FASSET has opened applications for its 2025/26 Internship Programme Open Window, inviting eligible employers within the Finance and Accounting Services Sector to apply for discretionary grant funding. Learn about eligibility requirements, application procedures, and important deadlines.
FASSET Opens Applications for the 2025/26 Internship Programme Funding Window
The Finance and Accounting Services Sector Education and Training Authority (FASSET) has officially opened applications for its 2025/26 Internship Programme Open Window, providing a valuable funding opportunity for employers operating within the finance and accounting sector.
The initiative forms part of FASSET’s broader commitment to promoting workplace-based learning, graduate employability, and skills development within South Africa’s financial services industry. Through discretionary grant funding, qualifying employers can receive support to create internship opportunities that provide practical workplace experience for graduates and emerging professionals.
Importantly, this funding window is aimed exclusively at employers and institutions seeking support to host interns. It is not open to individuals looking for internship placements.
Applications must be submitted before the closing deadline of 24 July 2026 at 23:59.
About FASSET
FASSET is one of South Africa’s Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) responsible for promoting skills development within the finance, accounting, auditing, taxation, consulting, and related professional services sectors.
Its mandate includes supporting education and training initiatives that contribute to economic growth, workforce development, and increased employment opportunities across the sector.
One of the key ways FASSET achieves this objective is through discretionary grant funding programmes that encourage employers to invest in workplace learning and practical skills development.
The Internship Programme Open Window represents one of these strategic interventions.
Purpose of the Internship Programme Open Window
The internship programme aims to bridge the gap between academic qualifications and practical workplace experience.
Many graduates struggle to secure employment due to a lack of hands-on industry exposure. By providing funding support to employers, FASSET seeks to encourage organisations to create internship opportunities that help young professionals gain valuable experience while developing industry-relevant skills.
The programme benefits both employers and graduates.
For employers, it creates access to funding that can help support internship placements. For graduates, it increases opportunities to acquire practical experience that enhances future employability.
Who Can Apply?
The funding opportunity is open to employers and institutions operating within the FASSET sector.
Eligible applicants include:
- Levy-paying employers within the FASSET sector
- Registered non-levy-paying organisations operating within the sector
- Public TVET Colleges
- Public Community Education and Training (CET) Colleges
Applicants must fall within FASSET’s recognised scope and meet the programme’s qualifying criteria.
Important Requirement for Levy-Paying Employers
Levy-paying organisations wishing to apply should note a critical eligibility condition.
To qualify for consideration, employers must have submitted their Workplace Skills Plan (WSP) in accordance with FASSET requirements.
The Workplace Skills Plan serves as evidence of an organisation’s commitment to skills development and workforce planning. Employers who have not fulfilled this requirement may not be eligible for funding under the programme.
This condition aligns with FASSET’s objective of supporting employers that actively participate in structured skills development initiatives.
Supporting Workplace Learning in South Africa
Internship programmes have become an increasingly important component of South Africa’s skills development landscape.
While tertiary institutions provide theoretical knowledge, employers play a critical role in helping graduates acquire practical workplace competencies.
Through internship placements, graduates can develop:
- Professional communication skills
- Industry-specific technical knowledge
- Workplace etiquette
- Problem-solving abilities
- Team collaboration experience
- Practical application of academic learning
These experiences significantly improve employability and help prepare young professionals for long-term careers.
The FASSET Internship Programme Open Window is designed to expand access to these opportunities by supporting employers willing to invest in workplace learning.
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Benefits for Employers
Participating employers stand to gain several advantages through the programme.
Access to Funding Support
The discretionary grant can help offset costs associated with hosting and supporting interns within the workplace.
Talent Development
Employers gain access to emerging talent who can contribute fresh ideas, energy, and innovative thinking to their organisations.
Skills Pipeline Development
Internship programmes allow employers to develop future employees who already understand the organisation’s culture, systems, and operations.
Contribution to National Skills Development
By participating in workplace learning initiatives, employers contribute to South Africa’s broader economic and employment objectives.
Application Process
Employers interested in applying for funding must complete the official application forms available through the FASSET website.
Applicants are encouraged to carefully review all requirements before submission to ensure their applications are complete and compliant.
Steps to Apply
- Download the application forms from the FASSET website.
- Complete all sections of the application form in full.
- Ensure all supporting information is included.
- Verify eligibility requirements.
- Submit the completed application via email.
Submission Email
Completed applications must be emailed to:
Applicants are advised to submit well before the closing date to avoid delays or technical issues that could affect submission.
Application Deadline
The closing date for applications is:
24 July 2026 at 23:59
Late submissions may not be considered, making early application highly advisable.
Important Notice for Previous Applicants
FASSET has also provided an important update regarding a previous internship funding application window that opened in November 2025.
According to the notice, that application process has now officially concluded, and all evaluations have been completed.
Applicants who submitted applications during that funding cycle and have not received any communication regarding the outcome should consider their applications unsuccessful.
However, organisations that were unsuccessful during the previous round are welcome to apply again during the current 2025/26 Internship Programme Open Window.
This presents another opportunity for employers to secure funding support and participate in the programme.
Why Internship Funding Matters
Internship programmes play a vital role in addressing South Africa’s youth unemployment challenges.
Many graduates possess strong academic qualifications but face difficulties entering the labour market due to limited practical experience. Workplace learning programmes help bridge this gap by creating pathways from education into employment.
By supporting employers through discretionary grant funding, FASSET contributes to:
- Graduate employability
- Skills development
- Workplace readiness
- Industry growth
- Economic participation
These outcomes align closely with national development priorities focused on creating a skilled and competitive workforce.
Conclusion
The FASSET 2025/26 Internship Programme Open Window provides an important opportunity for employers within the finance and accounting services sector to access funding support for workplace-based learning initiatives. By encouraging organisations to host interns and invest in skills development, the programme helps create meaningful opportunities for graduates while strengthening the talent pipeline within the industry.
Eligible employers, including levy-paying organisations, non-levy payers, and public TVET and CET colleges, are encouraged to review the requirements carefully and submit their applications before 24 July 2026. Through partnerships between industry and education, initiatives such as this continue to play a critical role in building a stronger and more inclusive workforce for the future.
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