Posted on April 07, 2025
The University of Pretoria (UP) has once again secured a 100% pass rate in the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants’ (SAICA) first professional examination, the Initial Assessment of Competence (IAC), the results of which were released on Friday, 4 April 2025. This is the third consecutive year in which UP candidates achieved a 100% overall pass rate.
Of the 20 candidates in the country that passed this year’s IAC with honours, 25% are from UP including Chloë van Niekerk – who was not only the top candidate among the five but was also placed on SAICA’s top 10 roll, Zoe Kiggen, Nhlohletelo Maluleke, Kyle van Loggerenberg and Elné Worst.
A total of 3 198 candidates wrote the January examination and 2 251 passed; the overall national pass rate was 70% (67% in 2024). Successful UP candidates increased by 11,8% in 2025, from 204 in 2024 to 228 in 2025. UP’s pass rates have continued to be consistent over the past 20 years, with the University attaining an average first-time pass rate of about 95% over this period.
Professor Margaret Chitiga-Mabugu, Dean of the Faculty of the Economic and Management Sciences (EMS), expressed delight over the outstanding results, hailing the Department of Financial Sciences’ staff for their commitment to teaching and learning excellence.
“We are once again proud to celebrate the outstanding success of our students in the latest SAICA IAC results,” Prof Chitiga-Mabugu says. “Their achievements are a testament to their perseverance and the support of our dedicated academic team. These results reaffirm our faculty’s commitment to producing future-ready chartered accountants of the highest calibre. We remain steadfast in our pursuit of excellence in commerce education. UP continues to set the benchmark for accountancy education in South Africa.”
Prof Madeleine Stiglingh, Head of the CA Programme at UP echoing Prof Chitiga-Mabugu’s sentiments said: “The outstanding results achieved by this cohort is a testament to their resilience and agility, but more than that, it is evidence of the dedication and care of all staff members who contribute to UP’s CA Programme. We are also grateful for the support of the Faculty of EMS management and the University’s top management, which has contributed to the resounding success of our CA programme.”
UP is particularly pleased that its cohort of African, Coloured and Indian candidates secured a 100% pass rate, considering that the national pass rate for this group is 64%. The growth in the number of transformation candidates from UP increased by 18% year on year. The CA Programme is committed to growing this number.
“Well done to our students for their excellent performance in the SAICA IAC,” says Prof Francis Petersen, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of UP. “They continue to inspire and uphold the high standards we set at UP. This success reflects the quality of our academic offering and our commitment to nurturing future leaders in chartered accountancy. We applaud their hard work and determination, and are truly proud of them.”
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