EY Bursary Programme in South Africa 2025
The EY Bursary is a highly
sought-after financial assistance program in South Africa, designed to support
students pursuing education in specific fields. Ernst & Young, commonly
known as EY, is one of the leading professional services firms globally, offering
auditing, consulting, tax, and advisory services. EY has a significant presence
in South Africa and is committed to fostering talent through its bursary
program.
About
the Bursary Provider
Ernst & Young, commonly known as EY, is a global professional services firm with a strong presence in over 150 countries. As a leader in assurance, advisory, consulting, and tax services, EY plays a significant role in supporting businesses and fostering economic growth worldwide. The company is also known for its commitment to corporate social responsibility, which includes initiatives to support education and talent development. In South Africa, EY has a well-established bursary program designed to assist students pursuing degrees in disciplines relevant to the company's core services, such as accounting, finance, and business. This program reflects EY's dedication to nurturing the next generation of professionals by providing financial assistance to talented and deserving students.
The EY Bursary is part of the
firm's strategy to create a pipeline of skilled professionals who can
contribute to EY's success and the broader business community. By offering
bursaries to students, EY aims to ensure that financial barriers do not prevent
talented individuals from pursuing their academic and career goals. In addition
to supporting education, this program helps EY maintain a diverse and capable
workforce while contributing to the broader objectives of social and economic
development in South Africa.
Fields Covered
Bursaries are given to individuals
who show a strong commitment to becoming Chartered Accountants and have
academic records that suggest they have the capability to achieve this goal,
especially considering their financial need. In return for the bursary,
recipients are expected to work at EY for the length of their training
contract, which is at least three years.
Types of Bursaries Open for Application
The EY Bursary in South Africa
offers two distinct types of bursaries for applicants:
Academic Merit with Financial Need Bursary
This type of bursary is designed
for students who not only demonstrate exceptional academic performance but also
have a financial need. It's aimed at students who, despite their academic
achievements, might face financial barriers that could hinder their ability to
pursue higher education. The key aspects of this bursary are:
- Comprehensive Coverage: The bursary provides financial support
for a range of educational expenses. It can cover one or more of the following:
- Tuition Fees: A
significant portion or even the full amount of the university tuition fees.
- Accommodation: Financial
support for on-campus or off-campus housing costs.
- Books: Assistance with
purchasing textbooks and other academic materials.
- Meals: Coverage for meal
plans or daily food expenses.
Academic Merit Bursary
The Academic Merit Bursary
targets students with outstanding academic achievements. It does not
specifically require proof of financial need, focusing instead on rewarding
academic excellence. Here are the key aspects of this bursary:
- Partial Coverage: This bursary covers tuition fees. While it does not usually extend to accommodation, books, or
meals, it provides substantial assistance in reducing the financial burden of
tuition.
Eligibility Requirements for the Bursary
- Citizenship and Identification: You must be a South African
citizen with a valid South African ID.
- Academic Performance: A minimum academic record showing at least
four A’s, excluding Life Orientation, is required.
- Education Path: You should be pursuing a degree relevant to
Chartered Accountancy, which typically involves three to four years of study,
followed by an Accounting Honours/Certificate in Theory in Accounting (CTA).
- University Enrolment: You must be enrolled in or accepted by a
university accredited by SAICA (South African Institute of Chartered
Accountants).
Below is a list of SAICA-accredited universities:
- University of Cape Town
- University of Stellenbosch
- University of KwaZulu-Natal
- University of the Witwatersrand
- University of the Free State
- University of the Western Cape
- Walter Sisulu University
- University of Johannesburg
- Rhodes University
- University of Limpopo
- University of Pretoria
- UNISA
- Monash University
- University of Fort Hare
- University of Zululand
- North-West University
- Institute of Accounting Science
- University of Venda
- Nelson Mandela Metropolitan
University
Ensure you meet these eligibility
criteria and are enrolled in one of the SAICA-accredited institutions to be
considered for the bursary.
How to Apply
The application process for the
EY Bursary involves several steps. It is crucial to follow the instructions
carefully to ensure a successful application. Here's how to apply:
1. Online Application: EY requires applicants to submit their
applications through their official website. Visit the EY Careers page and
navigate to the bursary section to find the application form.
2. Personal Information: Provide your personal details, including
name, contact information, and address.
Required
Documents for Bursary Applications
To complete your bursary
application, you'll need to submit the following documents:
- Certified Copy of Your Identification Document: A notarized or
certified photocopy of your South African ID.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): A detailed resume outlining your
education, work experience (if any), skills, and other relevant information.
- Motivational Letter: A personal statement explaining why you are
a suitable candidate for the bursary, including your academic goals and career
aspirations.
- Academic Reports/Transcripts: Include your Grade 11 and Grade 12
academic results or transcripts.
- Latest University Fee Quotation: A recent fee statement from your
university that shows the cost of your tuition and other related expenses.
- Proof of Household Income: This is required if you're applying
for the Academic Merit with Financial Need Bursary. It can be proof of income
from parents or guardians or other documents demonstrating financial need.
Opening Dates for Application
2025 Bursary Applications Open in August 2024
You can start applying for
bursaries for the 2025 academic year in August 2024.
To track and apply for bursaries when
applications open, use this link:
- Website: https://www.ey.com/en_za/careers/apply-for-our-bursary-program
The EY Bursary in South Africa is
an excellent opportunity for students to pursue their education and career
goals with the support of a leading global professional services firm. By
meeting the eligibility requirements and submitting a strong application, you
can increase your chances of being awarded this prestigious bursary. Make sure
to check the EY website for specific dates and requirements, and prepare all
necessary documents to ensure a successful application.