Institute of Management Accounting and Strategy Bursary: Requirements and How to Apply

The Institute of Management Accounting and Strategy (IMAS) is a specialist training academy in South Africa. 

IMAS focuses on providing professional qualifications from internationally recognised accounting bodies, primarily the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). 

The IMAS Bursary Programme is an initiative that provides financial support to deserving, unemployed South African students and graduates. 

This programme is designed to equip recipients with global, professional accounting designations that lead to careers in management, finance, auditing, and business strategy. 

It addresses the need for highly skilled management accountants and business leaders in the South African economy.

Fields of the Institute of Management Accounting and Strategy Bursary 

You need to understand that the IMAS Bursary does not fund traditional university degrees like BCom or LLB.

Instead, it funds study towards professional accounting designations.

1. Professional Qualifications: The primary focus is funding qualifications leading to two global accounting designations:
   • Chartered Management Accountant (CIMA): For careers in management, risk, finance, and strategy consulting.
   • Chartered Certified Accountant (ACCA): For careers in taxation, auditing, financial accounting, and business.
2. Study Mode: The bursary supports full-time or part-time studies, often delivered virtually or at the IMAS campus in Braamfontein.
3. Funding Partner: The bursary has historically been offered in collaboration with the Finance and Accounting Services Sector Education and Training Authority (FASSET).

Institute of Management Accounting and Strategy Bursary Eligibility requirements

Applicants for the IMAS Bursary must meet specific criteria related to their academic background, employment status, and demographic grouping for the limited intake.

1. You must be a South African citizen.
2. You must belong to the Black designated group (African, Coloured, or Indian). A maximum of 20% of the students funded may be White.
3. You must be currently unemployed at the time of application.
4. You must have completed one of the following academic qualifications:
   • Matric: Completed in the two years immediately preceding the intake year (e.g., 2026 or 2026 for a 2026 intake).
   • Tertiary Qualification: Completed a National Diploma or BCom Bachelor’s degree in the two years immediately preceding the intake year.
5. You must be able to study towards either the ACCA or CIMA professional qualification.
6. You must be able to attend the required classes and complete the programme within the stipulated timeframe.

Coverage of the Institute of Management Accounting and Strategy Bursary 

The IMAS Bursary offers comprehensive financial coverage for all elements directly related to obtaining the professional qualification.

1. The bursary covers the tuition fees for the professional courses.
2. It pays for your registration with the professional accounting body (CIMA or ACCA).
3. Exemption fees for prior academic credit are covered.
4. The cost of examination fees for one attempt per subject is included.
5. The bursary covers annual professional subscription fees.
6. Essential study materials are also provided as part of the funding package.
7. Exclusions: The bursary does not provide funding for accommodation, transport, or a living-out allowance.

Institute of Management Accounting and Strategy Bursary Application process

Applications for the IMAS Bursary are typically completed and submitted online through a dedicated portal link that becomes active during the application period.

1. Monitor the official IMAS website or the website of their potential funding partner (like FASSET) for the official 2026 application link.
2. Download and fully complete the official IMAS Bursary Application Form when it is released.
3. Gather all necessary supporting documents and ensure they are officially certified (certification should be recent, often not older than three months).
4. The required documents include a certified copy of your valid South African ID document.
5. Attach a certified copy of your Matric certificate (if applying with Matric results).
6. If you have a tertiary qualification, include a certified copy of your academic transcript and graduation certificate.
7. Upload all certified documents and the completed application form via the online submission portal.
8. Ensure all contact details, including email and phone number, are current and correct for communication.

Institute of Management Accounting and Strategy Bursary Closing date

No 2026 dates have been announced.

Institute of Management Accounting and Strategy Bursary Contact details

For queries related to the Institute of Management Accounting and Strategy Bursary Programme, use the contact details for the IMAS head office.

• Email: info@imas-sa.co.za
• Phone number: 086 143 4333

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