Accounting Science

The Bachelor of Accounting Science (BAccSc) degree prepares you for the qualification as a Chartered Accountant. The programme includes four core areas of study: Management Accounting and Finance, Financial Accounting, Auditing and Taxation.

Overview

You will also take introductory courses in Economics, Commercial Law, Mathematics and Statistics, and Accounting Information Systems.

The curriculum is fully compliant with international accounting education requirements, as well as those of the following boards:

  • South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA)
  • Independent Regulatory Board for Auditors Board
  • International Federation of Accountants (IFAC)

Once you’ve completed your BAccSc, you will need to complete a Higher Diploma in Accounting (HDipAcc), which is a one-year, full-time postgraduate programme. If you successfully complete the HDipAcc, you will be eligible to write the SAICA qualifying exams (otherwise known as Board Exams).

The exams are written in two parts and you will need to complete a three-year training contract in the accountancy profession (Training in Public Practice) or in commerce and industry (Training Outside Public Practice). After writing your first exam, you will need to choose a specialist course in either Financial Management or Auditing. You will then write the second qualifying exam. Once you have successfully completed both exams, you will be eligible to register as a chartered accountant with SAICA.

Career Opportunities

  • Charted Accountant
  • Fund Manager
  • Internal Auditor
  • Tax Specialist 

Curriculum

Please note that this degree structure is changing and is currently under development.

First-year

  • Accounting Information Systems
  • Financial Accounting
  • Economics IA (Microeconomics)
  • Economics IB (Macroeconomics)
  • Commercial Law I
  • Computational Mathematics I
  • Business Statistics I

Second-year

  • Financial Accounting II
  • Management Accounting and Finance II
  • Taxation II
  • Auditing II
  • Business Enterprise Law
  • Mercantile Law
  • Information Systems Data Analytics II

Third-year

  • Financial Accounting III
  • Management Accounting and Finance III
  • Taxation III
  • Auditing III

Entry Requirements

APS 44+

English Home Language OR First Additional Language Level 5

Mathematics Level 6

Wait-listing

Applicants with an APS of 39-43, as well as English 6 and Mathematics 6, will be wait-listed subject to place availability.

University Application Process

  • The Student Enrolment Centre at Wits handles all student applications.
  • Please click here for an overview of the application process. 
  • Check the admission requirements for your degree. Check if any additional selection requirements apply. 
  • Submit your application, required documentation and application fee before the closing date.
  • Once you have applied, an admissions consultant will be assigned to your application.
  • Applicants can monitor the progress of their applications via the Self Service Portal.
  • If you are an international applicant and/or have a foreign qualification, please click here.

Compliance with the minimum requirements does not guarantee a place at the University. The University has a specific number of places for first year undergraduates, approved by the Department of Higher Education and Training. Final selection is made subject to the availability of places, academic results and other entry requirements where applicable.

University Fees and Funding

Click here to see the current average tuition fees for the first year of study. The Fees website also provides information about the payment of fees and closing dates for fees payments. Once you have applied you will be able to access the fees estimator on the student self-service portal. 

The Financial aid office provides information on student funding and scholarships. University-funded Scholarships include Vice-Chancellor's Scholarships, University Entrance Scholarships, Equality Scholarships, Sports Scholarships and National Olympiad winner awards. For information about NSFAS funding, please visit the NSFAS website. External bursaries portal: The Bursaries South Africa website provides a comprehensive list of bursaries in South Africa.

Wits Plus applicants: terms of payment are in accordance with University regulations, and students are not eligible for University bursaries/NSFAS or residential accommodation.