• BCom (Accounting Sciences) (07130044) 

What does the degree entail?

The BCom (Accounting Sciences) is a three-year degree programme and is followed by one postgraduate year to obtain a PGDip in Accounting Sciences which will provide access to the first SAICA professional exam, namely the ITC (Initial Test of Competence). Thereafter, a three-year traineeship can be completed, during which time the applicable professional qualifying examinations are written. Upon the successful completion of the three-year training contract and the qualifying examinations concerned, candidates are eligible to register with the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) as a CA(SA). 

What can be achieved with the degree?

The BCom (Accounting Sciences) is an accredited programme that forms part of the requirements for training as a chartered accountant (CA(SA)) both in and outside public practice, as well as for a registered accountant and auditor (RAA) for accountants and auditors in public practice. The CA(SA) and RAA qualifications are the highest professional qualifications in accounting in South Africa and enjoy international recognition. 

What makes this programme unique?

The BCom (Accounting Sciences) degree and the Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting Sciences are accredited by SAICA and form part of the requirements for training as a CA(SA), which is the highest professional designation in accounting in South Africa and enjoys international recognition.

The undergraduate degree is also accredited by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).

Over and above the prestigious CA(SA) qualification, the three-year BCom (Accounting Sciences) degree also provides access to the following BCom Honours degrees (subject to selection):

• BComHons (Financial Management)
• BComHons (Internal Auditing)
• BComHons (Taxation)

Career opportunities

Qualified CAs(SA) are able to fulfil business and finance roles in a variety of industries. They tend to specialise in auditing and assurance, tax, financial management, information technology, management accounting, forensic accounting and insolvency.

Employment opportunities also exist in academia, the public or private sector and non-governmental organisations, to name but a few.

Those who have a CA(SA) qualification also succeed in CEO, CFO, vice-president, chairperson and finance manager roles, or can become entrepreneurs.

How do you become a CA(SA)?

Who are the ideal candidates?

Students who excel in this programme are typically:

• Ethical
• Critical thinkers
• Detail oriented
• Interested in business
• Self-motivated

Minimum admission requirements

• 60% for English Home Language or English First Additional Language; and
• 70% for Mathematics; and
• An admission point score (APS) of 34.  

Note: The APS is based on a candidate’s achievement in any SIX recognised NSC 20-credit subjects by using the NSC seven-point rating scale. Life Orientation is a 10-credit subject and may not be used for calculating the APS.

Note: Accounting at school is not a subject requirement for this degree.

Structure of the programme

Core modules (compulsory)

Note 1: All first-year students take the compulsory fundamental modules on academic information management and academic literacy for EMS, and all second-year students take the module Professional ethics.

Note 2: The specialisation modules for the first to the final year of study for a BCom (Accounting Sciences) degree may be taken only by students who have been selected for this degree.

Accreditation bodies

Click here for information about tuition fees.  

Click here for information on bursaries

Click here for information on the Postgraduate Diploma (Accounting Sciences)

Apply here