Accounting Courses in South Africa: Full List of Universities Offering BCom & BAcc Degrees (2026 Guide)

If you want a career in finance, auditing, taxation, or corporate accounting, studying Accounting is one of the strongest career choices in South Africa. The country offers a wide range of BCom and BAcc programmes designed to prepare students for professional qualifications such as CA(SA), SAIPA, and CIMA.

This guide gives you a full breakdown of universities in South Africa offering Accounting-related degrees for 2026.

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What Is an Accounting Degree?

Accounting is the study of financial systems, reporting, auditing, taxation, and business finance.

Students learn how to:

• Prepare financial statements
• Analyse business performance
• Manage budgets and financial records
• Apply tax and auditing principles
• Support business decision-making

These skills are essential in both private companies and government institutions.

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Nelson Mandela University (NMU)

Nelson Mandela University

Programmes Offered

• BCom General (Accounting)
• BCom in Accounting Science (Law / Business Management streams)

NMU focuses on business-oriented accounting programmes that prepare students for corporate finance roles.

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North-West University (NWU)

North-West University

Programmes Offered

• BCom in Accounting
• BCom Chartered Accountancy (CA)
• BCom Financial Accountancy (SAIPA)
• BCom Forensic Accountancy
• BCom Management Accountancy (CIMA)

NWU is well known for its strong professional accounting pathways aligned with SAICA and CIMA standards.

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Rhodes University

Rhodes University

Programmes Offered

• Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting Stream)
• Postgraduate Diploma in Accountancy

Rhodes offers a strong academic foundation, especially for students planning postgraduate accounting qualifications.

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Sol Plaatje University (SPU)

Sol Plaatje University

Programmes Offered

• Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting

SPU provides focused commerce training with a growing emphasis on financial management skills.

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Stellenbosch University (SU)

Stellenbosch University

Programmes Offered

• BAcc (Bachelor of Accounting)
• BCom Financial Accounting
• BCom Management Accounting
• BAccLLB (Accounting & Law)

Stellenbosch is one of South Africa’s leading institutions for CA(SA) preparation.

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University of Cape Town (UCT)

University of Cape Town

Programmes Offered

• BCom Financial Accounting
• BBusSc Finance with Accounting

UCT is highly competitive and internationally recognised for accounting and finance studies.

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University of Fort Hare (UFH)

University of Fort Hare

Programmes Offered

• BCom in Accounting
• Postgraduate Diploma in Accountancy

UFH provides accessible accounting education with strong professional progression routes.

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University of Johannesburg (UJ)

University of Johannesburg

Programmes Offered

UJ offers several accounting and financial management qualifications through its College of Business and Economics, including:

• Accounting
• Financial Management
• Auditing and related commerce programmes

UJ focuses strongly on employability and industry-aligned accounting education.

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University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)

University of KwaZulu-Natal

Programmes Offered

• BCom Accounting
• BCom Accounting (Extended Curriculum)

UKZN supports both standard and extended programmes to widen access for students.

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University of Limpopo (UL)

University of Limpopo

Programmes Offered

• Bachelor of Accountancy (BAcc)
• BCom Accountancy
• Extended Accounting programmes

UL focuses on developing strong foundational accounting skills.

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University of Venda (UNIVEN)

University of Venda

Programmes Offered

• BCom Accounting Sciences
• Extended BCom Accounting
• Cost and Management Accounting

UNIVEN offers structured pathways for students needing academic support or extended study options.

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University of South Africa (UNISA)

University of South Africa

Programmes Offered

• Bachelor of Accounting Sciences (Financial Accounting)
• Advanced Diplomas in Accounting, Taxation, and Auditing
• Certificate in the Theory of Accounting (CTA)

UNISA provides flexible distance learning for working students across South Africa.

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University of the Western Cape (UWC)

University of the Western Cape

Programmes Offered

• BCom Accounting
• BCom Financial Accounting
• Advanced Diploma in Accounting

UWC offers strong commerce programmes with a focus on professional accounting development.

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University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)

University of the Witwatersrand

Programmes Offered

• Bachelor of Accounting Science
• Bachelor of Accounting

Wits is highly competitive and well respected for producing top accounting professionals.

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University of the Free State (UFS)

University of the Free State

Programmes Offered

• Bachelor of Accounting
• BCom Accounting

UFS provides solid accounting training aligned with professional body requirements.

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Why Study Accounting in South Africa?

Accounting remains one of the most in-demand career fields due to its importance in every industry.

Key benefits include:

• Strong job demand in all sectors
• Clear professional pathways (CA(SA), CIMA, SAIPA)
• High earning potential
• Opportunities in auditing, taxation, banking, and consulting
• Global career mobility

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Career Opportunities in Accounting

Graduates can pursue careers such as:

• Chartered Accountant (CA(SA))
• Auditor
• Tax Consultant
• Financial Analyst
• Management Accountant
• Forensic Accountant
• Budget Analyst
• Corporate Finance Specialist

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Final Thoughts

Accounting is one of the most stable and respected career paths in South Africa. Whether you choose BCom or BAcc, your success will depend on selecting the right university, meeting APS requirements, and following the correct professional pathway.

Always check each university’s admission requirements carefully before applying, as accounting programmes are often highly competitive and require strong Mathematics results.