Are you finishing your undergraduate degree in 2025 and looking for financial support plus a pathway into a top professional firm? The Risk Services Bursary 2026 (PWC250901‑1) at PwC could be your answer. This bursary offers not just funding – it also gives you real-world work experience in risk, regulation, and information technology (IT) fields.
What Is the Risk Services Bursary 2026?
The Risk Services Bursary 2026 is a bursary offered by PwC South Africa. It is linked to a three‑year fixed‑term contract in which you work with PwC in risk, regulatory, or IT audit / data trust areas.
If selected, you become an associate working directly with clients across different industries, helping them solve risk, compliance, and tech challenges. You will gain on‑the‑job exposure, mentoring, and structured training.
You can work in one of two main streams:
- Risk & Regulation
- Support clients in adapting to regulatory changes
- Identify systems and controls to ensure regulatory compliance
- Prepare regulatory analyses and reports
- Build relationships and client networks
- Build subject‑matter expertise
- Digital Trust / IT Audit & Data
- Identify risks and controls in IT systems
- Review infrastructure, security, data privacy
- Assess business process controls
- Do system reviews before and after implementations
- Work on governance, risk, compliance (GRC), ERP systems and more
By combining risk understanding and technology skills, you become valuable in the modern, interconnected business world.
What the Bursary Covers & Obligations
What you get
PwC offers different levels of support depending on your academic performance and financial need. Benefits can include:
- Academic achievement award: a fixed amount (for books, etc.)
- Tuition & accommodation bursary: coverage between 20% and 100% of tuition
- For students with very high need: coverage of 20% to 100% of accommodation costs
- A once‑off living allowance (for those with highest need)
- On‑site training, mentorship, and valuable work experience
- A three‑year work commitment at PwC in the relevant field
So, depending on your need, you could receive a full bursary (tuition + accommodation + living allowance) or partial support.
What you must do in return
- You must commit to working for PwC for three years after completing your studies, in one of the risk / IT / regulation roles.
- You must maintain strong academic performance throughout your honours year and perhaps beyond (depending on their requirements).
- You’ll be expected to contribute actively on client engagements, deliver quality work, and build technical and professional skills.
Bursary Requirements
To be eligible for the Risk Services Bursary 2026, you must meet all the following criteria:
- Academic Qualification:
- Must be completing your final year of undergraduate studies in 2025
- Your degree must be in one of the following fields:
- Finance and Investment Management
- Economics
- Risk Management
- Commercial Law (LLB)
- Engineering
- Management / Business Sciences
- BSc Information Systems / Technology
- BSc Computer Science
- BSc Data Analytics
- BSc Mathematics and Statistics
- Further Study Commitment:
- You must plan to pursue an honours degree in one of the approved disciplines in 2026
- Academic Performance:
- Your 3rd year (and 4th year if applicable) university average must be 65% or higher
- Language Skills:
- Must be proficient in English
- Strong communication skills are required
- Nationality:
- You must be a South African citizen OR a permanent resident
- If you are a permanent resident, you must provide proof of status
- Financial Need & Merit-Based Consideration:
- The bursary is awarded based on both academic performance and financial need
- PwC will assess your financial background using documents submitted
Recommended for you: Bursary Application Checklist: Documents You Must Have
How to Apply
Here is a simplified guide through the application process:
- Gather documents
- Certified copy of your ID
- Certified copy of matric certificate
- Full academic record (including 2025 mid‑year exam results)
- Proof of registration or acceptance at the university
- For parents/guardians: three recent payslips or official bank statements; or an affidavit if unemployed
- Complete the online application
- PwC has an online portal for bursary and graduate applications
- You must register an account, fill in your details honestly, upload all required documents
- Pay close attention to the reference number: PWC250901‑1
- Submit before the deadline
- The closing date is 05 October 2025
- Late or incomplete applications are typically not considered
- Assessment & selection
- PwC may review your academic records, financial need, personal statement, CV
- They may require interviews, assessments, or tests
- Final selection will reflect both your academic strength and personal qualities
- If selected
- Sign the bursary agreement
- Begin your bursary tenure, training and work placement
Tips to Make Your Application Stand Out
Because many students will apply, you want every edge you can get:
- Strong academic record: Since 65% is the minimum, aim higher if possible
- Clear motivation & interest: Explain why risk services, regulation, or digital trust excites you
- Showcase relevant skills: If you’ve done projects in IT, data, regulation, controls, audits – mention them
- Leadership & involvement: Membership/leadership in clubs, volunteer work, student projects
- Communication & clarity: Write in clear English, with good grammar, structuring your arguments
- Complete documentation: Missing or uncertified documents may disqualify you
- Submit early: Don’t leave until the last minute in case technical problems arise
Also check: SIOC Community Development Trust Bursary Programme (2026)
The Risk Services Bursary 2026 (PWC250901‑1) at PwC is a unique opportunity for graduating students who want both financial support and hands-on experience in risk, regulation, and digital trust. It offers a pathway into a leading professional services firm, while building your skills in areas companies need most.
