The North-West University (NWU) has achieved an exceptional 99% pass rate in the combined January and June 2026 Initial Assessment of Competence (IAC) examinations administered by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA).
The achievement places the NWU well above the national combined pass rate of 73%. In the January examination, the university recorded a pass rate of 97%, compared with the national average of 65%.
The university’s candidates also excelled in the examinations administered by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Namibia (ICAN). Every NWU candidate who wrote through ICAN passed, maintaining the university’s 100% ICAN pass rate across both examination sittings.
The results also represent an important achievement in the university’s commitment to transformation. All the NWU’s African, Coloured and Indian (ACI) candidates of 2026, passed the combined examination sittings. This brings the total number of successful ACI candidates for 2026 to 43, compared with 40 after the January examinations.
Prof. Heleen Janse van Vuuren, director of the School of Accounting Sciences, says the results reflect the NWU’s sustained commitment to academic excellence and preparing graduates for the evolving demands of the accounting profession.
“These results demonstrate the quality of our academic programmes, the dedication of our staff and the commitment shown by our students. They also affirm our alignment with SAICA’s CA of the Future Competency Framework, which emphasises digital capability, integrated thinking and sound professional judgement,” she says.
The strong performance comes at a time when chartered accountants are playing an increasingly important role in strengthening financial governance, accountability and ethical leadership.
South Africa’s need for transparent, responsible and effective financial management further underlines the importance of producing highly skilled accounting professionals. The NWU remains committed to developing chartered accountants who possess the technical expertise, professional judgement and ethical grounding needed to contribute meaningfully to the country’s future.
Prof. Janse van Vuuren says the achievement is the result of a collective effort involving students, lecturers, support staff and the university’s leadership.
She extended her appreciation to the academic and support staff of the School of Accounting Sciences and the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences for their dedication and hard work.
“I would also like to thank NWU leadership and Council for fostering an environment in which students and staff can pursue and achieve excellence,” she concluded.
