IMAS Bursary South Africa 2026: ACCA or CIMA Accountancy Excellent Funding for Graduates/Matriculants – Requirements & Alternatives

The IMAS Bursary South Africa is a financial assistance program in South Africa designed to support students pursuing careers in finance and accounting, specifically targeting CIMA qualifications. It covers costs such as tuition, registration, exams, and study materials, but typically excludes accommodation and transport.https://bursariesopennow.co.za/bursaries-closing-soon/ 

Quick Summary of the IMAS Bursary South Africa

7. Table of Contents

• Bursary Overview
• Who the Bursary is For
• Fields of Study Covered
• What the Bursary Covers
• Eligibility Requirements
• Required Documents
• Step-by-Step How to Apply
• Closing Date
• Selection Process (if available)
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Important Notes & Warnings
• Related Searches Section

IMAS Bursary South Africa Overview

The Institute of Management Accounting and Strategy (IMAS) is an accredited training provider in South Africa specialising in international accountancy qualifications. In partnership with the Finance and Accounting Services SETA (FASSET), IMAS offered bursaries to develop talent in the accounting profession.

The IMAS Bursary South Africa 2026 supported studies towards globally recognised qualifications: Chartered Certified Accountant (ACCA) or Chartered Management Accountant (CIMA). It targeted unemployed Black South African citizens who completed Matric or a tertiary qualification in 2024/2025.

Studies could be full-time or part-time at the IMAS campus in Braamfontein or via Zoom online classes, starting in May 2026. The bursary covered all major study costs and aimed to create opportunities in taxation, auditing, finance, management, and strategy.

Important update for March 2026: The bursary closed on 7 February 2026. No new applications are being accepted. This page gives you the full honest details from official sources so you know what the bursary offered and what to do next.

The IMAS Bursary was one of the best opportunities for unemployed graduates or matriculants to qualify as professional accountants without financial burden. It helped many students start careers in accounting and finance. If you are a Black South African with good results but no job, consider alternatives below for 2027 or other programmes.

The bursary was part of IMAS and FASSET’s commitment to transformation and skills development in the accounting sector. It focused on Black students to promote diversity in the profession.

Who the IMAS Bursary South Africa is For

The IMAS Bursary was for unemployed South African citizens who:

• Are Black (African, Coloured or Indian – maximum 20% White students funded)
• Completed Matric, National Diploma or BCom in 2024 or 2025
• Wanted to study ACCA or CIMA

It was ideal for school-leavers or recent graduates who are unemployed and passionate about a career in professional accountancy.

Fields of Study Covered by the IMAS Bursary South Africa

• Chartered Certified Accountant (ACCA)
• Chartered Management Accountant (CIMA)

These qualifications lead to careers in taxation, accounting, auditing, finance, management, risk management, consulting, and strategy.

What the IMAS Bursary South Africa Covers

• Registration with the professional accounting body
• Exemption fees
• Tuition fees
• Examination fees (one attempt per subject)
• Subscription fees
• Study materials

It did not cover transport, accommodation, or living-out allowances.

Who Qualifies for the IMAS Bursary South Africa

You must meet ALL of these:

• South African citizen
• Black (African, Coloured or Indian)
• Completed Matric, National Diploma or BCom in 2024 or 2025 at a recognised institution
• Currently unemployed

Required Documents when applying for the IMAS Bursary South Africa

• Certified copy of South African ID
• Matric certificate (if completed in 2024 or 2025)
• Academic transcript and graduation certificate (if graduated in 2024 or 2025)
• Latest tertiary results (on institution letterhead)

All documents must be clear and certified. Missing documents may lead to disqualification.

Step-by-Step How to Apply for the IMAS Bursary South Africa

Applications are now closed. In previous cycles:

1. Visit the official IMAS website or the bursary application link (provided during the open period)
2. Complete the online application form
3. Upload all required documents
4. Submit before the deadline

Only online applications were accepted. Late applications were not considered.

Closing Date for the IMAS Bursary South Africa

7 February 2026 (closed).

Selection Process for the IMAS Bursary South Africa

Successful candidates were contacted by email. No feedback by the notification date meant the application was unsuccessful.

Frequently Asked Questions when applying for the IMAS Bursary South Africa

Q: Is the IMAS Bursary open for 2026? A: No – it closed on 7 February 2026.

Q: Can White students apply? A: Maximum 20% of funding was available for White students.

Q: What qualifications are supported? A: ACCA or CIMA.

Q: Is it full-time or part-time? A: Both options were available.

Q: Do I have to work back the bursary? A: Not officially specified.

Q: Alternatives if ineligible? A: NSFAS, SAICA bursaries, or other accounting bursaries on this site.

Q: Who to contact? A: IMAS support team via the website or bursary contact details.

Important Notes & Warnings when applying for the IMAS Bursary South Africa

• The bursary was mainly for Black South African citizens.
• Always apply through the official IMAS process – never pay anyone.
• The bursary was limited – high competition.
• For 2027, check imas-sa.co.za regularly.
• Beware of scams using the IMAS or FASSET name.

Related Searches Section

Engineering bursaries in South Africa Bursaries open now 2026 Government bursaries for students NSFAS alternatives Accounting bursaries South Africa 2026 ACCA bursary CIMA bursary FASSET bursary Chartered accountant bursaries Management accountant bursarieshttps://imas-sa.co.za/