The Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting Sciences degree is a three-year programme that is followed by the one-year Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting Sciences (PGDAS), in order for graduates to comply with the education requirements for the Chartered Accountant qualification, CA(SA). Successful completion of these two study programmes will provide access to the Initial Test of Competence (ITC), which is the first of two professional exams set by the South African Institute of Chartered Accounting (SAICA), Thereafter, a three-year traineeship needs to be completed and the applicable professional qualifying examinations written during this time for eligibility to register as a CA(SA). 

The Bachelor of Commerce in 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 3-year Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting Sciences degree also provides access to the following BCom Honours degrees (subject to selection): 

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

The characteristics of students who excel in this programme include:

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

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. There is also the possibility of working in academia, the public or private sector and nongovernmental 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.

For more information, please consult the Faculty webpage.

First step towards qualifying as chartered accountants, external auditors, taxation professionals and advisors, and financial directors or managers.

Important information for all prospective students for 2025

The admission requirements below apply to all who apply for admission to the University of Pretoria with a National Senior Certificate (NSC) and Independent Examination Board (IEB) qualifications. Click here for this Faculty Brochure.

Life Orientation is excluded when calculating the APS. 

Applicants currently in Grade 12 must apply with their final Grade 11 (or equivalent) results.

Applicants who have completed Grade 12 must apply with their final NSC or equivalent qualification results.

Please note that meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee admission.

Successful candidates will be notified once admitted or conditionally admitted.

Unsuccessful candidates will be notified after 30 June.

Applicants should check their application status regularly on the UP Student Portal at click here.

Applicants with qualifications other than the abovementioned should refer to the International undergraduate prospectus 2025: Applicants with a school leaving certificate not issued by Umalusi (South Africa), available at click here.

International students: Click here.

Transferring students

A transferring student is a student who, at the time of applying at the University of Pretoria (UP) is/was a registered student at another tertiary institution. A transferring student will be considered for admission based on NSC or equivalent qualification and previous academic performance. Students who have been dismissed from other institutions due to poor academic performance will not be considered for admission to UP.

Closing dates: Same as above.

Returning students

A returning student is a student who, at the time of application for a degree programme is/was a registered student at UP, and wants to transfer to another degree at UP. A returning student will be considered for admission based on NSC or equivalent qualification and previous academic performance.

Note:

• Students who have been excluded/dismissed from a faculty due to poor academic performance may be considered for admission to another programme at UP, as per faculty-specific requirements.
• Only ONE transfer between UP faculties and TWO transfers within a faculty will be allowed.
• Admission of returning students will always depend on the faculty concerned and the availability of space in the programmes for which they apply.

Closing date for applications from returning students

Unless capacity allows for an extension of the closing date, applications from returning students must be submitted before the end of August via your UP Student Centre.

All modules will only be presented in English, which is the University's official language of tuition, communication and correspondence.

The Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences aspires to be at the cutting edge of economic, financial and management education, as well as research and community engagement within the national, African and global context. Our mission is to advance relevant knowledge and develop employable, innovative and diverse graduates to co-create value for society.

• Disclaimer: This publication contains information about regulations and programmes of the University of Pretoria. Amendments to or updating of the information may be effected from time to time without prior notification. The accuracy, correctness or validity of the information contained here is therefore not guaranteed by the University at any given time and is always subject to verification. The user is kindly requested to verify the correctness of the information with the University at all times. Failure to do so will not give rise to any claim or action of any nature against the University by any party whatsoever.