The estimated total pay for a CA Trainee is ZAR 325,929 per year in the South Africa area, with an average salary of ZAR 303,143 per year. These numbers represent the median, which is the midpoint of the ranges from our proprietary Total Pay Estimate model and based on salaries collected from our users. The estimated additional pay is ZAR 22,785 per year. Additional pay could include cash bonus, commission, tips, and profit sharing. The “Most Likely Range” represents values that exist within the 25th and 75th percentile of all pay data available for this role.
You may visit our Member Portal to submit an application for membership or associateship of SAICA.
Note if you have completed SAICA articles (learner-ship) or the qualifying examinations or you previously booked an event with us or are an ex-member or an ex-associate, then you have an existing online profile that you need to use to access the Member Portal. Your username will be the email address we have on our database. If you have not yet set up a password for the Member Portal, visit the Member Portal and click on the “Login” menu then the “Forgot your password?” menu to create a new password.
If you have changed your email address or experience any other difficulty in setting up your password, please contact us on +27 11 621 6600 for assistance.
For those applicants that do not have a SAICA online profile, there is option on the Member Portal to “Sign Up” for an individual profile. Note, when using the “Sign Up” button on the Member Portal the system will be creating two logon credentials to access the Member Portal and www.saica.co.za (i.e. the general SAICA website). Meaning you will have two separate logon credentials for the Member Portal and www.saica.co.za. You will be provided with a username and temporary password to access www.saica.co.za by email, however to access the Member Portal you will need to create your own password once you receive an email from Support@SAICA.onmicrosoft.com instructing you to setup a password.
For more information on why we have two separate logon credentials for the Member Portal and www.saica.co.za, please visit our Ushintsho webpage.
Once you have a username and password for the Member Portal, then you are ready to logon to the Member Portal and apply for membership or associateship of SAICA.
Minimum supporting documentation required (i.e. you should have these documents ready when submitting an application) to for us to successfully review an application:
| New Admission as an AGA | New admission as CA | Reinstatement as CA or AGA |
| Copy of your RSA ID or a Passport | Copy of your RSA ID or a Passport | Copy of your RSA ID or a Passport |
| Copy of accredited degree | Detailed CV/Resume (If qualified more than five years ago) | Detailed CV/Resume (If ceased being a membership/associateship more than three years ago) |
| Copy of SAICA training discharge (if applicable to you) | Letter of good standing from homebody*** (if submitting reciprocal membership application) | Ethics Declaration for CAs(If you want to reinstate membership on continuous basis, i.e. keeping your initial join date) – download here |
| Detailed CV/Resume (If qualified more than five years ago) | Proof of payment, if not making an online payment (Quote available in the online application form – Payment and Fees page) | Ethics Declaration for AGAs or ATs(If you want to reinstate associateship on continuous basis, i.e. keeping your initial join date) – download here |
| Proof of payment, if not making an online payment (Quote available in the online application form – Payment and Fees page) | Letter of good standing from homebody*** (if previously admitted by reciprocity) |
*** Please visit our reciprocal members’ information page for other details that we may require in respect of your application.
Should you still need further assistance, please contact us at saica@saica.co.za or call us on +27 11 621 6600 for assistance.
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:
- Identify your loan provider: Choose between NSFAS, a bank, or a private lender.
- Gather necessary documents: ID copies, academic transcripts, acceptance letters, and income statements.
- Complete the application form online or at a branch.
- Await approval: Some banks offer instant decisions, while NSFAS can take a few weeks.
- 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.