KPMG Inc.

KPMG firms operate in more than 140 countries and territories, and KPMG Inc. is the South African member firm of that network. KPMG in South Africa audits companies and public entities and provides tax and advisory services across the economy, which makes it one of the four large audit firms that train many of the country’s chartered accountants.

Registered name

KPMG Inc.

Type

Professional services firm (audit, tax and advisory)

Fields funded

Chartered accountancy through a KPMG training contract

Website

kpmg.com

Training contract first, bursary second

KPMG structures its bursary around its training contract. Applicants must apply for a KPMG training contract first and then use that application’s reference number in the bursary application. A student who applies only for the bursary will not get far, because KPMG treats the bursary as funding for its future trainees.

The 2027 KPMG bursary is open and closes on 30 October 2026, later than most audit firm bursaries, which gives students who missed mid-year deadlines another chance.

Two tracks, one aim

KPMG runs two bursary tracks. The Pure Merit bursary supports high-performing students who need less financial help, while the Merit with Financial Need track supports strong students whose family income would otherwise stand in the way. KPMG designed the split so the firm does not lose good candidates purely because of money. Recipients sign a formal training contract with KPMG and serve it after graduating.

Researching KPMG before you apply

KPMG’s global careers pages describe the firm’s values and its model of global mobility, including staff who started as junior auditors and later moved to other countries through secondments. Mentioning that you understand how KPMG’s international network works, and which service line interests you, helps in interviews.

Ask KPMG South Africa which offices take trainees in your region, whether the bursary covers accommodation as well as tuition, and how the training contract years relate to the years of funding. Our page on what the KPMG bursary covers has not been refreshed for 2027, so confirm cover details with KPMG.

Students weighing KPMG against other audit firms should compare the size of each firm’s South African offices, the industries its clients come from and the support each firm gives for the SAICA board exams. Ask your university’s accounting society whether KPMG presents on campus, because a presentation gives you a chance to put these questions to KPMG’s recruiters directly.

Compare KPMG with other training offices on our chartered accountant bursaries page.