Top 8 Auditing Courses In South Africa And Requirements

Posted on Author Khumalo Dakarai

In South Africa, auditing courses are offered at various levels, from undergraduate to postgraduate programs, as well as professional qualifications. These courses are available through universities, colleges, and professional bodies like the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) and the Institute of Internal Auditors South Africa (IIA SA). Below is an overview of some common auditing courses and their requirements.

Auditing Courses In South Africa

1. Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or Auditing

  • Institutions: Universities such as the University of Cape Town (UCT), University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), Stellenbosch University, University of Pretoria, etc.
  • Duration: 3-4 years
  • Core Subjects: Financial Accounting, Auditing, Taxation, Business Law, and Management Accounting.
  • Requirements:
    • National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent with matriculation exemption.
    • Strong performance in Mathematics (usually at least 60-70%).
    • English proficiency.
    • APS (Admission Point Score) requirement varies by institution, generally around 34-38 points.

2. Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting (PGDA) / Certificate in the Theory of Accounting (CTA)

  • Institutions: Same as those offering undergraduate degrees.
  • Duration: 1 year
  • Core Subjects: Advanced Financial Accounting, Advanced Auditing, Advanced Taxation, and Advanced Management Accounting.
  • Requirements:
    • Completion of a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or an equivalent degree.
    • Specific undergraduate courses in Accounting, Auditing, and Taxation are prerequisites.
    • Good academic standing, particularly in accounting subjects.

3. Master of Commerce (MCom) in Auditing

  • Institutions: Available at some South African universities like the University of Johannesburg, University of Pretoria.
  • Duration: 1-2 years
  • Core Subjects: Advanced Auditing Techniques, Research Methodology, Corporate Governance, and Risk Management.
  • Requirements:
    • Honours Degree in Accounting, Auditing, or related fields.
    • Strong academic record in auditing and accounting subjects.
    • Research proposal for some programs.

4. Chartered Accountant (CA(SA)) Qualification

  • Institutions: Universities accredited by SAICA and the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA).
  • Duration: 7+ years (including university studies and practical training)
  • Steps:
    1. Complete a SAICA-accredited Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting.
    2. Complete the Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting/CTA.
    3. Pass the Initial Test of Competence (ITC).
    4. Complete a 3-year training contract with a registered training office.
    5. Pass the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC).
  • Requirements: Strong academic performance throughout the educational and training pathway.

5. Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)

  • Institutions: Administered by the Institute of Internal Auditors South Africa (IIA SA).
  • Duration: Self-paced, typically 2-3 years.
  • Core Subjects: Internal Audit Basics, Internal Audit Practice, and Internal Audit Knowledge Elements.
  • Requirements:
    • Bachelor’s Degree in any field (some experience may substitute for this).
    • 24 months of internal auditing experience.
    • Passing the CIA exam.

6. Short Courses and Certificates in Auditing

  • Institutions: Offered by institutions like the University of South Africa (UNISA), Milpark Education, and various private colleges.
  • Duration: Varies from a few weeks to a year.
  • Core Subjects: Specific to auditing topics like forensic auditing, internal auditing, etc.
  • Requirements:
    • Often require a matric certificate.
    • Some advanced courses may require prior accounting or auditing experience.

7. Professional Certifications in Specialized Auditing Fields

  • Examples: Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Certified Government Auditing Professional (CGAP).
  • Institutions: Offered by international bodies such as the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) and Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA), with local chapters in South Africa.
  • Duration: Typically 6 months to 2 years, depending on study pace.
  • Core Subjects:
    • CFE: Fraud Prevention and Deterrence, Financial Transactions, Legal Elements of Fraud, Fraud Investigation.
    • CISA: Information Systems Auditing Process, IT Governance, Systems and Infrastructure Lifecycle Management, IT Service Delivery and Support, Protection of Information Assets.
    • CGAP: Government Auditing Standards, Public Sector Governance, Government Financial Management, Government Auditing Techniques.
  • Requirements:
    • CFE: Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent), with at least 2 years of professional experience in a fraud-related field.
    • CISA: Five years of professional experience in IS auditing, control, or security (with some substitutions allowed for education).
    • CGAP: A Bachelor’s degree, with public sector auditing experience being an advantage.

8. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Auditing

  • Institutions: Offered by select universities such as the University of Pretoria, University of Johannesburg.
  • Duration: 3-5 years.
  • Core Subjects: Focused on independent research, with specific courses in research methodologies, advanced auditing topics, and dissertation writing.
  • Requirements:
    • A Master’s degree in Auditing, Accounting, or a related field.
    • A research proposal aligned with the institution’s research focus areas.
    • Strong academic record and potential for research contributions.

Requirements For Auditing Courses In South Africa

Here’s a summarized breakdown of the general requirements for various auditing courses and qualifications in South Africa:

1. Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or Auditing

  • National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent with matriculation exemption.
  • Mathematics: Typically a minimum of 60-70%.
  • English Proficiency: Required.
  • Admission Point Score (APS): Varies by institution, usually around 34-38 points.

2. Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting (PGDA) / Certificate in the Theory of Accounting (CTA)

  • Bachelor’s Degree: In Accounting or a closely related field.
  • Prerequisites: Specific undergraduate courses in Accounting, Auditing, and Taxation.
  • Academic Performance: Strong grades in accounting subjects are necessary.

3. Master of Commerce (MCom) in Auditing

  • Honours Degree: In Accounting, Auditing, or a related field.
  • Academic Record: Strong performance in relevant subjects.
  • Research Proposal: May be required for admission.

4. Chartered Accountant (CA(SA)) Qualification

  • SAICA-accredited Bachelor’s Degree: In Accounting.
  • Postgraduate Diploma (PGDA/CTA): Completion required.
  • ITC Exam: Must pass the Initial Test of Competence.
  • Training Contract: 3 years with a SAICA-registered training office.
  • APC Exam: Must pass the Assessment of Professional Competence.

5. Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)

  • Bachelor’s Degree: In any field, though accounting or auditing is preferred.
  • Work Experience: 24 months of internal auditing experience.
  • CIA Exam: Must pass the three-part CIA exam.

6. Professional Certifications (e.g., CFE, CISA)

  • Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE):
    • Bachelor’s Degree: Required (any field).
    • Professional Experience: 2 years in a fraud-related field.
    • CFE Exam: Must pass the exam.
  • Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA):
    • Experience: Five years in IS auditing, control, or security (education can sometimes substitute for experience).
    • CISA Exam: Must pass the exam.

7. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Auditing

  • Master’s Degree: In Auditing, Accounting, or a related field.
  • Research Proposal: Aligned with the institution’s research focus.
  • Academic Excellence: Demonstrated through prior degrees.

8. Short Courses and Certificates in Auditing

  • Matric Certificate: Often required.
  • Work Experience: May be required for advanced or specialized courses.
  • Prior Knowledge: Some courses may require a background in accounting or auditing.

General Application Requirements

  • Online Application: Via the institution’s portal.
  • Documentation: Certified copies of academic transcripts, ID/passport, proof of payment for the application fee.
  • Deadlines: Varies, usually from March/April to September/October for the following academic year.

These requirements provide a pathway to careers in auditing, offering qualifications that are well-regarded both in South Africa and internationally.

Auditing Courses In South Africa Fees

The cost of auditing courses in South Africa can vary significantly depending on the level of study, the institution offering the course, and whether the program is full-time, part-time, or distance learning. Below is a general overview of the costs associated with various auditing courses:

1. Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or Auditing

  • Tuition Fees: R30,000 to R70,000 per year.
    • Public Universities: Typically on the lower end (e.g., University of Pretoria, University of Cape Town).
    • Private Institutions: Can be more expensive (e.g., Varsity College, Milpark Education).
  • Duration: 3-4 years.
  • Total Cost: R90,000 to R280,000 for the full degree.

2. Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting (PGDA) / Certificate in the Theory of Accounting (CTA)

  • Tuition Fees: R40,000 to R60,000 per year.
  • Duration: 1 year.
  • Total Cost: R40,000 to R60,000.

3. Master of Commerce (MCom) in Auditing

  • Tuition Fees: R35,000 to R80,000 per year.
  • Duration: 1-2 years.
  • Total Cost: R35,000 to R160,000.

4. Chartered Accountant (CA(SA)) Qualification

  • Undergraduate Degree: R90,000 to R280,000 (as part of a Bachelor’s degree).
  • Postgraduate Diploma (PGDA/CTA): R40,000 to R60,000.
  • SAICA Registration and Exam Fees:
    • Initial Test of Competence (ITC): Around R5,000.
    • Assessment of Professional Competence (APC): Around R5,000.
  • Training Contract: Paid by the employer, so no cost to the student.
  • Total Cost: R135,000 to R350,000+ (including undergraduate and postgraduate studies).

5. Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)

  • IIA SA Membership: Around R2,000 per year.
  • CIA Exam Fees:
    • Part 1: $230 (approx. R4,500).
    • Part 2: $180 (approx. R3,500).
    • Part 3: $180 (approx. R3,500).
  • Total Cost: Around R13,000 to R15,000 (including membership and exam fees).

6. Professional Certifications (e.g., CFE, CISA)

  • Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE):
    • ACFE Membership: $195 per year (approx. R3,800).
    • CFE Exam Fee: $450 (approx. R8,800).
    • Study Materials: $1,095 (approx. R21,500) if needed.
    • Total Cost: R13,000 to R34,000, depending on whether study materials are purchased.
  • Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA):
    • ISACA Membership: $135 per year (approx. R2,600).
    • CISA Exam Fee: $575 (approx. R11,300) for members.
    • Study Materials: $200-$500 (approx. R3,900 – R9,800).
    • Total Cost: R17,000 to R24,000, including membership, exam fees, and study materials.

7. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Auditing

  • Tuition Fees: R20,000 to R50,000 per year.
  • Duration: 3-5 years.
  • Total Cost: R60,000 to R250,000.

8. Short Courses and Certificates in Auditing

  • Tuition Fees: R5,000 to R30,000 per course, depending on the institution and course length.
  • Duration: Varies from a few weeks to a year.
  • Total Cost: R5,000 to R30,000.

Additional Costs

  • Books and Materials: R5,000 to R10,000 per year.
  • Accommodation and Living Expenses: R50,000 to R120,000 per year if living away from home.
  • Registration Fees: R1,500 to R4,000 per year.

Funding and Scholarships

  • National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS): Available for students from low-income households.
  • University Bursaries: Many universities offer merit-based and need-based bursaries.
  • Corporate Scholarships: Some companies offer scholarships for students pursuing auditing and accounting qualifications.
  • Professional Body Bursaries: SAICA and other bodies often provide bursaries for students on the CA(SA) track.

Career Opportunities After Auditing Courses In South Africa

Completing an auditing course opens up a range of career opportunities in various sectors, including:

  1. Public Accounting Firms: As an auditor or accountant, you can work for one of the “Big Four” firms (Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG) or other public accounting firms.
  2. Internal Auditing: Work as an internal auditor within corporations, government agencies, or non-profit organizations.
  3. Forensic Auditing: Specialize in detecting and investigating financial fraud, often working with law enforcement or in private practice.
  4. IT Auditing: Focus on the auditing of information systems, often within IT departments of large organizations or as a consultant.
  5. Government Auditing: Work with the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA) or other government bodies to audit public sector finances.
  6. Consulting: Provide auditing and risk management consulting services to various industries.
  7. Education and Research: With advanced degrees (Master’s or PhD), you can pursue a career in academia, teaching auditing and conducting research.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

For those in the auditing profession, especially holders of professional certifications like CA(SA), CIA, or CISA, continuous professional development (CPD) is crucial. CPD ensures that professionals stay updated with the latest developments, standards, and technologies in auditing. This can include attending workshops, seminars, and courses, as well as earning CPD credits through professional bodies.

Accreditation and Recognition

When choosing an auditing course or program in South Africa, ensure that it is accredited and recognized by relevant professional bodies. For instance:

  • SAICA Accreditation: Essential for CA(SA) qualification paths.
  • IIA SA: Recognizes internal auditing qualifications.
  • ACFE and ISACA: Offer globally recognized certifications like CFE and CISA.

Funding and Scholarships

Various scholarships and funding opportunities are available for auditing students in South Africa. These can be offered by the government (like the National Student Financial Aid Scheme – NSFAS), private companies, or the universities themselves. Additionally, professional bodies like SAICA often offer bursaries for students pursuing the CA(SA) qualification.

 

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Conclusion

Auditing courses in South Africa offer a well-structured pathway to a rewarding career in accounting, finance, and auditing. Whether you are pursuing a degree, certification, or advanced research in auditing, the country’s institutions provide robust programs aligned with global standards. It’s important to carefully consider the specific requirements and career goals as you select the course that best fits your aspirations.

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