Can a SAIPA member become a CA?

How do I become a CA?

The journey towards a CA (SA) professional qualification includes three major steps. These are: (1) obtaining the necessary university qualifications, (2) completing a learnership programme, and (3) completion of two final professional examinations administered by SAICA.

The Open Distance learning model offers you the opportunity to obtain the necessary SAICA-endorsed qualifications through Unisa’s College of Accounting Sciences – even whilst working.  The necessary SAICA-endorsed qualifications are:

  1. Bachelor of Accounting Sciences in Financial Accounting (98302); followed by
  2. Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting Sciences (98231) (first year of the two-year CTA programme); followed by
  3. Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Accounting Sciences (98255) (serving as the second year of the two-year CTA programme, with direct entry to students qualifying for the one-year CTA programme [refer to www.unisa.ac.za/cas/cta]. All five modules linked to this qualification must be completed in one academic year to thereby meet the admission requirements of SAICA’s first professional examination as described below.)

The College of Accounting Sciences also offers a bridging diploma (Advanced Diploma in Accounting Sciences [98320 – Stream 1 / CTA]) for candidates who have not completed a SAICA-endorsed BCom degree, who wish to enter the CTA programme.

A learnership programme should be completed with a registered training office, and will range between three and five years, depending on academic progress.

The final two steps on your pathway to becoming a CA(SA) are to pass two Qualifying Examinations, namely the Initial Test of Competence (ITC) and the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC). To qualify for entry to the ITC, a candidate must have completed a CTA. To qualify for entry to the APC, a candidate must have passed the ITC, completed a minimum of 20 months of a registered training contract, and successfully completed a professional programme with a registered provider.

What does a Chartered Accountant do?

Chartered Accountants are well represented at senior management level and in the boardrooms of most large South African companies. Chartered Accountants work in all industries and in several business fields. Areas of speciality include:   

  • Accounting and External Reporting;
  • Auditing and Assurance;
  • Management Decision Making and Control;
  • Financial Management;
  • Taxation;
  • Strategy, Risk Management and Governance;
  • Forensic Auditing;
  • Management Consulting;
  • Corporate Finance; and
  • Financial Planning.

Further detail is available from www.saica.co.za.

Becoming a Professional Accountant

Professional Accountants are registered with SAIPA (South African Institute of Professional Accountants)in South Africa.

What does a Professional Accountant do?

Some of the services offered by a Professional Accountant are as follows:

  •  A wide range of accounting and tax related services;
  • Business advisors to the SME’s ( Small Medium Enterprise) offering tailored advice on business challenges and creating opportunities of business success for their clients;
  • Estate planning;
  • Secretarial work for companies;
  • Business rescue;
  • Personnel finance (compiling personal budgets, advice on tax insurance and investments); and
  • Forensic consulting (Expertise in the analysis of systems and accounting information).

How do I become a Professional Accountant?

Enrol for the Bachelor of Accounting Sciences degree offered by Unisa.

In addition, the following practical componement must be fulfilled:

Practical supervised training or experience of at least three years at a SAIPA recognised training office;
or

Six years of relevant verifiable experience;
or

A completed training programme from another accredited professional accounting body such as SAICA.

Thereafter there is a SAIPA Professional Evaluation which consists of a three hour examination offered twice yearly covering Financial Accounting, Auditing, Taxation, Commercial Law, Management Accounting and Practice Management.

For more information, please visit the South African Institute of Professional Accountants’ web site: https://www.saipa.co.za

Need Information or Confused about Something ?

Ask a Question

Student Loans in South Africa: How to Apply and What to Expect

For many young South Africans, accessing higher education is a dream that often comes with a financial challenge. Fortunately, several student loan optionsstrong> are available in South Africa to help fund university, college, or TVET studies. Whether you’re looking for a government loan like NSFAS or a private student loan from a bank, understanding the process is essential for success.

What Are Student Loans?

Student loans are a form of financial aid provided to eligible students to help cover tuition fees, books, accommodation, and other study-related expenses. In South Africa, these loans can come from government institutions like NSFAS or private banks such as Nedbank, Standard Bank, FNB, and Absa. Most loans offer repayment flexibility and low-interest options until you graduate.

Types of Student Loans in South Africa

  • NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme): A government-funded loan/grant program for students from low-income households. Covers tuition, housing, transport, and meals.
  • Bank Student Loans: Offered by most major banks. These are credit-based and require a guardian or parent as a co-signer.
  • Private Loan Providers: Companies like Fundi offer educational loans covering various costs such as school fees, gadgets, and textbooks.

Requirements to Qualify for a Student Loan

Each provider has its own criteria, but most South African student loans require the following:

  • Proof of South African citizenship or permanent residency
  • Proof of registration or acceptance at a recognised tertiary institution
  • Parent or guardian with a stable income to co-sign (for private loans)
  • Completed application form with supporting documents (ID, proof of income, academic records)

How to Apply for a Student Loan

To apply for a student loan in South Africa, follow these steps:

  1. Identify your loan provider: Choose between NSFAS, a bank, or a private lender.
  2. Gather necessary documents: ID copies, academic transcripts, acceptance letters, and income statements.
  3. Complete the application form online or at a branch.
  4. Await approval: Some banks offer instant decisions, while NSFAS can take a few weeks.
  5. Receive disbursement: Funds are typically paid directly to the institution or your account, depending on the lender.

Loan Amounts and Repayment

The loan amount you can receive depends on your chosen lender and financial need:

  • NSFAS: Covers full tuition, residence, books, and a personal allowance. The loan becomes a bursary if you pass all your courses.
  • Banks: Can provide up to R120,000 or more annually, depending on tuition costs and credit history.

Repayment usually starts after graduation or once you start earning an income. Bank loans may require interest-only payments during your studies. NSFAS repayment only begins when you earn above a specific income threshold.

FAQs on Student Loans in South Africa

1. Can I apply for a student loan without a parent or guardian?

For government loans like NSFAS, yes. But most banks require a financially responsible co-signer, especially for students without an income.

2. Is NSFAS a loan or a bursary?

NSFAS starts as a loan, but it converts to a bursary if you meet academic performance requirements. This means you may not have to pay it back.

3. What is the interest rate on student loans?

Private banks offer competitive rates between 5% and 12%, depending on the applicant's credit profile. NSFAS charges a much lower interest rate, usually linked to inflation.

4. What happens if I fail my courses?

If you’re funded by NSFAS and fail, your loan won’t convert into a bursary, and you’ll need to repay the full amount. Banks may continue charging interest, and your co-signer may be held liable.

5. Can I use a student loan to pay for accommodation and laptops?

Yes. Both NSFAS and many bank student loans cover costs beyond tuition, including housing, meals, textbooks, and electronic devices like laptops or tablets.

Final Thoughts

Student loans in South Africa offer a much-needed financial lifeline to thousands of students every year. Whether you're applying through **NSFAS** or a private bank, ensure you understand the **terms, interest rates, and repayment conditions** before signing any agreement. Make informed decisions today to secure your academic and financial future tomorrow.