FASSET Bursary Application for 2026/2027

South Africa’s finance, accounting, and auditing sectors face a persistent shortage of qualified professionals. From chartered accountants and financial analysts to tax practitioners and actuaries, the demand for skilled graduates in these fields far exceeds the supply. If you are a student planning to study — or already studying — in any of these disciplines, the FASSET bursary is one of the strongest funding opportunities you can access. The FASSET bursary application for 2026 is now open, and this guide walks you through every detail: what FASSET is, the different bursary streams available, eligibility requirements, fields of study covered, the step-by-step application process, required documents, closing dates, and answers to the most common questions students ask. Whether you are a top-achieving Matric student or an employed learner looking to upgrade your qualifications, FASSET has a bursary stream designed for you.

What Is FASSET?

FASSET stands for the Finance and Accounting Services Sector Education and Training Authority. It is one of South Africa’s 21 SETAs, established under the Skills Development Act of 1998 and operational since 2000. FASSET’s mandate is to increase the number of skilled professionals entering the finance and accountancy sector, facilitate transformation, and expand critical skills within the industry. The organisation serves employers and employees across accounting, auditing, financial services, management consulting, bookkeeping, tax advisory, and related financial disciplines. Through its bursary programmes, FASSET directly invests in developing the next generation of finance professionals by removing the financial barriers that prevent academically capable students from completing their qualifications.

FASSET Bursary Streams for 2026

One of the things that makes the FASSET bursary application for 2026 unique is that FASSET operates multiple bursary streams, each targeting a different category of student. Understanding which stream you qualify for is the first step toward a successful application.

1. Matric Top Achiever Bursary

This is the flagship bursary stream and it targets outstanding Matric performers who completed their National Senior Certificate (NSC) in 2025. It is specifically designed for first-time university entrants heading into finance and accounting-related qualifications. The bursary provides funding of up to R100,000 per year, covering tuition fees, prescribed textbooks, accommodation, and a meal allowance. This stream is highly competitive and rewards academic excellence — you need a minimum overall Matric average of 75%, with strong results in Mathematics and Accounting specifically.

2. Employed Learner Bursary

This stream supports learners who are already employed by companies within the Finance and Accounting Services (FAS) sector and want to upgrade their qualifications. The bursary covers tuition fees and prescribed textbooks for qualifications at NQF Level 6 and above, registered at public universities, universities of technology, or TVET colleges. Funding is capped at R50,000 per learner for one academic year. Selection operates on a first-come, first-served basis combined with academic performance, so early application is essential.

Fields of Study Covered

FASSET bursaries fund qualifications that are directly aligned with the finance and accounting services sector’s priority occupations. The following disciplines are supported:

• Accounting — including financial accounting, management accounting, and auditing pathways leading toward CA(SA), CIMA, or ACCA designations
• Finance — corporate finance, investment management, and financial planning
• Taxation — tax advisory and compliance services
• Auditing — internal and external auditing qualifications
• Actuarial Science — risk analysis, insurance mathematics, and statistical modelling
• Economics — economic theory, policy analysis, and quantitative economics
• Information Technology — specifically IT qualifications aligned with the financial services sector, such as financial systems, data analytics, and fintech
• Management Consulting — business advisory and consulting disciplines
• Bookkeeping — professional bookkeeping qualifications at NQF Level 6 and above

If your qualification falls within any of these fields and you are studying at a recognised South African public institution, you are eligible to pursue the FASSET bursary application for 2026.

Eligibility: Matric Top Achiever Bursary

The Matric Top Achiever stream has specific eligibility criteria. You must meet every requirement — failing even one means your application will not be considered:

• Matric Year: You must have completed Matric in 2025. Students who completed Matric in any other year are not eligible for this particular stream.
• Academic Average: You must have achieved a minimum overall average of 75% in your National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations.
• Key Subjects: You must have passed Mathematics and Accounting in Matric with top results.
• Field of Study: You must intend to study towards a qualification in one of the FASSET-supported fields listed above.
• Institution: You must be registered or accepted to study at a public university or university of technology in South Africa. Private institutions are not eligible.
• Household Income: Your total household income must not exceed R1,000,000 per annum.
• Citizenship: You must be a South African citizen with a valid SA ID document.

Eligibility: Employed Learner Bursary

The employed learner stream carries a different set of requirements. To qualify for this FASSET bursary application for 2026 stream, you must meet the following:

• Employment: You must be employed by a company that operates within the Finance and Accounting Services sector.
• Institution: You must be registered at a public higher education institution or TVET college in South Africa.
• Qualification Level: You must be studying towards a qualification at NQF Level 6 or higher.
• Alignment: Your qualification must align with FASSET’s Sectorial Priority Occupations and Interventions (SPOI) list.
• Current Funding: Learners already participating in a FASSET-funded programme during the current financial year are not eligible for this stream.

How to Complete the FASSET Bursary Application for 2026

The FASSET bursary application for 2026 is submitted online. Here is the step-by-step process for the Matric Top Achiever stream:

1. Complete the Online Application Form: Visit the official FASSET bursary application portal (the link is published on the FASSET website and on bursary listing sites). Fill in your personal details, academic information, and financial background. Complete every section in full — incomplete forms will be disqualified.
2. Gather Your Supporting Documents: Prepare certified copies of all required documents (listed in the next section). Every certification must be less than 6 months old and clearly legible.
3. Compile Documents Into a Single File: Scan or photograph all your supporting documents and combine them into one PDF or document file. This is a specific requirement — do not upload individual files separately.
4. Upload Your Documents: Use the designated upload link provided during the online application process to submit your compiled document package.
5. Submit Before the Deadline: Ensure your application and all supporting documents are submitted before the closing date. Late submissions are automatically rejected.

For the Employed Learner stream, the application is also submitted online through the FASSET website or through FASSET’s project partners. The process is similar: complete the online form, gather your documents, and submit everything before the closing date. You can also contact Career Wise, FASSET’s implementation partner, at 086 100 8777 for application assistance.

Required Documents

Your FASSET bursary application for 2026 must include the following supporting documents. Missing even one item can result in disqualification:

• Certified copy of your South African ID document (certification must be less than 6 months old)
• Certified copy of your Matric certificate or statement of results (NSC)
• Proof of registration or acceptance letter from a recognised public university or university of technology
• Latest academic transcript — if you are a current student, this must reflect your most recent tertiary results
• Proof of household income — payslips, financial statements, SARS documents, or an affidavit confirming unemployment
• Proof of banking details (where applicable)
• Written motivation letter explaining your career goals and why you are applying for the FASSET bursary

For the Employed Learner stream, you also need proof of employment in the FAS sector and confirmation that your qualification aligns with FASSET’s SPOI list. All documents must be clearly legible — blurry scans or expired certifications are common reasons for rejection.

What the FASSET Bursary Covers

The funding you receive depends on which bursary stream you are awarded. The Matric Top Achiever Bursary provides up to R100,000 per year and may cover tuition fees at your registered institution, prescribed textbooks and study materials, accommodation costs, and a meal allowance. The Employed Learner Bursary is capped at R50,000 per learner and covers tuition fees and prescribed textbooks for one academic year. In both cases, payments are typically made directly to the educational institution on the student’s behalf. The exact funding allocation depends on FASSET’s annual budget and the number of successful applicants in each cycle.

Closing Dates for 2026

FASSET operates different closing dates for each bursary stream. For the Matric Top Achiever Bursary, the closing date is 28 February 2026 at 23:59. Applications submitted after this time will not be accepted. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by 15 March 2026 — if you do not receive feedback by this date, consider your application unsuccessful. For the Employed Learner Bursary, the closing date is 30 September 2026 at 16:30, or until the available budget is depleted, whichever comes first. This stream operates partly on a first-come, first-served basis, so submitting your application early gives you a better chance of securing funding before the budget runs out.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting an ID certification that is older than 6 months. FASSET requires certifications to be recent and valid.
• Applying for the Matric Top Achiever stream when you completed Matric in a year other than 2025.
• Uploading documents as separate files instead of compiling them into a single document as required.
• Leaving sections of the online application form blank or incomplete.
• Failing to declare other funding sources such as NSFAS, scholarships, or loans.
• Applying for a field of study that does not align with FASSET’s supported disciplines.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I apply if I completed Matric before 2025?

Not for the Matric Top Achiever stream — that is exclusively for students who completed their NSC in 2025. However, the Employed Learner Bursary and other FASSET funding streams may be available to you if you meet their specific criteria. Check the FASSET website for all open bursary calls.

Can private university students apply?

No. The FASSET bursary application for 2026 requires that you are registered at a public university, university of technology, or in certain streams, a TVET college. Private institutions are not eligible.

Does receiving NSFAS funding disqualify me?

Not necessarily, but you must declare all other funding sources in your application. Dual funding rules apply, and FASSET may adjust your bursary amount based on what you already receive from other sources.

Can IT students apply for the FASSET bursary?

Yes, provided your IT qualification is aligned with the financial services sector. Disciplines such as financial systems, data analytics for finance, and fintech-related IT qualifications are supported.

Is the bursary renewable for multiple years?

The Employed Learner Bursary covers one academic year only. The Matric Top Achiever Bursary may provide continued support depending on satisfactory academic progress and available funding in subsequent cycles. Students may reapply in the next funding cycle if they still meet the criteria.

How do I contact FASSET for bursary queries?

You can contact FASSET directly at info@fasset.org.za or call 011 476 8570. For the Matric Top Achiever Bursary, you can also contact Career Wise at 086 100 8777 or 086 100 7787, or email applications@careerwise.co.za. Visit the official FASSET website at www.fasset.org.za for the latest bursary calls and application links.

Final Thoughts

The FASSET bursary is one of South Africa’s most targeted and impactful funding programmes for students pursuing finance, accounting, and related qualifications. With the Matric Top Achiever stream offering up to R100,000 per year and the Employed Learner stream providing up to R50,000 for working professionals, FASSET addresses both ends of the skills pipeline — bringing new talent into the sector and upskilling those already working in it. If you meet the eligibility criteria, do not delay. Complete your FASSET bursary application for 2026 well before the deadline, compile your documents carefully, and submit everything in one clean package. South Africa’s finance sector needs qualified professionals — and this bursary can help you become one of them.