Students in South Africa who are planning to start studying at a university or TVET college in 2027 will find that there are bursaries available from the country’s Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs). SETAs are responsible for the development of skills in specific sectors, and a number of them offer bursaries or training opportunities to qualifying candidates.
However, students should be aware that there is no single online portal for SETA bursaries. Each opportunity has its own criteria, application dates and required documents.
Applicants can save time and avoid applying for SETA funding if they understand the differences between opportunities provided by employers, universities or TVET colleges.
SETA Bursaries 2027: Summary Table
Key informationDetails
Funding organisationsSector Education and Training Authorities
2027 funding year2027
PurposeSkills development and qualifications which address sector needs
Fields of studyVaries, depending on the SETA
Application methodInstitutional, direct or at workplace, depending on the bursary
Eligibility conditionsVaries, depending on the bursary
Application datesVaries – see below
Closing datesVaries, depending on the bursary
First port of callDepartment of Higher Education and Training
Before applying for a SETA bursary or scholarship, students should always check for an official statement confirming the availability of funding for 2027. An announcement which appeared in a previous year does not automatically apply to the current academic year.
How Do SETA Bursaries Work?
SETA bursaries are linked to South Africa’s system of skills development. SETAs are responsible for addressing skills shortages in their sector, and some of them offer bursaries or training opportunities to students or employees.
Applicants should begin by identifying the SETA which is relevant to their qualification. For example, someone wishing to study banking would begin their research at BANKSETA, while those with an interest in mining would visit the Mining Qualifications Authority’s website.
It is important to realise that not all SETAs offer bursaries to students, and those which do have certain eligibility requirements. The fields of study which qualify for SETA funding will also vary from one authority to the next.
Three Ways to Access SETA Funding
Students can apply for SETA bursaries in three different ways, depending on the provider.
1. Through a university or TVET college
Some SETAs distribute their funding through educational institutions such as universities or TVET colleges. The application process will vary, depending on the requirements of the SETA and the institution. Applicants should always contact the financial aid department of their chosen university or TVET college and ask if there are any SETA bursaries available for 2027.
2. Direct application, usually online
Some SETAs invite applications to a specific online portal or process
Applicants should carefully read the job advert or funding guidelines in order to determine whether they are eligible to apply, as well as the documents which must be submitted.
3. For employers offering learnerships and training
SETAs often fund training provided by employers in specific industries. Students should realise that not all SETA bursaries are open to direct applications. In some cases, it will be necessary to apply for a learnership, internship or apprenticeship with a company which has received SETA funding.
Which SETA Do I Need to Apply With?
The following table includes some of the most important SETAs and the industries which they represent.
Career or fieldSETA or organisation
Banking and banking servicesBANKSETA
Accounting and financial servicesFASSET
Mining and mineralsMining Qualifications Authority (MQA)
ConstructionCETA
Manufacturing and engineering-related industriesmerSETA
Chemical industriesCHIETA
AgricultureAgriSETA
Insurance and related financial servicesINSETA
Health and social development-related skillsHWSETA
Safety and security-related skillsSASSETA
The above list is only a starting point for students. Not every SETA offers a bursary, and the eligibility requirements will vary from one organisation to the next. Always consult the official website of the SETA which interests you in order to determine what fields of study are available, what qualifications are required and which universities or TVET colleges are approved.
If your field of study could fall under more than one SETA, you should investigate the options that are available to you. However, you should also realise that different SETAs will have different eligibility requirements and restrictions.
How to Find and Apply for SETA Bursaries for 2027
Step 1: Determine what you want to study
Decide what you want to study, where you want to study and what career you wish to pursue. Do you want to attend a public university, a university of technology or a TVET college?
This information will allow you to narrow down your search for SETA bursaries.
Step 2: Research the relevant SETA
Based on your intended field of study, you can now begin your research. Each SETA will have its own bursary, student funding or discretionary grant programmes. You can view the official website of your chosen SETA and look for information regarding bursaries, students grants, discretionary grants and other funding opportunities which may be available.
Make sure to read the fine print and confirm that the bursary covers the qualification which you intend to study at the institution at which you plan to study
Step 3: Contact your institution
If you are already planning to study or attending a university or TVET college, you should contact the financial aid office and ask if they handle SETA bursaries or if they receive funding from a specific SETA. Some SETA bursaries are opened exclusively for students at a specific institution.
Step 4: Determine the application period
SETA bursaries do not all open at the same time – each SETA sets its own application period, and it is important to submit your application before the closing date.
You must also ensure that the bursary announcement relates to the 2027 academic year, and not a previous year.
Step 5: Find out how to apply
Before submitting your application, make sure that you understand the application procedure and know exactly where to submit your documents. Some SETAs only accept applications from students who have been invited to apply.
Step 6: Apply for the bursary
Complete the application form and make sure that all the required documents have been submitted correctly. Always retain a copy of your application and any confirmation that your application has been received.
Can UNISA Students Apply for SETA Bursaries?
Students who attend the University of South Africa (UNISA) should make sure that they view all the SETA bursary-related information which appears on the university’s website. Some of these bursaries may have specific applications procedures, and students should carefully follow the instructions which appear on the relevant webpage.
Students who attend UNISA should make sure that they have set up an email account and that they check their university emails regularly. It is possible that applications will be sent directly to students’ university email addresses.
Official information: UNISA — SETA Bursaries
The fact that you did not receive an invitation does not mean that you can simply apply directly to the SETA. The eligibility rules and application procedures will vary, depending on the bursary.
What Documents Are Needed to Apply for a SETA Bursary?
While every SETA will have its own list of required documents, there are a number of items which are commonly needed. Students should make sure that they have the following documents ready before the application window opens:
- A certified copy of your South African ID
- Matric certificate or your Grade 12 results
- Your latest academic transcript
- Proof of registration or an acceptance letter from a tertiary institution
- Proof of household income (if applicable)
- Parent or guardian’s ID (if applicable)
- Motivation letter or CV (if applicable)
- Other documents, as specified by the SETA
Depending on the SETA, different rules will apply regarding the certification of documents. Some document types may also have specific requirements, such as a limit on how long ago the documents were certified. Always follow the instructions which apply to your chosen bursary.
SETA Bursary Eligibility Conditions
The eligibility requirements for SETA bursaries will vary, depending on the needs of the SETA and the specific bursary. Students should always carefully read the requirements and make sure that they understand all the conditions and restrictions which apply to the bursary.
South African citizenship
Students who are citizens of South Africa will usually be eligible to apply for most SETA bursaries. However, there are also bursaries which are intended for non-South Africans.
Make sure that you read the citizenship-related requirements which apply to the specific bursary.
Age
Certain bursaries are specifically designed for young people. This usually means that you will have to be at least 18 years old and no older than 35 – but this does not apply to all SETA bursaries.
Academic ability
Some bursaries only consider candidates who have a certain academic ability or who have achieved specific results in their Matric.
The requirements which apply to academic ability will vary, depending on the bursary, the qualification which you intend to study and the year of study. Do not assume that you will automatically qualify for a bursary if you have an overall average of 50% or 60%.
Financial needs
Some bursaries are specifically intended for students who come from financially disadvantaged backgrounds or whose households have an income which falls below a certain threshold.
Make sure that you understand the financial requirements of the bursary which interests you. The income threshold which applies to one bursary should not be assumed to apply to all SETA bursaries.
Institution and qualification
The bursary which you chose must be applicable to the qualification which you intend to study, as well as the institution at which you plan to study it. Make sure that you understand any restrictions which apply to the bursary, such as whether it is only available to students at certain universities or colleges.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee that you will receive a bursary, as many SETA bursaries are highly competitive.
Can Matriculants Apply for SETA Bursaries in 2027?
Some SETA bursaries are available to students who have completed Matric, while others are only open to students who have already registered at a university or TVET college. Make sure that you understand the requirements of the bursary which interests you.
If you are currently still at school, make sure that you understand whether you will be eligible to apply for the bursary and whether you will need to submit an acceptance letter from your chosen tertiary institution.
Sometimes, students who are waiting for their Matric results or who have not yet received an acceptance letter may be allowed to submit a provisional application. If this is possible, make sure that you submit any additional documents which may be needed.
Are SETA Bursary Applications for 2027 Open?
There is no single opening date for SETA bursaries.
Every SETA will have its own application dates, and it is important to make sure that the bursary for which you are applying is actually open. Some bursaries will only be available for the 2027 academic year, while others might not be renewed.
Before applying, always make sure that the bursary is available, that it is actually intended for students and that it is not restricted to employees of a specific company.
Tips for Finding SETA Funding
Start your research early: Make sure that you identify the SETA which interests you and that you gather all the necessary documents before the application window opens.
Always visit the relevant website: If you are applying for a bursary from a specific SETA, make sure that you visit the official website of that SETA in order to confirm the application procedure. Always double-check the closing date.
Keep track of the closing dates: Store this information securely and keep a note of all the dates which are relevant to your application.
Read the fine print: Always make sure that you understand the conditions and restrictions which apply to the bursary. These may include information regarding other bursaries, academic performance, fields of study or employment.
Watch out for scammers: If someone claims to be able to secure you a bursary from a SETA in exchange for a deposit, make sure that you investigate this claim. There is no such thing as a guarantee when it comes to bursary applications.
Always retain proof of application: If you have successfully submitted an application, always retain proof that the application was received, such as a receipt or an email with a reference number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there only one website where I can apply for all SETAs?
No, every SETA has its own application procedures.
Can I apply for more than one SETA bursary?
If your field of study meets the requirements of more than one SETA, you can investigate the bursary opportunities which are available. However, you should realise that some bursaries will not allow you to receive more than one bursary at the same time.
Are SETA bursaries available to unemployed students?
Some bursaries will only be available to students who are employed, while others will be available to unemployed students.
Is there a specific closing date for SETA bursary applications?
No, every SETA will have its own application period. Make sure that you apply before the closing date of the specific bursary.
Is there a single website where students can find information about SETA bursaries?
No, information about SETA bursaries will be available on the websites of the relevant SETAs.
Can students apply for SETA bursaries after they have graduated from high school?
Yes, if the bursary requires that you have already enrolled at a tertiary institution.
Can more than one student apply for the same SETA bursary?
Yes, there are usually several students who will qualify to apply for a SETA bursary. However, the number of bursaries which will be available will usually be limited.
What should students do if they have questions regarding a SETA bursary?
Students should visit the SETA’s official website and look for contact details. Questions which relate specifically to an institution should be directed to the financial aid office of that institution.
What should students do if they did not receive a response regarding their SETA bursary application?
If you believe that your application was not received or that there has been a problem with your application, make sure that you contact the SETA and clarify the situation as soon as possible.
