Who qualifies SAICA?

How do I become a CA(SA)

How do I become a CA(SA)?

Exit school with the correct subjects and levels

  • The minimum requirements for university admission are a Level 5 pass in Mathematics, together with a National Senior Certificate with matriculation exemption. You need to take pure Mathematics (not Mathematical Literacy) as a subject.
  • A good grounding in English is essential, as it will help you to understand the concepts you will study.
  • Having Accounting as a school subject could help you in your studies towards your degree, but at most universities this is not compulsory.

Get the right university qualification

  • Ensure that the university you are applying to offers qualification / programmes that are accredited by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA). A full list of these programmes is available
  • Obtain a SAICA accredited qualification at a SAICA-accredited university.
  • Obtain a Certificate in the Theory of Accounting (CTA) or equivalent qualification. This is a post-graduate course – your fourth year at university. This course focuses on Accounting, Auditing, Taxation and Financial Management. The course takes a minimum of one year and must also be completed at a SAICA-accredited university.
  • Part-time study
  • If you hold a matric certificate with pure maths and will be studying on a part-time basis towards a SAICA accredited qualification, you could immediately enter into a training contract with a registered training office. The duration of the contract will be five years and you will be expected to study for (and pass) the qualification.
  • Obtain a Certificate in the Theory of Accounting (CTA) or equivalent qualification. This is a post-graduate course – your fourth year at university. This course focuses on Accounting, Auditing, Taxation and Financial Management. The course takes a minimum of one year and must also be completed at a SAICA-accredited university.
  • Full-time study : Another option is to complete your SAICA accredited undergraduate qualification on a full-time basis and enter into a three year training contract with a registered training office, you will need to be studying towards CTA or equivalent.

If you obtain CTA or equivalent, you can enter into a three year training contract with a registered training office.

Get the right training

The second part of your path towards becoming a CA (SA) entails completing a learnership programme. This is known as a training contract, and one which a trainee accountant enters into with a registered training office.

 Pass SAICA’s professional examinations

The final two steps on your pathway to becoming a CA(SA) involve passing two qualifying examinations, namely the Initial Test of Competence (ITC) and the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC). Both of these exams are set and administered by SAICA.

The Initial Test of Competence (ITC)

To qualify for entry to the ITC, you must have passed the CTA or equivalent CA (SA) exam. This generally means that candidates enter for the ITC during their first year of their training contracts if they studied full time or the fourth year if they have been studying part time.

A CTA is valid for three years. This means candidates will be eligible to sit for the ITC exam for a period of three consecutive years, starting the year after obtaining a CTA or equivalent qualification. There are two examination opportunities per year for the ITC, namely in January and June of each year. This means candidates have a maximum of six attempts at the ITC.

The Assessment of Professional Competence (APC)

To qualify for entry to the APC, a candidate must have –

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  • passed the ITC; and
  • completed a minimum of 20 months of a registered training contract with an accredited training office, by the beginning of the month in which the assessment is written; and
  • successfully completed a professional programme with a registered provider.

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.