BECOMING A CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT (CA) IN SOUTH AFRICA


 📚 YOUR GO-TO GUIDE

"A dream written down becomes a goal. A goal broken into steps becomes a plan. A plan backed by action becomes reality."

  • Let’s turn your dream of becoming a CA into your reality!

1. What Does a Chartered Accountant (CA) Do?

✅ Manages money for businesses, big and small.
✅ Audits companies to make sure they are financially honest.
✅ Gives professional financial advice.
✅ Helps CEOs and governments make powerful decisions.
✅ Earns an excellent salary, with high respect worldwide!



2. Subjects You Need in School (Grade 10–12)

Make sure you choose these subjects:

  • Mathematics (Core – not Mathematical Literacy) — Essential!
  • Accounting (Highly recommended, but not compulsory)
  • English (Strong language skills are important for communication.) 

🎯 Tip: Even if you didn’t take Accounting, you can still apply if your Maths marks are strong!


3. Pathway After Matric: How to Become a CA(SA)

StepWhat You DoHow Long?
1️⃣Study a BCom Accounting / CA-stream degree3 years
2️⃣Complete a Certificate in the Theory of Accounting (CTA)1 year
3️⃣Complete a Training Contract ("Articles") at an accredited company3 years
4️⃣Pass two qualifying board exams (ITC and APC)During your articles


🌟 After you pass everything, you earn the title CA(SA) = Chartered Accountant (South Africa)!


4. Top Universities to Study Accounting (CA Stream)

UniversityCourse
University of Cape Town (UCT)BCom Accounting
University of Witwatersrand (Wits)BAccSci
University of Pretoria (UP)BCom Accounting Sciences
Stellenbosch UniversityBAcc
University of Johannesburg (UJ)BCom Accounting
University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)BCom Accounting
North-West University (NWU)BCom Chartered Accountancy
Rhodes UniversityBCom Accounting


🎯 Important:
Make sure the degree is SAICA-accredited (South African Institute of Chartered Accountants) if you want to become a CA.


5. How to Apply for Scholarships / Bursaries

Here are powerful bursaries that help future CAs:

BursaryLink
Thuthuka Bursary Fund (for future CAs)Apply here
SAICA BursaryApply here
FASSET Bursary (Finance and Accounting Services SETA)Apply here
PwC Bursary (for accounting students)Apply here
Deloitte BursaryApply here
EY (Ernst & Young) BursaryApply here

 

📢 Tip: Thuthuka is one of the BEST bursaries — it covers fees, accommodation, and support if you are a black South African student from a financially needy background!


6. Step-by-Step Career Plan

🎯 Grade 10–12:

  • Work hard on Maths!
  • Aim for 60%+ for university entrance and 70%+ for bursaries.
  • Get involved in leadership activities — it builds your CV.

🎯 Grade 12:

  • Apply to at least 3 universities and 3 bursaries.
  • Get familiar with basic financial terms (watch YouTube videos about Accounting/Business).

🎯 University:

  • Focus on your BCom/Accounting Degree.
  • Build connections by joining accounting societies and clubs.
  • Start thinking about where you want to do your articles (KPMG, PwC, Deloitte, EY, etc.)

🎯 Postgraduate:

  • After your degree, do your CTA year (Certificate in Theory of Accounting).
  • It’s tough — but absolutely necessary!

🎯 Training & Board Exams:

  • Do 3 years of training while working.
  • Pass your ITC and APC exams.
  • Then you can finally call yourself a CA(SA)!


7. Real Motivation: Why You Should Start Today

✔️ Chartered Accountants are among the Top 5 highest-paid professionals in South Africa.
✔️ 80% of CFOs (Chief Financial Officers) in JSE-listed companies are CAs(SA).
✔️ Once you qualify, you can work in any industry — finance, mining, health, tech, even start your own business!
✔️ It’s not about being the smartest — it's about being committed and disciplined.


8. Recommended FREE Resources to Start Learning Now

 

"Success doesn't come from what you do occasionally, it comes from what you do consistently."

Becoming a CA(SA) is a journey of discipline, patience, and excellence.
You don’t have to be rich. You don’t have to be a genius. You just have to start — and never stop pushing yourself!

🎯 Your first step?
Open a university application today. Apply for one bursary today.
Small steps create a BIG life.

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