SETA Bursary 2025-2026
The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) has a Directorate responsible for skills development called the Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) Coordination Directorate which as the name implies co-ordinates the affairs of the various Sector Education and Training Authorities. Each sector of the country’s economy has a SETA which is responsible for the skills planning and output for that particular sector e.g., MERSETA is the SETA for the manufacturing sector. There are various Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) that offer bursaries. This is in support of the government’s stated objective to increase the number of graduates in scarce and critical skills disciplines. SETA bursaries are offered on the basis of academic merit, proof of registration in a scarce skills discipline and financial need. Only South African citizens are eligible. Candidates are required to sign an obligation to work in South Africa for a specified period, sometimes in a specific sector, upon graduation. There is no specific employment contract attached to the bursary and no guaranteed work program or training opportunity provided by the SETA. The bursaries are offered to provide funding for students in financial need and to advance a specific industry
Qualifying and applying for the bursary
Each bursary usually has a specific set of requirements in order to qualify such as:-
- academic performance e.g., 70% Overall Grade Point Average (GPA)
- household income threshold e.g., an annual household income of less than R350 000.
- proof of studying a discipline relevant to that industry e.g., the SETA for the mining sector (the MQA) requires one to be studying towards a mining related discipline.
Note: Please note the following about Government/SETA bursaries we administer at Career Wise:-
- They are only available to South African citizens and permanent residents, unless stated otherwise.
- They are intended for study programmes at South African public institutions (visit the Universities South Africa (USAF) website www.usaf.ac.za/ to see the full list 26 public of institutions).
- They are only provided for undergraduate studies.
The Services SETA(SSETA) in partnership with Universities South Africa (USAF), hereby invites individuals employed by levy paying and non-levy paying employers within Services SETA industries (SSP 2023/24– see below link) to submit applications for bursaries. The field of study of applicants should be aligned to SSETA hard to fill vacancies as per Services SETA Sector Skills Plan 23/24. Successful applicants will be funded to pursue studies relating to full/ part or short courses that are SAQA registered and or recognised by a public tertiary institution in South Africa.
Applicants must comply with the following criteria:
- You must be an employee within the scope of Services Seta
- You must not currently hold a bursary within the PSET system.
- Preferably, you must enroll on a course that is aligned with the hard-to-fill vacancies identified in the Services Seta’s Sector Skills Plan here (SSP 2023/24 Chapter 3)
If you meet
these requirements, download the application forms and learn
more about the program. You will also need to submit the following documents
along with your application:
Send applications to: kleinbooi@usaf.ac.za or linda.tshabalala@universitiessouthafrica.onmicrosoft.com
New working student application:
- Proof of registration/Fee Statement (if not, proof of application);
- Bursary Agreement Form/Bursary Registration Form;
- Certified ID Copy;
- Dated and signed proof of employment;
- POPI Consent Form; and
- Bursary Funding Declaration Form.
If you are a continuing learner, you will also need to provide the following in addition:
- Current Academic Year Results
- 2024 Academic Year Proof of Registration/Fee Statement
- Bursary Agreement Form/Bursary Registration Form;
- Certified ID Copy;
- Dated and signed proof of employment;
- POPI Consent Form; and
- Bursary Funding Declaration Form.
Why Apply
By applying for the Services Seta Bursary for Employed Learners, you will benefit on:
- Funding for your tuition fees, and study material i.e.books
- Access to quality education and training from public tertiary institutions in South Africa
- Enhanced skills and knowledge in your chosen field
- Increased employability and career prospects
- Contribution to the transformation and growth of the services sector
Please make sure that you provide all the necessary documents to avoid any delays or disqualification. For assistance with the application process, please contact us at kleinbooi@usaf.ac.za linda.tshabalala@universitiessouthafrica.onmicrosoft.com
Don’t miss this opportunity
to invest in your future and make a difference in the services sector. Apply
today and join the Services Seta Chamber Operations in creating a brighter
tomorrow for yourself and your country.
Closing
Date: 08 January 16:00
