FASSET Bursary 2026 Requirements

If you are a South African student planning to build a career in finance, accounting, auditing, actuarial science, or information technology, the FASSET bursary is one of the most rewarding funding opportunities available to you. FASSET — the Finance and Accounting Services Sector Education and Training Authority — runs multiple bursary programmes each year, and understanding the FASSET bursary 2025 requirements is essential whether you are applying for the current cycle or preparing for the 2026/2027 intake. The eligibility criteria, application process, and funding structure remain largely consistent from year to year, so knowing what FASSET expects gives you a significant head start. This guide covers the full requirements for each bursary stream, the fields of study funded, what the bursary covers financially, the documents you need, and the application steps to follow.

What Is FASSET and Why Does It Offer Bursaries?

FASSET is one of South Africa’s 21 Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), established under the Skills Development Act of 1998 and operational since 2000. Its specific mandate is to grow the number of skilled professionals entering the finance, accounting, management consulting, and related financial services sectors. South Africa faces a persistent shortage of qualified chartered accountants, auditors, tax practitioners, actuaries, and financial analysts — and FASSET’s bursary programmes are designed to close that gap. By funding academically capable students who demonstrate financial need, FASSET ensures that talented individuals are not locked out of professional careers simply because they cannot afford tertiary education. Knowing the FASSET bursary 2025 requirements helps you understand what this SETA expects, because the bursary programme is not charity — it is a strategic investment in building the skilled workforce that South Africa’s financial services industry needs to grow.

FASSET Bursary Streams You Can Apply For

FASSET operates several bursary streams, each with its own target audience and specific criteria. Understanding which stream applies to you is the first step toward meeting the FASSET bursary 2025 requirements and submitting a successful application.

1. Unemployed Learner Bursary

This is the broadest stream and targets unemployed South African citizens who want to study finance, accounting, IT, or related qualifications at a public university, university of technology, or TVET college. Funding is capped at R100,000 per year for university students and R40,000 per year for TVET college students. The bursary covers tuition fees, prescribed textbooks, accommodation, and meal allowances. Selection operates on a first-come, first-served basis combined with academic merit, so early application is critical.

2. Matric Top Achiever Bursary

This is the most competitive stream. It specifically targets top-performing Matric students who achieved an overall average of at least 75% in their National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations, with strong results in Mathematics and Accounting. For the 2026 cycle, this stream is reserved for students who completed Matric in 2025. Funding is capped at R100,000 per year and covers tuition, textbooks, accommodation, and a meal allowance.

3. Employed Learner Bursary (Interns and Trainees)

This stream supports learners who are already employed within the Finance and Accounting Services (FAS) sector — including interns and trainees on learning development programmes — and want to upgrade their qualifications. The bursary covers tuition fees and prescribed textbooks only (no accommodation or meal allowance). Funding is capped at a lower amount, and the qualification must be at NQF Level 6 or higher.

FASSET Bursary 2025 Requirements: Complete Breakdown

The FASSET bursary 2025 requirements differ slightly depending on the stream you apply for. Below is the full eligibility breakdown for each category.

Requirements for Unemployed Learners

• Citizenship: You must be a South African citizen with a valid SA ID document.
• Employment Status: You must be unemployed at the time of application. Employed individuals apply under the employed learner stream instead.
• Academic Standing: You must have completed Matric or be currently in your Matric year. Current university students with satisfactory academic results are also eligible.
• Institution: You must be registered or accepted at a public university, university of technology, or TVET college in South Africa. Private institutions are not eligible.
• Field of Study: Your qualification must fall within the Finance and Accounting Services sector. Preference is given to IT-related qualifications and other national critical skills areas.
• Household Income: Your total combined household income must not exceed R1,000,000 per annum.

Requirements for Matric Top Achievers

• Matric Year: You must have completed your NSC in the immediately preceding year (for 2026 funding, this means completing Matric in 2025). Students from earlier Matric years are not eligible for this stream.
• Academic Average: A minimum overall average of 75% in your NSC examinations.
• Key Subjects: You must have passed Mathematics and Accounting with top results.
• Institution: You must be registered or accepted at a public university or university of technology. TVET colleges are not eligible for this specific stream.
• Field of Study: You must intend to study in one of FASSET’s approved disciplines — accounting, finance, auditing, taxation, actuarial science, economics, or IT aligned with financial services.
• Household Income: Your total household income must not exceed R1,000,000 per annum.
• Citizenship: South African citizen with a valid ID.

Requirements for Employed Learners

• Employment: You must be employed by a company within the FAS sector, or currently participating in an internship or traineeship within the sector.
• Institution: You must be registered at a public university, university of technology, or TVET college.
• Qualification Level: Your qualification must be at NQF Level 6 or higher and must align with FASSET’s Sectorial Priority Occupations and Interventions (SPOI) list.
• Current FASSET Funding: You must not already be participating in another FASSET-funded programme during the current financial year.

Fields of Study Funded by FASSET

The FASSET bursary 2025 requirements specify that your qualification must fall within the finance and accounting services sector’s priority occupations. The following fields are funded:

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

FASSET gives preference to IT-related qualifications and other national critical skills. If your qualification does not fall within these fields, your application will not be considered regardless of how strong your academic record is.

What the FASSET Bursary Covers Financially

The financial support you receive depends on which bursary stream you are awarded and whether you are studying at a university or a TVET college. For unemployed learners and Matric top achievers at universities and universities of technology, the bursary is capped at R100,000 per year and may cover tuition fees at your registered institution, prescribed textbooks and study materials, accommodation (either university residence or a private accommodation allowance), and a meal allowance. For TVET college students, funding is capped at R40,000 per year with similar coverage. For employed learners, the bursary covers tuition fees and prescribed textbooks only — accommodation and meal allowances are not included. All payments are typically made directly to the institution on the student’s behalf. Any costs exceeding the annual cap are the student’s responsibility.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Process

Once you confirm you meet the FASSET bursary 2025 requirements, the application process is straightforward. All applications are submitted online.

1. Visit the FASSET Bursary Portal: Go to the official FASSET bursary application page on the FASSET website (www.fasset.org.za) or access the link through FASSET’s implementation partner, Career Wise.
2. Complete the Online Form: Fill in every section of the application form with accurate personal, academic, and financial details. Do not leave any fields blank.
3. Prepare Your Supporting Documents: Gather certified copies of all required documents. Every certification must be less than 6 months old.
4. Compile Into One Document: Scan or photograph all supporting documents and merge them into a single PDF or document file. This is a specific FASSET requirement — do not upload separate files.
5. Upload and Submit: Use the designated upload portal to submit your compiled document package alongside your completed online form. Confirm your submission before the closing date.

Required Supporting Documents

Part of meeting the FASSET bursary 2025 requirements is submitting a complete document package. Your application must include the following. Missing any item may lead to disqualification:

• Certified copy of your SA ID document (certification not older than 6 months)
• Certified copy of your Matric certificate or NSC statement of results (learners currently in Grade 12 submit trial exam results instead)
• Certified copies of your highest qualification and latest academic record (not older than 6 months)
• Proof of registration or acceptance letter from a public university, university of technology, or TVET college
• Certified ID copies of your parents or guardians (not older than 6 months)
• Proof of household income — payslips for both parents or guardians; if unemployed, a sworn affidavit is required
• Proof of residence
• FASSET unemployment declaration form (for unemployed applicants — download from the FASSET website)
• Employment confirmation letter (for interns and trainees applying under the employed learner stream)

Important Closing Dates

FASSET operates strict deadlines with no exceptions for late submissions. This is a non-negotiable part of the FASSET bursary 2025 requirements that catches many students off guard. For the Matric Top Achiever Bursary for the 2026 academic year, the closing date is 28 February 2026 at 23:59. Shortlisted candidates are contacted by 15 March 2026 — if you receive no feedback by that date, consider your application unsuccessful. For the Employed Learner Bursary, the closing date is typically 30 September of the relevant year at 16:30, or until the available budget runs out. The Unemployed Learner Bursary operates on a rolling basis with selection on a first-come, first-served basis, so applying early significantly improves your chances. Always check the FASSET website for the most current deadlines for each bursary cycle.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting certifications older than 6 months. FASSET strictly enforces this rule.
• Uploading documents as multiple separate files instead of one compiled document.
• Applying for a field of study outside FASSET’s approved disciplines.
• Leaving sections of the online form incomplete or providing inaccurate income details.
• Failing to include the FASSET unemployment declaration form if you are an unemployed applicant.
• Assuming your application is successful without receiving official confirmation by the stated feedback date.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can TVET college students apply for the FASSET bursary?

Yes. TVET college students are eligible for the Unemployed Learner stream, with funding capped at R40,000 per year. However, TVET students are not eligible for the Matric Top Achiever stream, which is restricted to public universities and universities of technology.

Can I apply if I already receive NSFAS funding?

Receiving NSFAS does not automatically disqualify you, but the FASSET bursary 2025 requirements specify that all other funding sources must be declared. FASSET may adjust your bursary amount or eligibility based on what you already receive.

Can private university students apply?

No. FASSET bursaries are only available to students registered at public universities, universities of technology, or TVET colleges. Private institutions are not eligible under any stream.

Is the bursary available for postgraduate studies?

FASSET may fund postgraduate qualifications that are aligned with the finance and accounting sector, particularly under the Employed Learner stream. Check the specific bursary call on the FASSET website for confirmation of which study levels are funded in each cycle.

What happens if I do not hear back after the closing date?

For the Matric Top Achiever stream, if you do not receive feedback by 15 March 2026, your application is unsuccessful. For other streams, FASSET or its partners contact successful candidates directly. If you hear nothing within the stated timeframe, you may reapply in the next funding cycle.

How do I contact FASSET for bursary queries?

Contact FASSET directly at info@fasset.org.za or call 011 476 8570. You can also reach Career Wise, FASSET’s implementation partner, at 086 100 8777 or 086 100 7787, or email applications@careerwise.co.za. The official FASSET website is www.fasset.org.za.

Final Thoughts

The FASSET bursary is one of South Africa’s most targeted and effective funding programmes for students pursuing careers in finance, accounting, IT, and related disciplines. With funding of up to R100,000 per year for university students and R40,000 for TVET learners, it covers the core expenses that prevent talented students from completing their qualifications. Whether you are an unemployed school leaver, a high-achieving Matric graduate, or a working professional looking to upskill, FASSET has a stream designed for your situation. Make sure you understand the FASSET bursary 2025 requirements thoroughly, gather every required document with valid certifications, compile everything into a single submission package, and apply well before the deadline. South Africa’s financial services sector is growing — and FASSET is investing in making sure you have the skills to grow with it.