BDO is a globally recognized professional services firm with a presence in over 150 countries.
Founded in 1963 and headquartered in Belgium, BDO boasts a team of more than 50,000 employees and generates an annual revenue exceeding USD 7 billion.
Within South Africa, BDO South Africa Incorporated (formerly BDO Spencer Steward) is a leading provider of accounting, auditing, and business advisory services.
Recognizing the importance of fostering future talent, BDO South Africa offers a bursary program to assist deserving students in pursuing their Chartered Accountancy qualifications.
About the BDO South Africa Incorporated Bursary
The BDO South Africa Incorporated Bursary supports South African students pursuing a Chartered Accountancy qualification with a focus on accounting and auditing.
The bursary offers financial assistance to cover all or part of a student’s academic fees and a textbook allowance.
The specific value of the bursary varies depending on the BDO SA firm awarding it.
This bursary is conditional and requires recipients to maintain a passing academic record for renewal.
In exchange for the bursary support, successful applicants are expected to work for BDO SA for a period equal to the duration of the bursary.
Additionally, BDO SA may require recipients to participate in vacation work programs.
BDO South Africa Incorporated Bursary Eligibility Criteria
Before applying, ensure you meet the following minimum requirements:
- South African Citizenship: You must be a South African citizen.
- Matriculation: You must be either currently enrolled in Matric (Grade 12) or have already completed it.
- Chartered Accountancy Program: You must be studying or planning to study towards a Chartered Accountancy qualification with a major in auditing and accounting.
- SAICA Accredited University: Your chosen university must offer a SAICA-accredited program leading to an Honours or CTA (Certificate in Theory of Accounting) qualification.
- No Conflicting Financial Aid: You cannot be receiving any other bursary, scholarship, or financial aid that comes with post-graduation employment obligations.
- Training Contract Freedom: You must not be obligated to complete a training contract with another professional services firm.
In addition to the above, you will also need to meet specific academic performance criteria depending on your application category (Matric student or University student) and whether you are applying for a full or half bursary.
BDO South Africa Incorporated Bursary Application Requirements
Applications for the BDO South Africa Incorporated Bursary are submitted exclusively online through the BDO website.
Along with your completed application form, you must submit clear copies of the following documents:
- Certified copy of your South African ID document
- Certified copy of your Matric certificate (if applicable)
- Latest Matric results (if currently enrolled in Matric)
- Full academic record from your tertiary institution (if currently enrolled)
BDO SA awards bursaries to students they believe have the strongest potential to qualify as Chartered Accountants.
This assessment considers both your academic record and a demonstrated financial need.
Remember, successful applicants will be expected to work at BDO SA for the duration of the bursary and may be required to participate in vacation work programs.
How to Contact
If you have any questions regarding the BDO South Africa Incorporated Bursary program, you can contact BDO directly:
- Telephone: 011 488 1700
- Fax: 011 488 1783
- Email: [email protected]
BDO South Africa Incorporated Bursary Closing Date
Please note that the application deadline for the BDO South Africa Incorporated Bursary in 2025 is yet to be announced.
However, this information can serve as a valuable resource for the upcoming application period.
I recommend checking the BDO website regularly for updates on the bursary program and the next application window.