If you want a paid way to study accounting, auditing, taxation or finance while you work, the FASSET learnerships are opening their 2026 intakes now – and the clock is already ticking.
What is the FASSET learnership programme?
FASSET (Finance and Accounting Services Sector Education and Training Authority) has 32 accredited learnership pathways. These are qualification routes, not 32 guaranteed jobs. Each pathway links a recognised NQF qualification with a real‑world placement. Employers, professional bodies and training providers announce separate 2026 openings, so the start dates, allowances and closing dates differ.
A learnership always combines classroom (or online) study with on‑the‑job training, so you work toward a recognised certificate while gaining practical experience.
The 32 qualification pathways
- Certificate: Local Government Accounting
- Certificate: Accounting Technician
- FET Certificate: Accounting Technician
- Advanced Certificate: Local Government Accounting
- Certificate: Accounting
- Certificate: Certified Accounting Technician
- Chartered Certified Accountant
- Chartered Management Accountant (Professional Qualification)
- National Diploma: Management Accounting
- National Certificate: Business Accounting
- Professional Qualification: Management and Administration
- Professional Advanced Qualification: Management and Administration
- Professional Qualification: Governance and Administration
- Professional Advanced Qualification: Governance and Administration
- Postgraduate Qualification: Company Secretarial and Governance Practice
- FET Certificate: Debt Recovery
- National Certificate: Small Business Financial Management
- Certificate: Office Administration
- Senior Office Administrator
- National Diploma: Technical Financial Accounting
- Certificate: Junior Bookkeeper
- Senior Bookkeeper
- National Certificate: Public Sector Accounting
- Diploma: Public Sector Accounting
- Certificate: General Internal Auditing
- Chartered Accountant: Auditing
- Postgraduate Professional Qualification: Professional Accountant in Business
- Postgraduate Diploma: Professional Accountant in Practice
- Occupational Certificate: Financial Markets Practitioner
- Occupational Certificate: Tax Professional
- Occupational Certificate: Tax Technician
- Advanced Certificate: Forensic Practitioner
Who can apply?
Eligibility depends on the NQF level of the chosen qualification.
- Entry‑level certificates may accept Grade 12 or an equivalent qualification.
- Advanced diplomas or professional routes often require a prior diploma, degree or relevant work experience.
- You must be of legal working age (usually 18 years or older).
- You need to commit to both the classroom component and the workplace component for the full duration.
- All applicants must provide accurate identity documents and proof of residence.
If you are under 21 years old, a parent or guardian must sign the learnership agreement. Some employers may also ask for South African citizenship, specific subject passes or proof of unemployment.
What will you gain?
Each learnership carries at least 120 NQF credits, meaning a minimum of one year of study. More advanced qualifications can run two to three years.
- Official NQF qualification recognised by employers.
- Monthly allowance for unemployed learners (amount varies by employer and level).
- Practical experience in tasks such as processing transactions, payroll, tax calculations, reconciliations, audit support, budgeting, and governance procedures.
- Workplace mentoring and progress monitoring.
- Transferable skills – attention to detail, ethical decision‑making, numerical reasoning, problem solving, professional communication, time management, confidentiality and teamwork.
How to apply (2026 intake)
Follow these steps to secure a place:
- Visit the official FASSET learnership page: https://www.fasset.org.za/leanerships.
- Identify the qualification that matches your education and career goal.
- Read the specific entry requirements, start date and closing date for that pathway.
- Gather the required documents (see the checklist below).
- Prepare a tailored CV – highlight finance‑related subjects, any bookkeeping, tax or audit projects, and relevant software skills.
- Submit your application through the contact details or portal listed in the advertisement. Do not send personal data to unknown email addresses.
- Confirm the employer, the accredited training provider and the amount of the monthly allowance before signing the learnership agreement.
Tips to improve your chances
- Match your CV to the pathway – e.g., emphasise tax modules for a Tax Professional application.
- Place finance‑related subjects (Accounting, Mathematics, Economics, Business Studies) at the top of your education list.
- Mention any experience with accounting software (Sage, Pastel, QuickBooks) or spreadsheets.
- Include school projects, volunteer treasurer roles or any budgeting responsibilities.
- Write a short motivation paragraph that explains why you want this specific qualification.
- Proofread for spelling and correct contact details.
- Use clear file names such as
Nomsa-Mthembu-Transcript.pdf. - Submit before the advertised deadline – late applications are not considered.
Next steps
Start by checking the 2026 openings on the FASSET site. Prepare your documents (ID, Grade 12 certificate, academic transcripts, any prior qualifications, proof of address and, if required, proof of unemployment). Then craft a focused CV and motivation letter for the exact pathway you want.
Remember, a learnership gives you both a recognised qualification and real workplace exposure – a powerful combination for a career in finance, accounting, taxation or governance. Stay attentive to official announcements, apply promptly, and you could be on your way to a paid, skill‑building position later this year.