For many matriculants, passing well is only half the battle. The real stress starts after results are out, when university acceptance letters arrive, but funding is still uncertain.
The FASSET Matric Bursary 2026 matters because it targets a very specific group of learners: high-performing 2025 matriculants who want to study finance, accounting, IT, or actuarial sciences and who need support now, not promises later.
At a time when bursaries are becoming more competitive and less predictable, this one stands out for being clear, capped, and honest about who qualifies.
What the FASSET Matric Bursary 2026 Is and Isn’t
The FASSET Matric Bursary 2026 is not a blanket opportunity for all school leavers. It’s targeted funding from the Finance and Accounting Services Sector Education and Training Authority (FASSET), aimed at building future professionals in scarce and critical skills.
It is only open to learners who matriculated in 2025. That detail alone disqualifies many hopeful applicants every year.
The bursary is also academic-performance driven, requiring a minimum average of 75%. This places it firmly in the category of merit-based funding, not need-only support.
At the same time, FASSET sets a household income cap of R1 million per year, acknowledging that strong academic results don’t always come from wealthy backgrounds but also drawing a clear financial line.
This balance is intentional, and it’s part of what makes the bursary both competitive and fair.
Read more about What Happens If a Bursary Is Cancelled Mid-Year 2026
Who the Bursary Is Really For
On paper, the criteria look straightforward. In reality, they narrow the pool quickly.
The FASSET Matric Bursary 2026 is designed for learners who:
- Completed matric in 2025
- Achieved a 75% or higher average
- Come from a household earning R1 million or less per year
- Have been accepted or registered at a public university or university of technology
- Are studying within specific fields tied to the finance and accounting sector
Those fields include:
- Economics and Management Sciences
- Auditing and Taxation
- Accounting Sciences
- IT-related qualifications
- Actuarial Sciences
If a learner falls outside these areas, even with excellent marks, the application will not be considered.
This isn’t a flaw. It’s a reminder that sector bursaries exist to solve specific skills shortages, not general access problems.
ALSO Apply for Sorbet Academy Bursary Programme 2026
What the Funding Covers and Where the Limits Are
The bursary funding is capped at R100,000 per year for university learners. That cap is important to understand upfront.
Covered costs include:
- Tuition fees
- Prescribed textbooks
- Accommodation
- Meal allowances
In many public institutions, this amount can cover a large portion but not always everything. For students at higher-cost universities or in accommodation-heavy cities, there may still be shortfalls.
This is one of the realities applicants need to plan for. The bursary is meaningful support, but it may need to be combined with other funding, part-time work, or family contributions.
Still, in a funding environment where some bursaries are reduced or cancelled mid-degree, a clearly defined annual cap offers a level of certainty many families value.
Why This Bursary Still Matters in 2026
In recent years, many learners have learned the hard way that “available funding” doesn’t always mean accessible funding.
The FASSET Matric Bursary 2026 matters because it is:
- Clear about who qualifies
- Transparent about funding limits
- Focused on real labour-market needs
- Firm about deadlines and outcomes
For learners who fit the criteria, it can be the difference between deferring studies and starting on time.
For those who don’t qualify, it still offers a useful lesson: understanding bursary alignment early saves time, stress, and false hope.
The Application Reality Students Often Miss
Submitting the application form does not automatically collect personal details. Learners must actively provide all required information.
Another critical detail: all documents must be merged into one single file before upload. Applications are often rejected simply because documents were uploaded separately or incorrectly.
Mandatory documents include:
- A certified copy of the learner’s ID (not older than 6 months)
- A certified copy of the NSC statement of results
- An official acceptance letter from the institution
Applications must be uploaded via the official FASSET link provided. Missing documents or incorrect formatting can quietly end an application without feedback.
And speaking of feedback: if you do not hear back by 15 March 2026, the application should be considered unsuccessful. There are no follow-up emails or appeals promised.
Closing date and time: 23:59 midnight 28 February 2026
Apply for the FASSET Matric Bursary 2026
FAQs: FASSET Matric Bursary 2026
Who can apply for the FASSET Matric Bursary 2026?
Only learners who matriculated in 2025 and meet the academic, income, and study field requirements.
What is the minimum average required?
A minimum overall average of 75%.
Does the bursary cover private universities?
No. Only public universities and universities of technology are eligible.
How much funding does the bursary provide?
Up to R100,000 per year for university learners.
What happens if I don’t receive feedback?
If there is no response by 15 March 2026, the application is considered unsuccessful.
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