Students in South Africa have a variety of options when seeking financial assistance for their studies. Some bursaries are provided by SETAs and others are offered through government channels. Both can fund university and TVET college students, but the two types of bursaries have key differences in terms of their objectives, eligibility criteria and application processes.
The distinctions are important, because they will influence which financial aid options are open to you.
What Is a SETA Bursary?
A SETA bursary is a form of financial aid that is typically provided by a Sector Education and Training Authority to help develop skills in a specific area of the economy
There are a number of SETA funding bodies, each of which addresses the skills development needs of a particular sector. Examples of SETAs in South Africa include:
- MICT SETA – media, information and communication technology
- CATHSSETA – culture, arts, tourism, hospitality and sport
- AgriSETA – agriculture
- BankSETA – banking
- Services SETA – various service industries
- HWSETA – health and social development
SETA bursaries can be provided to university students, TVET college students and other learners, depending on the specific funding opportunity.
Unemployed students, employees and people working in a specific industry can all receive a SETA bursary, depending on the requirements of the particular award.
What Is a Government Bursary?
A government bursary is a form of financial aid that is typically provided by a government department or government-related agency
Such bursaries are typically provided to students who are studying a qualification that is in demand, such as engineering, teaching, healthcare, agriculture or public administration.
Government bursaries can be awarded by various agencies, including national government departments, provincial departments of government and local municipalities. There are also a number of government-funded student support programmes, such as the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). The latter is technically not a bursary scheme, but a student financial aid programme that funds qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges according to its specific rules and regulations.
Government bursaries – including NSFAS – are intended to support students who are studying at public institutions in South Africa.
SETA Bursary vs Government Bursary: Key Differences
The table below summarises the key differences between these two types of bursary awards:
SETA Bursaries Government Bursaries
Main objectives To address skills shortages in a specific industry To fund students who are studying a qualification that is in demand
Funding focus Typically linked to a specific SETA and its areas of interest Varies, depending on the department or funding programme
Eligible students Unemployed students, employees and workers in a specific industry Varies, depending on the bursary or financial aid scheme
Household income requirements Varies, depending on the SETA and funding window Varies, depending on the scheme; NSFAS has its own income requirements
Fields of study Typically linked to the SETA and its areas of interest Varies; may cover a number of fields or specific areas of study
Study institutions Varies, depending on the SETA and its funding window Typically linked to the government department or municipality that provided the funding
Application process Typically involves the SETA, an employer or an institution Typically involves the relevant government department, municipality or funding body
Work-back agreement Varies, depending on the SETA and its funding window Varies, depending on the department or municipality that provided the funding
Funding coverage Varies, depending on the SETA and its funding window Varies, depending on the scheme or programme
Can SETA Bursaries Fund Students Who Do Not Qualify for NSFAS?
In theory, yes.
Because there are a number of SETA bursaries and each SETA has its own criteria for funding students, it is possible that a student who does not qualify for NSFAS will be eligible for a SETA bursary. This is especially the case for students who fall into the category of unemployed learners.
However, this is not always the case. Each SETA decides which students it will fund, based on its own priorities for the year and the specific needs of the industry it represents.
Students who are interested in a SETA bursary should therefore check with the relevant SETA whether their household income, qualification, institution and field of study will make them eligible for funding.
Which Costs Can the Bursaries Cover?
This will depend on the specific bursary or financial aid scheme. In general, tuition fees, prescribed learning materials or books, accommodation, meals/allowances and other costs may be covered by a bursary.
Students should always read the fine print of a bursary offer, to determine what costs are covered and how the money will be paid out (directly to the institution, or to the student).
Which Bursary Should You Apply For?
That depends on your personal circumstances.
You may qualify for a SETA bursary if:
- your qualification is linked to a sector that has a SETA
- you meet the requirements of the SETA for the current funding window
- you are interested in exploring funding options through SETAs
- you do not qualify for NSFAS, but you do qualify for another bursary
You may qualify for a government bursary or NSFAS if:
- you meet the requirements of the relevant government department or scheme
- you are studying at an institution that qualifies for a government bursary or NSFAS funding
- your qualification is covered by the relevant government bursary or NSFAS scheme
- you meet the additional requirements of the government department or funding body
You may also apply for both a SETA bursary and a government bursary, as long as the rules of both funding bodies permit it and you do not make false claims about receiving financial aid from more than one source.
How to Find SETA and Government Bursaries
Students should always start their search on the official websites of relevant SETAs and government departments and municipalities.
The websites of SETAs typically list the different bursaries that they offer and the application procedures. Provincial and local government websites usually provide details of bursaries that are offered by the various government departments, as well as the application procedures and closing dates. Students can also visit the official NSFAS website , to apply for a student financial aid grant.
Students should double-check the requirements of a bursary scheme and make sure that they are eligible to apply. They should also ensure that they understand what funding covers and how the money will be paid out.
Students should be wary of advertisements that promise guaranteed funding, or ask for money to submit an application. As a rule of thumb, students should apply for bursaries through the organisations that offer them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are SETA bursaries government-funded?
SETA bursaries are provided by SETAs, which are public entities that fund skills development in line with national priorities. The specifics of each SETA bursary will therefore depend on the rules of the SETA that provides the funding.
Are SETA bursaries only for unemployed people?
No, because some SETA bursaries are provided to employees or people working in a specific industry, although many opportunities are available for unemployed students.
Can I apply for both NSFAS and a SETA bursary?
You may be able to apply for both, but you will have to declare that you are receiving financial aid from one or more sources and you may not be eligible for both.
Do SETA bursaries guarantee employment?
No, because a bursary is not a job contract. Some SETA bursaries may involve work-back agreements, but that is typically not the case.
Final Thoughts
The main difference between SETA and government bursaries is the fact that the former are typically linked to specific industries and address skills shortages in those industries, whereas the latter focus on education and training needs in line with national government priorities.
NSFAS is a form of student financial aid, and not a bursary, but it is a government-funded scheme that funds qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges.
By understanding the differences between these forms of financial aid, and by carefully reviewing the requirements of a particular bursary or financial aid scheme, you will be able to select the best funding opportunity for your needs.
