The Finance and Accounting Services Sector Education and Training Authority (FASSET) continues to offer valuable learnership opportunities designed to build South Africa’s financial skills pipeline. For 2026, FASSET-backed learnerships, delivered via the Association of Accounting Technicians South Africa (AAT SA), provide structured pathways for individuals pursuing careers in accounting, finance, and public sector financial management.
These programmes combine nationally recognised qualifications, practical workplace exposure, and professional membership opportunities. This article provides an in-depth overview of the FASSET Learnership Programmes in 2026, who qualifies, what learnerships are available, and how to apply.
What Is the FASSET Learnership Programmes?
FASSET aims to strengthen South Africa’s financial literacy and accounting capacity by offering accredited learnerships aligned with the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). Delivered in partnership with professional bodies such as the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA), these learnerships provide learners with:
- Nationally recognised accounting qualifications
- Hands-on work experience in relevant finance roles
- Structured learning aligned with industry standards
- Opportunities for professional membership and career progression
FASSET Learnership Programmes Available in 2026
FASSET offers five main learnership programmes through AAT (SA) for 2026. Each programme is designed to cater to different entry levels and career advancement needs within the accounting and finance sectors.
1. Advanced Certificate in Local Government Accounting Learnership (NQF Level 4)
Who Is Eligible?
- Completed the NQF Level 3 Local Government Accounting Certificate or
- Possess relevant work experience aligned with Level 3 qualification
- Proficient in mathematics and communication at NQF Level 3
- Employed in a local government finance role or under learnership conditions
- Ability to complete assessments in English
Programme Highlights:
- Registered at NQF Level 4, advancing to NQF Level 5 upon completion
- Covers financial accounting, cost recording, cash management, and computerized accounting systems
- Leads to AAT (SA) membership
- Duration: 12 to 18 months
2. Accounting Technician Learnership (NQF Level 3)
Who Qualifies?
- No formal academic prerequisites required
- Must be able to read, understand numbers, and pass English language tests
- Must be employed during the learnership
Programme Details:
- Leads to the AAT (SA) FET Certificate in Accounting Technician (NQF Level 4)
- Equips learners with skills in bookkeeping, ledger processing, cash management, and costing
- Leads to AAT (SA) Silver Membership
- Duration: 6 to 12 months
3. Apprenticeship for Practicing Accountants
Who Is This For?
- Candidates seeking entry into accounting practice environments
- Adequate literacy, numeracy, and English proficiency required
- Employment required for the duration of the apprenticeship
Programme Focus:
- Training in manual and computerized double-entry bookkeeping
- Administrative finance procedures
- Successful completion awards the AAT Certificate in Accounting Technician and Silver Membership
- Duration: 6 to 12 months
Related Opportunities 2026
• Funding Bursaries
• Youth Opportunities
• Internship Programme
• Learnership Programme
• Online Courses
4. Learnership for Diploma in Accounting Technician (NQF Level 5)
Eligibility:
- No formal academic requirements but requires strong math and reading skills
- Ability to complete assessments in English
- Employment during the learnership is mandatory
Programme Overview:
- Multi-level qualification completed in stages: Certificate, Advanced Certificate, Diploma
- Develops competencies in cost analysis, cash management, ethics, management accounting, and taxation
- Grants AAT (SA) membership upon successful completion
- Duration: 2 to 3 years
5. Learnership for Certificate in Accounting (NQF Level 5)
Who Qualifies?
- Completion of NQF Level 4 Accounting Technician qualification or equivalent competence via prior learning or work experience
- Strong math and literacy skills, plus English proficiency
- Employment during the programme
Programme Structure:
- Advanced accounting tasks with elective specialization options such as taxation, auditing, or credit management
- Leads to AAT (SA) Platinum Membership
- Duration: 12 to 18 months
Registration, Assessment, and Evaluation
All FASSET learnerships require registration through AAT (SA) Approved Assessment Centres. The assessment process includes:
- Centrally set examinations
- Practical skills tests
- Case studies and project simulations
- Workplace evidence submissions (where applicable)
Learners must meet all academic and workplace requirements to be deemed competent and successfully complete the programme.
How to Apply for FASSET Learnership Programmes in 2026
Applications are typically managed by participating employers, municipalities, and accredited training providers partnering with FASSET. Interested candidates should:
- Check with their current employer, municipality, or local government offices for available learnership openings.
- Follow the specific registration and enrollment procedures provided by these organisations.
- Submit necessary documents such as a valid South African ID and completed learner registration forms.
Some learnerships may allow online application via approved portals or official websites related to FASSET or AAT (SA).
Career Benefits of FASSET Learnership Programmes
- Nationally recognised qualifications that enhance employability
- Structured workplace experience in finance and accounting roles
- Access to professional body membership through AAT (SA)
- Clear career progression paths toward senior accounting, auditing, and financial management roles
- Opportunities across the public sector, private industry, and commerce
Graduates are equipped with the skills and recognition needed for sustainable careers in South Africa’s financial services sector.
Conclusion
The FASSET Learnership Programmes 2026 offer structured, accredited pathways into accounting and finance professions, addressing critical skills shortages in South Africa. Delivered in partnership with AAT (SA), these learnerships provide learners with valuable qualifications, workplace experience, and professional recognition to build long-term, rewarding careers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Who is eligible to apply for FASSET learnerships?
A: Eligibility varies by learnership, but generally requires relevant academic qualifications or work experience, proficiency in English, numeracy skills, and employment during the learnership.
Q2: How long do the FASSET learnerships take to complete?
A: Duration ranges from six months to three years depending on the specific learnership and qualification level.
Q3: Are these learnerships accredited?
A: Yes, all FASSET learnerships are accredited and aligned with South Africa’s National Qualifications Framework (NQF).
Q4: How can I apply for a FASSET learnership?
A: Applications are managed through participating employers, municipalities, or accredited training providers. Interested candidates should check with these bodies or visit official AAT (SA) or FASSET portals.
Q5: What are the benefits of completing a FASSET learnership?
A: Graduates receive nationally recognised qualifications, professional memberships, practical work experience, and improved career prospects in accounting and finance sectors.
Thato Sabethwa is a passionate education advocate and digital content creator dedicated to helping young South Africans access valuable career and learning opportunities. With a strong belief in the power of skills development, Thato writes informative articles about learnerships, internships, bursaries, and job readiness. Through OnlineLearnership.co.za, Thato aims to guide students and job seekers toward the right opportunities that can shape their future. Her content focuses on practical advice, career tips, and reliable updates to empower readers to make informed decisions about their education and career paths.
