RSM Education Trust Bursary 2027: How to Apply

Key facts

Status: Runs each year Last closed 15 October 2023
Provider: RSM Education Trust
Field of study: Law, Accounting, Information Technology
Study level: Postgraduate
Academic year: 2027
Last checked: September 2026

The trust usually opens applications in August or September and closes them in mid-October; the 2024 round closed on 15 October 2023.

Reviewed & verified by Naledi KhumaloSenior Admissions and Bursaries EditorVerified

RSM South Africa is the local member firm of RSM International, one of the world’s largest audit, tax and consulting networks. Its RSM Education Trust funds Black women studying accounting, information technology and law, with the aim of bringing them into the firm’s training programmes after graduation.

About the RSM Education Trust Bursary

The bursary covers the academic and related costs of the qualification:

Tuition fees.
Prescribed textbooks.
Accommodation, up to a cap.
A living allowance, up to a cap.
Vacation work and mentorship at RSM South Africa’s offices in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban.

Bursars are expected to join RSM after graduating. For accounting students that means completing SAICA articles with the firm.

RSM Education Trust Bursary eligibility requirements

Black South African woman, as defined in the B-BBEE codes, and a citizen or permanent resident.
Completed Matric.
Enrolled, or accepted, for one of: a SAICA-accredited BCom Accounting or BAcc degree; an Honours in information technology or computer science; or an LLB or postgraduate law qualification.
An average of around 70% at the previous level of study.
Demonstrated financial need.

How to apply for the RSM Education Trust Bursary

When the call opens, go to the RSM Education Trust application page on rsm.global/southafrica.
Complete the online form and upload: a certified ID; your certified Matric certificate; your full academic record on the institution’s letterhead; proof of acceptance or registration; a motivation letter covering your career goals and financial need; and proof of household income such as payslips, an affidavit, a pension advice or a SASSA letter.
Submit before the closing date. Shortlisted applicants are interviewed at the nearest RSM office.

RSM Education Trust Bursary closing date

The last confirmed closing date was 15 October 2023. Expect the 2027 round to close in October 2026; confirm on the RSM website.

Contact details

RSM South Africa contact page: rsm.global/southafrica/contact-us
Johannesburg office: 011 329 6000

Accounting students should apply to several audit firms at once. The large firms, SAICA’s Thuthuka bursary and the funders on our commerce bursaries list all run intakes between August and November 2026.

FAQs

1. Is the RSM Education Trust bursary open for 2027? +

The trust usually opens applications in August or September and closes them in October. The 2024 round closed on 15 October 2023. A 2027 call had not been published when we checked in September 2026; watch rsm.global/southafrica and apply as soon as it opens.

2. Who qualifies? +

Black South African women who have completed Matric and are enrolled, or accepted, for a SAICA-accredited accounting degree, an Honours in information technology, or an LLB or law Honours, with an average of around 70% and financial need.

3. What does it cover? +

Tuition, prescribed textbooks, and capped accommodation and living allowances, plus vacation work and mentorship at RSM South Africa.

4. Is there a work-back obligation? +

Bursars are expected to join RSM's training programme after graduating, which for accounting students means completing SAICA articles at the firm.

5. How do I apply? +

Online through the RSM Education Trust application page on rsm.global, uploading a certified ID and Matric certificate, your full academic record on the institution's letterhead, proof of acceptance or registration, a motivation letter and proof of household income.

6. What is RSM? +

RSM South Africa is the local member of RSM International, a global audit, tax and consulting network. Its Education Trust funds students who can go on to qualify with the firm.

Update note (checked September 2026): the trust usually opens applications in August or September and closes them in mid-October; the 2024 round closed on 15 October 2023. A call for 2027 had not been published on the RSM website when we checked. Prepare your documents now and watch rsm.global/southafrica and RSM’s LinkedIn page for the announcement.

Checked the requirements and closing date? Apply directly with the provider.

Apply on the provider’s website

🎓 Download Our Bursary Application Checklist

Download our free Application Checklist to make sure you do not miss any required documents. Submitting a complete application is key to being shortlisted.

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Student funding in numbers

2025811 011students funded by NSFAS580 000 at universities, 231 000 at TVET colleges, on a budget of R48.7 billion.

20261 026 091students approved for NSFAS funding609 403 first-year applicants qualified and 416 688 continuing students met the progression criteria, out of 893 847 applications.

2027 projectedR53.4bnbudgeted for NSFASThe allocation rises from R48.7 billion in 2025 to R51 billion in 2026 and R53.4 billion in 2027. Student numbers for 2027 are not published yet.

Figures from the Minister of Higher Education’s Budget Vote of 3 July 2025 and the NSFAS statement of 2 January 2026. NSFAS is the largest funder, not the only one – we track the rest.