Program Overview

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BCom in Accounting Sciences

Programme Overview

The Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting Sciences degree is a three-year programme that is followed by the one-year Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting Sciences (PGDAS), in order for graduates to comply with the education requirements for the Chartered Accountant qualification, CA(SA). Successful completion of these two study programmes will provide access to the Initial Test of Competence (ITC), which is the first of two professional exams set by the South African Institute of Chartered Accounting (SAICA), Thereafter, a three-year traineeship needs to be completed and the applicable professional qualifying examinations written during this time for eligibility to register as a CA(SA).

Programme Information

The Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting Sciences degree and the Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting Sciences are accredited by SAICA and form part of the requirements for training as a CA(SA), which is the highest professional designation in accounting in South Africa and enjoys international recognition. The undergraduate degree is also accredited by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). Over and above the prestigious CA(SA) qualification, the 3-year Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting Sciences degree also provides access to the following BCom Honours degrees (subject to selection):

• BComHons (Financial Management)
• BComHons (Internal Auditing)
• BComHons (Taxation)

Student Characteristics

The characteristics of students who excel in this programme include:

• Ethical
• Critical thinker
• Detail oriented
• Interested in business
• Self-motivated

Career Opportunities

Qualified CAs(SA) are able to fulfil business and finance roles in a variety of industries. They tend to specialise in auditing and assurance, tax, financial management, information technology, management accounting, forensic accounting and insolvency. There is also the possibility of working in academia, the public or private sector and non-governmental organisations, to name but a few. Those who have a CA(SA) qualification also succeed in CEO, CFO, vice-president, chairperson and finance manager roles, or can become entrepreneurs.

Career Opportunities Overview

First step towards qualifying as chartered accountants, external auditors, taxation professionals and advisors, and financial directors or managers.

Faculty Notes

All modules will only be presented in English, which is the University's official language of tuition, communication and correspondence.

Faculty Mission

The Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences aspires to be at the cutting edge of economic, financial and management education, as well as research and community engagement within the national, African and global context. Our mission is to advance relevant knowledge and develop employable, innovative and diverse graduates to co-create value for society.

Admission Requirements

Minimum Requirements

• Achievement level: English Home Language or English First Additional Language | Mathematics | APS
  • NSC/IEB | NSC/IEB
  • 5 | 6 | 34
• Life Orientation is excluded when calculating the APS.
• Applicants currently in Grade 12 must apply with their final Grade 11 (or equivalent) results.
• Applicants who have completed Grade 12 must apply with their final NSC or equivalent qualification results.
• Please note that meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee admission.

Application Process

• Successful candidates will be notified once admitted or conditionally admitted.
• Unsuccessful candidates will be notified after 30 June.
• Applicants should check their application status regularly on the UP Student Portal.

International Students

Applicants with qualifications other than the abovementioned should refer to the International undergraduate prospectus 2026: Applicants with a school leaving certificate not issued by Umalusi (South Africa).

Transferring Students

A transferring student is a student who, at the time of applying at the University of Pretoria (UP) is/was a registered student at another tertiary institution. A transferring student will be considered for admission based on NSC or equivalent qualification and previous academic performance. Students who have been dismissed from other institutions due to poor academic performance will not be considered for admission to UP.

Returning Students

A returning student is a student who, at the time of application for a degree programme is/was a registered student at UP, and wants to transfer to another degree at UP. A returning student will be considered for admission based on NSC or equivalent qualification and previous academic performance.

• Students who have been excluded/dismissed from a faculty due to poor academic performance may be considered for admission to another programme at UP, as per faculty-specific requirements.
• Only ONE transfer between UP faculties and TWO transfers within a faculty will be allowed.
• Admission of returning students will always depend on the faculty concerned and the availability of space in the programmes for which they apply.

Minimum Duration

3 years, full-time

Closing Dates

• South Africa: 30/06/2025
• International: 30/06/2025