FASSET Outstanding Study Debt Assistance Grant

Key facts

Status
Applications closed Closed 27 February 2026
Provider
FASSET
Field of study
Accounting
Keagan HendricksWritten by Keagan HendricksStaff Writer (Unisa Alumnus)
Naledi KhumaloReviewed & verified by Naledi KhumaloSenior Admissions and Bursaries EditorVerified

The FASSET Outstanding Study Debt Assistance Grant is designed to help graduates and employees who completed finance- or accounting-related qualifications but still carry outstanding study debt. 

The grant aims to relieve financial stress and unlock certificates or registrations that may be blocked by unpaid fees or NSFAS loans. 

Fields of Study Covered by the FASSET Outstanding Study Debt Assistance Grant 

This grant is for individuals who have completed qualifications in the finance and accounting services sector. 

The qualification must be relevant to areas such as accounting, auditing, taxation, financial management, or other disciplines within the FAS sector. 

Applicants must have outstanding student debt (for example, from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) or a higher education institution) that relates to the completed qualification.

FASSET Outstanding Study Debt Assistance Grant Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet these criteria:

  1. Be a South African citizen.
  2. Must have completed a qualification aligned with the FAS sector.
  3. Must have outstanding study debt from a public higher-education institution or NSFAS loan for that completed qualification.
  4. For employed applicants: salary must not exceed approximately R660 000 per annum.
  5. For unemployed applicants: household income must not exceed about R1 000 000 per annum.
  6. Must be working in the FAS sector (or registered with a professional body in the sector) or must be an unemployed graduate whose qualification is in the FAS sector.
  7. Grant is subject to budget availability and first-come, first-served basis.

What the FASSET Outstanding Study Debt Assistance Grant Covers

While detailed official amounts vary by year, recent listings show:

  • A maximum settlement amount of up to R 80 000 per applicant per year for the 2025/2026 cycle.
  • Earlier versions listed amounts around R 40 000 per learner.
  • The fund is used to clear outstanding student debt so that the certificate or qualification can be released and the individual is free to advance in their career.

FASSET Outstanding Study Debt Assistance Grant Application Process

  1. Visit the FASSET application portal. 
  2. Download or complete the application form. Ensure you gather the following documents: certified ID copy; qualification certificate or transcript; outstanding debt statement (from institution or NSFAS); proof of employment or income (or for unemployed applicants, household income affidavit).
  3. Complete the form and submit all required documentation before the closing date or until the budget is exhausted. Incomplete or late submissions may be disqualified.
  4. If successful, FASSET will settle the debt directly or via approved processes. Notification is typically by email or official communication.

FASSET Outstanding Study Debt Assistance Grant Closing Date

The 2025/2026 window closed on 27 February 2026 at midnight. That round opened in September 2025, so watch fasset.org.za and FASSET’s social media for the 2026/2027 window.

Applicants are advised to apply as soon as possible because of the first-come, first-served nature of the grant.

Contact Details

For inquiries about the grant, applicants can contact FASSET:

FAQs

1. Who can apply for the FASSET Outstanding Study Debt Assistance Grant?
Graduates or employees who completed a qualification in the finance and accounting services sector, have outstanding student debt, and meet income and sector criteria.
2. What is the maximum amount the grant covers?
In the 2025/2026 cycle the settlement amount was up to R 80 000 per applicant per year. Earlier cycles had amounts around R 40 000.
3. Can unemployed graduates apply?
Yes. Unemployed graduates with completed qualifications in the FAS sector and with outstanding debt may apply, provided their household income is within the threshold.
4. What is the annual income cap for employed applicants?
Salary must not exceed approximately R 660 000 per annum for employed applicants.
5. When is the closing date for applications?
The 2025/2026 cycle closed on 27 February 2026. Funding is first come, first served, so apply early when the next window opens.
6. Can I apply if I am still studying?
No. The grant is for outstanding debt for *completed* qualifications rather than funding ongoing study.
7. Does the qualification have to be specifically in accounting?
Yes. The qualification must be aligned with the finance and accounting services sector – e.g., accounting, auditing, tax, financial management, or related.
8. What documents do I need to apply?
You need your ID copy, qualification certificate or transcript, outstanding debt statement, proof of employment or income, and other requested forms.
9. Is funding guaranteed if I apply?
No. Funding is subject to budget availability and priority is given on a first-come, first-served basis. Incomplete applications will be disqualified.
10. Who can I contact for help with my application?
You can contact FASSET via bursaryapplication@fasset.org.za or call 011 476 8570.

This round is not open right now. Check the provider’s own site for the next round.

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About FASSET

Sector Education and Training Authority

FASSET, the Finance and Accounting Services Sector Education and Training Authority, funds skills for accounting, auditing, tax, financial management and related professions. Employers in those professions pay the skills levy that FASSET uses, so FASSET's bursaries follow the…

Read the full FASSET profile →
Website
fasset.org.za

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