Secure funding for your university studies with the FASSET Matric Top Achievers Bursary. Covers fees, housing and living costs.
2026 Academic Year Applications Open: FASSET Matric Top Achievers Bursary for High-Performing Students
South Africa’s top academic performers now have an opportunity to turn their excellent matric results into fully funded university studies through the FASSET Matric Top Achievers Bursary for the 2026 academic year. This special bursary programme is designed to reward hardworking learners who achieved strong Grade 12 results and who want to pursue careers in finance, accounting, economics, auditing, taxation, IT, and actuarial sciences.
For many families, the cost of university tuition, accommodation, textbooks, and meals can make higher education feel out of reach. The FASSET initiative helps bridge that gap by providing meaningful financial support to deserving learners from households that meet the income criteria. If you recently completed matric in 2025 and achieved excellent marks, this funding could significantly reduce the financial burden of studying at a public university or university of technology.
This guide explains everything you need to know about eligibility, funding benefits, required documents, and how to apply successfully.
What is the FASSET Matric Top Achievers Bursary?
The FASSET Matric Top Achievers Bursary is a financial assistance programme created to support academically talented learners who plan to study in fields that contribute to South Africa’s financial and accounting sectors.
FASSET (Finance and Accounting Services Sector Education and Training Authority) focuses on developing scarce and critical skills that strengthen the country’s economy. By funding high-achieving students, the organisation helps build the next generation of professionals such as accountants, auditors, actuaries, economists, and IT specialists.
Unlike general bursaries, this programme specifically targets top achievers, meaning only learners with strong academic performance are considered.
Who Should Apply?
This bursary is ideal for:
- Learners who matriculated in 2025
- Students with excellent academic results (75% average or higher)
- Applicants accepted into a Public University or University of Technology
- Learners studying in finance, accounting, business, or technology-related programmes
- Students from households with limited financial resources
If you meet these requirements and want to pursue a professional career in one of the listed faculties, this funding can provide the support you need to focus fully on your studies.
Selection Criteria Explained
To ensure fairness and target deserving candidates, FASSET has clear eligibility rules. Applicants must meet all of the following conditions:
Academic performance
Funding is reserved for learners who achieved a minimum average of 75% in their National Senior Certificate (NSC).
Household income
Your combined household income must not exceed R1 000 000 per year.
Year of matriculation
Only students who matriculated in 2025 will be considered. Applications from other matric years will be automatically disqualified.
Institution requirement
You must be:
- Registered at, or
- Officially accepted by
a Public University or University of Technology in South Africa.
Eligible study fields
Your qualification must fall within one of the following faculties:
- Economics & Management Sciences
- Accounting Sciences
- Auditing & Taxation
- IT-related qualifications
- Actuarial Sciences
If your course does not fall into these categories, you may not qualify.
What the Bursary Covers
University education can be expensive, but the FASSET Matric Top Achievers Bursary offers comprehensive financial support to reduce stress and allow students to focus on academic success.
Funding benefits include:
- Tuition fees
- Prescribed textbooks
- Accommodation costs
- Meal allowances
The bursary is capped at R100 000 per year per university learner.
This coverage ensures that recipients can manage both academic and living expenses throughout the year without relying heavily on loans or part-time work.
Mandatory Application Documents
Submitting complete and correct documentation is extremely important. Missing or incorrect documents can lead to automatic rejection.
You must provide:
- Certified copy of your South African ID (not older than 6 months)
- Certified copy of your NSC statement of results
- Official acceptance letter from your institution
- All documents merged into one file for upload
Make sure scans are clear and readable. Poor-quality uploads may delay processing or cause disqualification.
Important Notes From FASSET
Before applying, take note of these key reminders:
- The application form does not automatically collect your personal details unless you enter them yourself
- Only 2025 matric learners are eligible
- If you do not receive feedback by 15 March 2026, consider your application unsuccessful
- Late or incomplete applications will not be reviewed
Submitting early gives you enough time to correct mistakes if necessary.
How to Apply for the FASSET Matric Top Achievers Bursary
Follow these simple steps:
- Prepare all required certified documents
- Merge them into one PDF file
- Complete the online application form
- Upload your documents
- Submit before the deadline
👉 Official Application Link:
Apply online
applications closing on the 28 February 2026
Always double-check your information before submitting. You can also visit https://careersfocus.co.za/category/bursary-funding/ for more bursaries listed by careers focus
Tips to Strengthen Your Application
Because this is a competitive bursary, preparation matters. Here are practical tips to improve your chances:
- Apply early to avoid last-minute technical issues
- Ensure your academic marks are clearly visible
- Use certified copies dated within 6 months
- Confirm your acceptance letter is official and stamped
- Upload one neat combined document
- Use a reliable internet connection
Attention to detail shows professionalism and responsibility.
Why This Bursary Matters for South African Youth
Access to higher education remains a challenge for many families. Programmes like the FASSET Matric Top Achievers Bursary play a critical role in creating opportunities for talented students who might otherwise struggle to afford university.
By investing in future professionals in accounting, economics, and technology, the bursary also supports the country’s long-term economic growth. Students gain qualifications, secure better jobs, and contribute positively to their communities.
This makes the programme not just financial assistance, but a powerful pathway to career success.

Final Thoughts
If you worked hard in matric and achieved excellent results, don’t let financial limitations stop you from reaching your goals. The FASSET Matric Top Achievers Bursary offers structured support that can make university education both possible and manageable.
Prepare your documents, confirm your eligibility, and apply as soon as possible. Opportunities like this are limited and highly competitive.
At careersfocus.co.za, our mission is to share verified bursaries, internships, and learnerships that help young South Africans build meaningful careers. Always check official information and apply responsibly.
Disclaimer
Careersfocus.co.za shares educational funding opportunities for informational purposes only. We are not affiliated with FASSET. Always apply through the official application link provided by careers focus leading to the bursary administrator.

Karabo Ntswaki – Author of CareersFocus.co.za
Karabo Ntswaki is passionate about empowering South Africans with reliable, verified, and easily accessible information about careers and education. Through CareersFocus.co.za, Karabo’s mission is to support students, job seekers, and young professionals by providing accurate guidance on learnerships, internships, bursaries.
Her vision is to make CareersFocus.co.za the most trusted online source in South Africa for career and educational information, helping individuals overcome barriers, make informed decisions about professional goals. you can contact me at info@careersfocus.co.za or our website https://careersfocus.co.za/