What are the entry requirements for accounting?

You need matric with a good pure Maths mark and English, plus the APS the university asks for. For the CA route, universities and the Thuthuka bursary often want 60% or more for Maths.

What subjects do I need to become an accountant?

Pure Mathematics is the most important. English too. Accounting as a school subject helps but is not always required. You cannot do the CA route with Maths Literacy.

What APS do I need for BCom Accounting?

It changes by university, often around 30 or more for the CA stream. Some, like UCT, use their own points. Check each university.

Can I become a CA if I study BCom Accounting?

Yes, if the BCom is SAICA-accredited. After it you do a CTA, a three-year training contract, and the board exams to become a CA(SA).

Can I study accounting with Maths Literacy?

Not for the CA route, which needs pure Maths. Some lower accounting and bookkeeping courses accept Maths Literacy. Always check.

Accounting requirements: subjects, APS and how to qualify

What you need in matric

You must have

English
Mathematics (not Maths Literacy)

Also good to have

Accounting
A high overall average
Business Studies

Ways to become a accountant

The best way is first. If your marks are not enough for one way, try the next one down.

DegreeNQF 8About 7 yearsBest way

Chartered Accountant, CA(SA)

To get in: About 30 APS or more. English, Mathematics. You need a good pure Maths mark (often 60% or more). Then a SAICA-accredited BCom Accounting, a CTA, a three-year training contract, and board exams.

Universities offer a SAICA-accredited BCom Accounting. After the degree and CTA, you do a three-year training contract at a firm and pass the ITC and APC exams. You register with SAICA as a CA(SA), the top accounting qualification.

DegreeNQF 7About 6 years

Professional Accountant, PA(SA) (SAIPA)

To get in: English, Mathematics, An accredited accounting degree. A respected route that is a bit less strict than the CA.

You do an accredited degree, a three-year traineeship, and the SAIPA Professional Evaluation exam. You register with SAIPA as a Professional Accountant, PA(SA).

Higher certificateNQF 51 to 3 years

Bookkeeper or accounting technician (ICB)

To get in: A matric certificate (junior bookkeeping needs no matric). The lowest-entry route. You can start even without matric.

Colleges offer ICB bookkeeping and accounting courses. You work as a bookkeeper and study up. You work as a bookkeeper or accounting technician.

You can study up towards a full accounting qualification.

Marks too low, or no degree? Start with an ICB bookkeeping course, work, and study up.

If you don’t get in yet

Are your marks too low for the BCom, or is the CA route too long? You still have real ways into accounting.

Start with a bookkeeping qualification

You can start with an ICB bookkeeping course at a college, even without strong matric marks (junior bookkeeping needs no matric). You work as a bookkeeper and study up to accounting technician or accountant.

Do the SAIPA or CIMA route

The Professional Accountant (SAIPA) and CIMA (management accounting) routes are respected and a bit less strict than the CA. You still need a degree and a traineeship.

Upgrade your Maths

The CA route needs strong pure Maths. Rewrite it to get better marks, using the free Second Chance programme, then apply again.

Get ready to apply →

How to sign up to work

You sign up with the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA).

To use a protected title like CA(SA), you must register with SAICA.
For the CA route, you do a SAICA-accredited degree, a CTA, a three-year training contract, and the ITC and APC board exams.
Other routes register with SAIPA (Professional Accountant), CIMA, or ICB (bookkeepers).
You keep learning and pay a fee each year to stay registered.

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