The FASSET Study Debt Assistance Grant 2027 is a funding opportunity aimed at helping South African graduates clear unpaid university or NSFAS debt after completing finance and accounting qualifications so they can access certificates, register professionally, and move forward in their careers.
About FASSET
The Finance and Accounting Services Sector Education and Training Authority is a public body responsible for developing skills in the finance, accounting, auditing, and related sectors in South Africa.
It works with employers, universities, and training providers to build a skilled workforce that supports economic growth.
It also funds education and training programmes to help learners and graduates progress in the financial sector.
Why the Study Debt Assistance Grant Exists
The grant is designed to reduce the financial burden of student debt for graduates who have already completed their studies.
Many graduates cannot receive their certificates or advance professionally because of unpaid fees or NSFAS loans.
FASSET created this grant to help such individuals clear their debt and fully benefit from their qualifications.
The programme also supports transformation by helping more professionals enter the finance sector without financial barriers.
Type of Funding Offered
This is not a traditional bursary for current students.
It is a debt repayment grant meant for individuals who have already completed a qualification.
The funding is paid toward outstanding study debt owed to institutions or NSFAS.
The grant is usually awarded once and depends on available funding.
What the Grant Covers
The FASSET Study Debt Assistance Grant focuses only on clearing existing study debt.
- It pays outstanding fees owed to a university or college.
- It may settle NSFAS loan balances linked to completed qualifications.
- Funding can go up to about R80,000 per applicant in recent cycles.
Earlier versions of the grant offered lower amounts such as R40,000 depending on funding availability.
The money is usually paid directly toward the debt rather than to the applicant.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the FASSET Study Debt Assistance Grant 2027, applicants must meet specific conditions.
- You must be a South African citizen.
- You must have completed a qualification in the finance and accounting sector.
- Your qualification must be from a recognised higher education institution or funded through NSFAS.
- You must have outstanding study debt linked to that completed qualification.
- You must be employed in the FASSET sector or be an unemployed graduate with a relevant qualification.
- Employed applicants must earn within the income threshold, often below about R660,000 per year.
- Unemployed applicants must fall within a household income limit, often below about R1,000,000 per year.
Preference may be given to candidates already involved in FASSET programmes or earning lower incomes.
Type of Candidates FASSET is Looking For
FASSET looks for graduates who are serious about building careers in finance and accounting.
They prioritise individuals who have already completed their studies but are held back by unpaid fees.
They also favour applicants who are working in the sector or registered with professional bodies.
Applicants with financial need and lower income levels are more likely to be considered.
Required Documents
Applicants must submit complete and accurate documents when applying.
- Certified copy of South African ID.
- Academic transcripts and qualification certificates.
- Proof of outstanding debt from a university or NSFAS.
- Proof of employment or employment contract for employed applicants.
- Proof of income or household income affidavit where required.
- Completed application form and signed declaration.
Incomplete applications are usually not considered.
Application Timelines and Deadlines
The application period usually opens early in the year. Recent cycles have closed around late February.
For example, deadlines such as 27 or 28 February have been used in previous intakes.
Applications may close earlier if the budget is exhausted.
You should apply as early as possible once applications open.
Application Process and Portal
You must apply through the official FASSET system. Follow these steps to apply.
- Download or access the application form from the official portal.
- Complete all required sections accurately.
- Attach all supporting documents.
- Submit your application via the provided email or portal instructions.
Some applications are submitted by email using the official subject line provided in the form.
Late or incomplete submissions are not accepted.
Official Contact Details
If you need help with your application, you can contact FASSET directly.
- Email: bursaryapplication@fasset.org.za
- Telephone: 011 476 8570
- Postal Address: PO Box 6801, Cresta, 2118, South Africa
