Unlock Your Future with a SETA Bursary: Funding for Employed & Unemployed South Africans

Are you a South African student seeking financial support to achieve your educational goals? The Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) offer comprehensive bursary programmes designed to develop critical skills and empower the nation’s workforce.

What is a SETA?
There are 21 SETAs in South Africa, each dedicated to a specific industry sector. Their primary role is to drive skills development through learnerships, skills programmes, internships, and bursaries. They provide financial assistance to help cover the basic costs of study, making higher education more accessible.

Do You Qualify?
We are inviting applications from employed and unemployed South African citizens who meet the following criteria:

For Unemployed Applicants:

• South African citizen.
• Aged between 18 and 35 years.
• Currently unemployed.
• Intend to study full-time towards an NQF Level 5 qualification or higher (TVET Certificate, Diploma, Degree, Postgraduate).
• Studying at a public or private institution in South Africa.
• Have a minimum overall average of 50%.
• Total household income is less than R600,000 per annum.

For Employed Applicants:

• South African citizen.
• Currently employed.
• Studying towards an NQF Level 5 qualification or higher.
• Studying full-time or part-time at a public tertiary institution in South Africa.
• Have a minimum overall average of 50%.
• Total household income is less than R600,000 per annum.

Fields of Study & Funding Scope
Bursaries are awarded for qualifications aligned with critical and scarce skills within the respective SETA sectors. This includes:

• TVET College programmes (NATED Report 191 / NC(V))
• Undergraduate Diplomas and Degrees
• Postgraduate Studies (Honours, Masters, PhD)*
  • Masters: Full-time registration at a South African institution.
  • PhD: Registered Doctoral candidates with an approved research proposal.

Funding for postgraduate studies is subject to specific SETA requirements and availability.

What Does the Bursary Cover?
The bursary provides financial assistance to pay for your essential needs during your studies, easing the burden of educational expenses.

How to Apply

Applications are strictly online via the SAC portal.

1. Register: Create your profile on the SAC website.
2. Login & Apply: Complete the online application form.
3. Submit Documents: Upload clear, certified copies of the compulsory supporting documents. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Required Supporting Documents:

• Certified copy of your South African ID document.
• Certified copy of your Matric certificate/results (first-year students).
• Latest certified tertiary academic record (if currently studying).
• Proof of acceptance/registration from your institution.
• Certified copies of parents/guardians’ ID documents.
• Parents/guardians’ proof of income (latest payslips or affidavit if unemployed).
• Name of your local municipality.

Click here to start your application: