Old Mutual Chartered Accounting Bursaries 2026: A Practical Guide to Funding Your CA(SA) Career

The Old Mutual Chartered Accounting Bursary Programme 2026 is positioned as one of the more structured pathways for South African students aiming to qualify as Chartered Accountants. Beyond financial support, it integrates academic funding with a defined transition into professional training through the Old Mutual Chartered Accounting Training (OMCAT) Programme.

This guide unpacks the bursary in operational terms—what it covers, who qualifies, and how the selection pipeline works—so applicants can assess fit and prepare strategically.

A Structured Route Into the CA(SA) Profession

Old Mutual’s bursary is not a standalone funding initiative. It is designed as part of a talent pipeline aligned with the Chartered Accountant (CA(SA)) qualification framework, overseen by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants.

The model is straightforward:

• Phase 1: Fully funded university studies at a SAICA-accredited institution
• Phase 2: Entry into the Old Mutual Chartered Accounting Training Programme (OMCAT)
• Phase 3: Career progression within the organization after qualification

This integrated approach reduces uncertainty for students, particularly around post-graduation employment—an area where many bursary schemes fall short.

What the Bursary Covers

The financial package is comprehensive and designed to remove the main barriers to tertiary education. Successful applicants receive:

• Full tuition fees
• Study materials
• Meals
• Accommodation (residence)
• Return flights home (if studying away from home)
• Additional incentives tied to academic performance

This structure ensures that recipients can focus on academic performance rather than financial constraints.

Academic and Admission Requirements

Eligibility is tightly defined, reflecting the academic rigor of accounting programmes.

Applicants must:

• Be a South African citizen
• Achieve at least:
  • 70% in Mathematics
  • 60% in English Home Language or 70% in English First Additional Language
• Secure acceptance at a SAICA-accredited institution

Eligible universities include:

• University of Cape Town
• University of Johannesburg
• University of Pretoria
• University of the Witwatersrand
• University of South Africa
• Stellenbosch University
• Rhodes University
• North-West University
• University of KwaZulu-Natal
• University of the Free State
• University of the Western Cape
• Nelson Mandela University
• University of Fort Hare
• Milpark Business School

Applicants must also demonstrate commitment to joining the OMCAT Programme after completing their studies.

How the Selection Process Works

The application process is multi-stage and designed to evaluate both academic capability and behavioral fit.

Step-by-Step Application Flow

This process ensures candidates are assessed holistically, not just on grades:

1. Complete the online application
2. Download and complete the bursary motivation form
3. Submit a one-page CV
4. Complete a gamified assessment (not timed)
5. Shortlisted candidates complete psychometric assessments
6. Finalists attend a selection day and interviews
7. Successful candidates receive a provisional offer

Final offers are subject to:

• Final academic results
• Confirmation of university admission

Required Supporting Documents

Applicants must submit a complete documentation set. Missing items lead to automatic disqualification.

Required documents include:

• One-page CV
• Completed bursary motivation form
• School reports (Grade 10–12)
• Matric certificate (if available)
• University acceptance letter (if available)
• Academic transcript (for current students)
• Certified copy of ID

Key Conditions and Preference Criteria

Several operational conditions influence selection:

• Parental or guardian consent is required for applicants under 18
• Preference is given to:
  • Candidates from previously disadvantaged backgrounds
  • Candidates with disabilities
• Incomplete applications are not considered

These criteria align with broader transformation and inclusion objectives in South Africa’s professional sectors.

Click here to apply for Old Mutual Chartered Accounting Bursary Programme 2026

Strategic Value: Why This Bursary Stands Out

From a career planning perspective, the Old Mutual bursary has three distinguishing advantages:

1. Guaranteed Career Continuity

The transition into the OMCAT Programme provides a defined path from education to employment, reducing post-study uncertainty.

2. Full Financial Coverage

Unlike partial bursaries, this programme removes nearly all major cost categories associated with university education.

3. Institutional Exposure

Recipients gain early exposure to Old Mutual, one of Africa’s established financial institutions, which can accelerate professional development.

Timeline and Critical Deadline

• Application Closing Date: 30 May 2026
• Location: Johannesburg, South Africa

Given the multi-stage selection process, early application is operationally advantageous.

Broader Impact on the Accounting Talent Pipeline

Programmes like this play a measurable role in addressing the shortage of qualified Chartered Accountants in South Africa. By funding high-performing students and integrating them directly into structured training, organizations like Old Mutual effectively:

• Expand access to professional qualifications
• Improve diversity within the accounting profession
• Strengthen long-term skills capacity in the financial sector

Final Assessment

The Old Mutual Chartered Accounting Bursary Programme 2026 is not simply a funding opportunity—it is a pipeline investment in future finance professionals. Its structured progression from university to professional training distinguishes it from conventional bursary schemes.

For candidates who meet the academic thresholds and are committed to the CA(SA) path, this programme offers a high-probability route to both qualification and employment.