What you need to know about the Milpark Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting (CTA) and how to apply for 2026

• The programme at Milpark is officially called Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting (PGDip (Accounting) / CTA). Milpark Education+1
• It is SAICA-accredited and aligns with the curriculum of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA), which means it prepares students for the first board exam (the IAC / Initial Assessment of Competence) on the path to becoming a fully-qualified Chartered Accountant (CA(SA)). Milpark Education+2Milpark Education+2
• The qualification is at NQF Level 8 and carries 120 credits. Milpark Education+1
• Duration: The “full-workload” option is one academic year; alternatively, there is a half workload option allowing you to complete it over two years — useful if you’re working or have other commitments. Milpark Education+1
• Intake: Milpark offers two intakes per year — typically February and July. Milpark Education

✅ What the Programme Covers — Curriculum & Outcomes

To earn the PGDip/CTA, students must pass four compulsory modules: Milpark Education+1

What you get after completion:

• Qualification that meets SAICA’s academic requirements for sitting the IAC (first CA exam). Milpark Education+1
• Deepened accounting knowledge: IFRS, auditing, tax, management accounting — equipping you for roles in auditing, financial accounting, management accounting, etc. Milpark Education+1
• Flexible study: fully online/distance learning setup, which allows working students or those who need flexible scheduling to manage studies with other responsibilities. Milpark Education+1

🎯 Who Should Consider This Programme

PGDip (CTA) at Milpark is especially suited to:

• Holders of a SAICA-accredited undergraduate degree in Accounting or similar (or an equivalent qualification at NQF level 7) — which is the admission requirement. Milpark Education+1
• Those who want to become CA(SA) but require the CTA as academic preparation before entering a training contract/articleship with a registered training office.
• Working graduates or individuals who cannot commit to full-time, campus-based study — the online and flexible structure makes it easier to balance work/study.
• People seeking a “second chance” or alternative route to CA(SA) — for example, if you didn’t do accounting initially, or you need to catch up on accounting-specialist modules before articleship.

📥 Admission Requirements & Selection Criteria

To get admitted to Milpark’s PGDip/CTA you typically need: Milpark Education+1

• A SAICA-accredited BCom (or equivalent) degree, Advanced Diploma, or equivalent qualification at NQF level 7. Milpark Education+1
• Your undergraduate qualification must include sufficient grounding in core accounting disciplines (financial accounting/reporting, management accounting/finance, auditing / governance, taxation, etc.) to ensure readiness for CTA-level work. Milpark Education+1
• Typically, there should not be a long gap (more than about 3 years) since you completed your undergraduate studies — long gaps may reduce admission chances without first doing a bridging course. Milpark Education+1
• A strong academic record at undergraduate level — Milpark considers average marks across major accounting modules, time taken to complete degree, academic consistency, etc. Milpark Education+1

Important: Meeting minimum requirements doesn’t guarantee admission — selection depends on capacity, demand, and readiness as assessed by Milpark. Milpark Education+1

📝 How to Apply — Steps & What to Do

1. Visit the Milpark website and choose “Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting (CTA)” application. Milpark Education+1
2. Submit the admission application: pay the fee, upload required documents (ID, previous degrees/transcripts, certs). Milpark Education+1
3. Once accepted, register for your modules via the Milpark student portal. Milpark Education
4. Choose whether to study full-workload (1 year) or half-workload (2 years), depending on your schedule/work commitments. Milpark Education+1
5. Complete and pass all four compulsory modules. To qualify to write SAICA’s IAC (first CA exam), you must pass all four in a single sitting. Milpark Education+1

⚠️ What to Know / What the Challenges Are

• The PGDip/CTA is intense — many students find it challenging, especially because you need to pass all four rigorous modules (Financial Reporting, Tax, Management Accounting, Auditing) in one sitting to be eligible for SAICA’s IAC. Milpark Education+1
• Because the programme is private (Milpark is a private institution), it is not funded by public bursary schemes like NSFAS. Milpark Education+1
• No special bursary support available for PGDip/CTA from Milpark (per their bursary policy). Milpark Education+1
• Self-discipline and time management are critical: although the programme is online and flexible, you must commit significant study time, especially if working or balancing other responsibilities.
• A previous long gap since undergraduate studies can make it harder to get admitted directly — in such cases Milpark recommends doing a 6-month bridging course first. Milpark Education+1

🎯 Who Should Definitely Consider Milpark CTA — What Type of Student Fits Best

You should seriously consider enrolling for Milpark PGDip/CTA if:

• You have a SAICA-accredited accounting (or equivalent) undergraduate degree but still need the CTA to qualify for CA(SA).
• You need flexibility (work, family, other commitments) but still want to pursue CA(SA) — the online and half-workload options are designed for that.
• You are motivated, disciplined, and ready to commit to a rigorous accounting programme — even though it’s distance/online, success demands time, focus, and consistency.
• You don’t mind the self-funded cost of private education, and are prepared to arrange your own financial support or savings.
• You want a recognised, SAICA-accredited pathway to CA(SA) rather than alternate accounting qualifications with less recognition.

✅ Conclusion: Is Milpark PGDip/CTA Worth It (for 2026)?

Yes — for the right candidate, the Milpark Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting (CTA) remains one of the most practical, flexible and SAICA-compliant ways to qualify academically for CA(SA). Its online and part-time flexibility makes it particularly appealing if you need to work or have other obligations.

It is demanding — but with discipline, good academic grounding, and commitment, it can be an efficient bridge to CA-articles and eventual CA(SA) qualification.

https://www.mycareers.co.za/category/learnerships