What is Accounting?
Accounting, also known as accountancy, is the processing of information about economic entities, such as businesses and corporations
Where Can I Study Accounting In South Africa?
1. University of the Witwatersrand
The University of Witwatersrand is one of South Africa’s most accomplished Universities; it has both age and reputation to boast of. The University is located in the industrial capital of South Africa (Johannesburg), Gauteng province. This means that students can readily be attached to any of the University’s partners, for training in the field.
The University of Witwatersrand has gained a reputation for producing some of the top ten performers in the national SAICA CTA examinations.
Requirements for entry into the University of Witwatersrand School of Accountancy are a minimum APS of 39 along with Mathematics and English.
2. University of Johannesburg
The University of Johannesburg is one of the country’s largest Universities. The institution has 4 campuses located in Johannesburg. This is one of the leading accounting schools in the country; students of this institution have consistently been high achievers scoring high pass rates in the CTA exams over the years.
Accounting at the University of Johannesburg takes three years to complete. Requirements include an APS of 28 with level 4 English and level 4 Mathematics. However, competition for places is very stiff; many get rejected.
4. Stellenbosch University
Stellenbosch is one of the finest Universities in South Africa. This University is also based in Cape Town and is rated as one of the best to study Accounting. The school of accounting has been in existence since 1925 and is the largest school in the Faculty of Economics and Management Science.
Requirements for the BAcc and BAccLLB degree are an NSC average of at least 70% excluding Life Orientation, and a score of at least 60% in Mathematics, 70% in Accounting, and 60% for English or any additional home language.
5. University of Pretoria
The University of Pretoria (UP) is one of the oldest, most illustrious, and top accounting universities in South Africa. The University’s School of Accounting and Auditing was founded in 1924. The school is situated in the administrative capital of the country, giving students the kind of exposure they wouldn’t get elsewhere. Furthermore, the school faculty is made up of highly qualified personnel, most of whom are registered with the accounting professional boards.
Requirements to study Accounting at the University of Pretoria include an APS of 34, Mathematics level 6, and English Home Language or English First Language level 5 scores.
6. North-West University
North-West University is one of the best accounting universities in South Africa. This school has consistently produced students who have scored high marks at the CTA exams.
The University offers accounting degree programs in all fields of study. Chartered accountancy, management accountancy, and financial accountancy are all offered at the University, and the three campuses; Potchefstroom, Vanderbijlpark, and Mahikeng all offer these programs. Additionally, the university also offers a degree in general accountancy at Vanderbijlpark Campus and forensic accounting at Potchefstroom.
Requirements to study for the BCOM degree include an APS of 30 in Chartered Accountancy and Management Accountancy. An APS of 28 is required for Financial Accountancy, and 24 for the General Accountancy degree. Requirements to train for the BCom degree in forensic accountancy include a minimum APS of 36. You still need an NSC average of at least 70% excluding Life Orientation, and a score of at least 60% in Mathematics, 70% in Accounting, and 60% for English or any additional home language.
7. University of KwaZulu Natal
The University of Kwazulu-Natal, UKZN is another great place to study accounting in South Africa. The UKZN School of Accounting, Economics, and Finance is fully accredited to offer BCom Accounting Degrees and the CTA. Despite being a new school, this University has already gained a solid reputation as its students have consistently attained a pass rate of at least 90% in the CTA exams.
8. University of Cape Town
The University of Cape Town is South Africa’s oldest university, and also one of the most popular. Some of the most prominent South African Accountants, even those practicing abroad, have graduated from this institution. The College of Accounting at UCT is the most illustrious.
Requirements include NSC six subjects including English and Mathematics. Life Orientation is not included but is required as well. Applicants holding a South African Senior Certificate need matriculation endorsement.
9. Rhodes University
Rhodes University was established in 1904. However, the University became independent in 1951. The university is located in Grahamstown in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. This is one of the oldest and most formidable citadels of learning in the country. Its Department of Accounting focuses on producing students with professional competence to become industry leaders.
10. University of South Africa
The University of South Africa, UNISA is one of the oldest and best accounting universities in South Africa, with a history dating back as far as 1873. Apart from the age of the institution, there is the fact that this is one of the most recognized Universities in South Africa; it has over 300,000 students, a significant number of them being from other countries.
How long does it take to study accounting in SA?
7 years
Qualifying as a Chartered Accountant (SA) usually takes 7 years (3-year degree; 1-year honors and 3-years internship) provided you can complete the undergraduate qualification; postgraduate qualification and board exams in the minimum time.
What are the requirements to study accounting in South Africa?
To study for a Bachelor of Accounting degree, South Africans require a Senior Certificate or a National Senior Certificate that meets a certain threshold, while non-South Africans will need a comparable school leaving certificate.
How much does it cost to study chartered accountant in South Africa?
Fees range from as little as R3400 – R3740 per subject including tuition, study material and video support with your lecturer (5 hours per subject enrolled for ACCA and CIMA; 15 hours support for CIMA Conversion to CA(SA) and CFA). Get that qualification today!
Which subject is best for accounting?
In this blog post, we will explore the key subjects you need to master to pursue a career in accounting.
- Mathematics:
- Business and Economics:
- Financial Accounting:
- Managerial Accounting:
- Auditing:
- Taxation:
- Ethics and Professional Standards:
Where can you study to become a chartered accountant in South Africa?
Your first step to becoming a chartered accountant.
The BCom in Accounting Sciences degree offered at the University of Pretoria is accredited by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) as part of its education and training requirements to qualify as a CA(SA).