to confirm that both their university and their specific academic programme are accredited by SAICA.

Types of KPMG Bursaries

KPMG provides two bursary options to cater to different student needs:

Pure Merit Bursary

This bursary is awarded primarily based on academic achievement. It is intended for high-performing students who may need financial assistance but not necessarily full funding for their studies. Applicants must show a consistently strong academic record from Matric through to university.

Merit Bursary with Financial Need

This bursary considers both academic performance and the applicant’s household financial circumstances. It is for students who would struggle to continue their education without financial support. Applicants need to provide detailed evidence of their household income, expenses, and financial needs.

KPMG will decide which bursary category is most suitable for each successful applicant.

Bursary Value and Duration

KPMG determines the value of the bursary, the specific expenses covered, and the duration of the award. The company also decides whether an applicant receives a Pure Merit or Financial Need bursary and if the funding will be renewed. Continued funding is dependent on maintaining satisfactory academic performance and the availability of bursary funds. The exact bursary amount has not been specified.

Training Contract Requirement

All bursary recipients are required to enter into a KPMG training contract after graduation. This contract provides the necessary practical workplace experience for the CA(SA) qualification pathway. Therefore, applicants must complete their KPMG training contract application before applying for the bursary.

General Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for the KPMG Bursary Programme, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be South African citizens.
• Have successfully completed Matric.
• Be studying full-time.
• Be pursuing a SAICA-accredited Chartered Accounting qualification.
• Be registered at a SAICA-accredited university.
• Possess a strong academic record.
• Complete their qualification within the minimum prescribed period.
• Meet the academic requirements for their current year of study.
• Have applied for a KPMG training contract.
• Submit all required supporting documents.

Applicants should not spread a one-year academic programme over two years unless officially permitted by KPMG.

Matric Academic Requirements

Applicants need to have achieved strong results in Matric. While the information states “A” symbols are required in Matric (excluding Life Orientation), the exact number of “A” symbols needed is not specified. Applicants should include their Matric certificate and ensure their overall academic performance is competitive.

First-Year Academic Requirements

Students who have completed their first year of study must have achieved:

• A minimum overall average of 65%.
• A minimum mark of 70% for Accounting.

Second-Year Academic Requirements

Students who have completed their second year of study must have achieved:

• A minimum overall average of 65%.
• A minimum mark of 65% for Accounting.

Third-Year Academic Requirements

Students who have completed their third year of study must have achieved:

• A minimum overall average of 60%.
• A minimum mark of 60% for Accounting.

Honours or CTA Academic Requirements

Students who have completed an Honours or CTA year must have achieved:

• A minimum overall average of 50%.
• A minimum mark of 55% for Accounting.

Applicants must also remain eligible to progress to the next academic level.

Minimum Study-Period Requirement

Applicants must be able to finish their degree within the minimum number of years set by the university. For instance, a one-year CTA or postgraduate programme should not be extended over two academic years without KPMG’s approval. Academic delays or repeating subjects can affect eligibility or continued funding.

Financial Need Requirements

Applicants applying for the Merit Bursary with Financial Need must show they would struggle to continue their studies without financial help. KPMG may review:

• Combined household income.
• Employment status of parents or guardians.
• Number of dependants.
• University fees.
• Accommodation and living expenses.
• Other bursary or financial support.
• Family financial obligations.

Applicants must provide complete and truthful financial information.

Documents Required

All applicants must submit the following documents:

• A certified copy of their South African identity document.
• A certified copy of their Matric certificate.
• A certified copy of their most recent academic record or transcript.
• Proof of university registration.
• An updated university fee statement.
• A comprehensive CV.
• Any additional documents requested on the application portal.

Missing documents may lead to the disqualification of an application.

Additional Documents for Financial-Need Applicants

Applicants applying for the Merit Bursary with Financial Need must also submit:

• Parents’ or guardians’ latest payslips, if employed.
• An affidavit if a parent or guardian is unemployed.
• Proof of pension or social grant income, if applicable.
• Three recent bank statements for parents or guardians.
• An affidavit if a parent or guardian does not have a bank account.
• An affidavit if parents or guardians are absent from the applicant’s life.
• A recent household utility bill.
• Any other evidence requested to assess household financial circumstances.

All submitted information must be truthful and supported by valid documents.

What to Include in Your CV

Your CV should clearly include:

• Full personal and contact details.
• Matric results.
• University and qualification details.
• Current year of study.
• Academic averages.
• Accounting marks.
• Leadership experience.
• Volunteer or community activities.
• Vacation work or job-shadowing experience.
• Awards and academic achievements.
• Computer and communication skills.

The CV should be professional, accurate, and focused on a career in Chartered Accounting.

How to Apply for the KPMG Bursary 2027

The application process involves three main steps:

Step 1: Apply for a KPMG Training Contract

First, applicants must apply for a KPMG training contract. After completing this application, applicants will receive a Taleo reference number from KPMG. This number is required for the bursary application.

Step 2: Complete the Online Bursary Application

Click here to apply for the KPMG Bursary 2027

Applicants need to:

1. Register an account on the KPMG student platform.
2. Log in to the application portal.
3. Select the 2027 bursary programme.
4. Enter the Taleo reference number from the training contract application.
5. Complete all compulsory sections.
6. Select the correct bursary category if prompted.
7. Upload all supporting documents.
8. Review and submit the application.

Step 3: Submit Supporting Documents

Ensure all academic, registration, and financial documents are uploaded before submitting the application. Documents should be clear, readable, correctly certified where needed, current, and saved in an accepted format. Double-check each uploaded document to confirm it is readable.

Bursary Application Closing Date

Applications close on 30 October 2026. Late or incomplete applications may not be considered. It is advisable to complete the training contract application early, as the Taleo reference number is needed to finalise the bursary application.

Important Application Advice

Before submitting your application, please confirm:

• You are a South African citizen.
• You have completed Matric.
• You are studying full-time.
• Your qualification and university are SAICA-accredited.
• You meet the academic requirements for your current year of study.
• You can complete the qualification within the minimum period.
• You have applied for a KPMG training contract.
• You have your Taleo reference number.
• Your academic record and fee statement are up to date.
• Your financial documents are attached, if applicable.
• Your application is submitted before 30 October 2026.

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