SAICA–UNISA PhD Initiative
The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA), in partnership with the University of South Africa (UNISA), invites applications from suitably qualified candidates to participate in a strategic postgraduate initiative aimed at developing PhD qualified accounting researchers by 2030.

This initiative is designed for individuals who want to future‑proof their careers, expand their professional influence, and contribute meaningfully to the transformation and sustainability of the accounting profession and academia in South Africa.

Future‑proof your career and enable yourself to contribute meaningfully to capacity building, transformation, and the future of the accounting profession, while aligning personal advancement with national development goals.

This is one qualification that opens doors to:

• Greater career mobility and flexibility
• Access to academic, research, policy, and thought‑leadership roles
• Increased credibility across industry, academia, and the public sector
• The opportunity to influence the profession beyond practice
• Long‑term relevance and leadership for those seeking to shape the future of accounting

By pursuing an MPhil or PhD in Accounting Sciences through this initiative, you position yourself as a leader beyond technical practice—equipped to contribute to research, education, policy formulation, and evidence‑based solutions to national and global challenges.

This initiative supports SAICA’s commitment to a future‑fit, resilient, and globally relevant profession, while enabling participants to build influence across sectors.

The SAICA–UNISA PhD Initiative supports the following UNISA qualifications in Accounting Sciences:

Qualifications

• MPhil in Accounting Sciences
• PhD in Accounting Sciences

Specialisations

• Auditing
• Financial Accounting
• Financial Governance
• Financial Intelligence
• Management Accounting
• Taxation

To make this journey more accessible, successful candidates may qualify for funding of up to 50% of approved annual study fees, subject to SAICA’s bursary conditions.

Funding support is dependent on:

• Compliance with SAICA bursary requirements
• Ongoing academic progress and satisfactory performance
• Annual review and confirmation of continued support

Candidates are encouraged to explore complementary funding opportunities where available.

Applicants must:

• Meet UNISA’s admission requirements for the MPhil or PhD in Accounting Sciences
• Demonstrate academic potential, research capability, and alignment with SAICA’s transformation and capacity‑building objectives
• Show a clear interest in contributing to academia, research, and the broader accounting profession

Step 1: Apply to UNISA

• MPhil in Accounting Sciences (Qualification Code 98656)
• PhD in Accounting Sciences (Qualification Code 90026)

Application deadline: 30 April

All candidates must apply directly via UNISA’s official platform:

Step 2: Notify SAICA

Applicants must formally notify SAICA of their UNISA application by submitting proof of application to ***@saica.co.za

Important: Failure to notify SAICA will result in the application not being considered for SAICA funding support.

Submission of an application to UNISA does not guarantee acceptance into the SAICA‑supported bursary cohort.
SAICA applies its own selection and prioritisation criteria in line with the strategic objectives of the initiative.