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CAS gives Unisa students full academic support

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What happened: 68 students received BANKSETA Lesedi Bursaries to help them while they complete their Certificate in the Theory of Accounting (CTA) in Unisa’s College of Accounting Sciences (CAS).

Why it matters: The CTA is one of the flagship academic programmes offered by CAS, but it is extremely challenging, with low throughput rates reported by different universities. At Unisa this is exacerbated by the fact that students have limited access to lectures and that many of them work full time to finance their studies.

What was said: "I can do many things by myself, but CTA is not one of them. I am truly grateful for this opportunity."

All smiles, it was a joyous day for the 68 students who received their BANKSETA Lesedi bursaries

The Certificate in the Theory of Accounting (CTA) is one of the flagship academic programmes in the College of Accounting Sciences (CAS). With so many students aspiring to become chartered accountants, it is no wonder the college has the highest number of students in the country.

The CTA qualification is the requirement for students intending to write the chartered accountancy examination. Offered by different SAICA accredited universities, including Unisa, the programme is considered to be one of the most challenging programmes. This is evident from the low throughput rates reported by different universities.

At Unisa this is exacerbated by the fact that our students have limited access to lectures and that many of them work full time to finance their studies. Because of their work, they devote less time to their studies. It is for these reasons that the college sought external funding to assist students and increase the throughput of CAS.

"I can do many things by myself, but CTA is not one of them. I am truly grateful for this opportunity."

Full academic support for 68 CTA students

At the start of the year, the college received funding from the Banking Sector Education and Training Authority (BANKSETA). Its Lesedi Bursary Scheme gives Unisa’s CTA students full academic support by creating a learning environment that prioritises consistent engagement with lecturers, tutors and other students. Some 68 deserving CTA students were recipients of this bursary.

The bursary covers the following:

  • Accommodation for the duration of the programme
  • A monthly allowance
  • Textbooks
  • Tuition fees

The students will be expected to attend weekly classes from the beginning of March until October (before the examinations start). The college will monitor the performance of the students to ensure that they adhere to the bursary conditions.

A brief welcome by Nkosinathi Masela (Acting Manager: Strategic Projects, CAS)

When asked about the bursary, Nkosinathi Masela, Acting Manager of Strategic Projects, said: "We believe that this programme will grow in size and impact as we continue to seek ways to improve the throughput rates of CAS while providing world-class academic support to our students. The bursary is an indication of the long-standing partnership between the college and BANKSETA."

On 27 February 2020, the students gathered at the Kgorong Building to be welcomed and whisked away to their fully paid accommodation in Sunnyside. Okuhle Mbiyoza, one of the bursary recipients, was delighted with the support: "I can do many things by myself, but CTA is not one of them. I am truly grateful for this opportunity," he said.

* By Nkosinathi Masela, Acting Manager: Strategic Projects, College of Accounting Sciences

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Publish date: 2020-03-05 00:00:00.0

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