Students heading to university or college in 2027 can find relevant bursary opportunities by researching SETA funding. It is important to understand the differences between these programmes, because the eligibility criteria, application processes and covering expenses may vary.
Funding from South Africa’s 16 Sector Education and Training Authorities is not a single pool. Each SETA has its own remit, and spends money according to the skills needs of its sector.
For students, the questions are: Which SETA relates to my course? How do I apply? What expenses will the bursary cover? And: What are the rules about receiving funding?
By considering the differences between these opportunities, students will be able to avoid missing an application deadline, or finding out that their qualification is not eligible.
1. Identify the SETA That Covers Your Qualification
The first consideration for students is to match their course with the relevant SETA.
Each of these skills-development bodies funds different areas of the economy, and a bursary may not be available for every qualification under their remit.
The table below shows an example of SETAs and their areas of responsibility:
SETA Covered industries and occupations
FASSET Finance, accounting and related financial services
CETA Construction and the built environment
AgriSETA Agriculture and farming-related industries
ETDP SETA Education, training and development
Services SETA Business and services-related occupations
merSETA Manufacturing, engineering and related industries
MQA Mining and minerals-related industries
CHIETA Chemical industries
INSETA Insurance and related financial services
BANKSETA Banking and related financial services
HWSETA Health and social development
SASSETA Safety, security and related services
This is not a complete list, and it does not guarantee that a bursary will be available for the qualification shown. Students need to research the current needs of each SETA, and the courses that they currently fund.
For instance, a student who has chosen a career in accounting could look at FASSET opportunities, while someone who has chosen to study mining would investigate MQA.
Before applying, students should confirm that their qualification, level of study and institution are eligible for the specified bursary.
Can students apply for more than one SETA bursary?
Students may submit an application to more than one funder, as long as they confirm that they are allowed to receive more than one award. Many bursaries specify that funding will only be given to one applicant, or that recipients should declare any other financial assistance that they receive.
The eligibility criteria for a bursary may depend on the student’s occupation, level of study, academic results, household income and citizenship status. These factors will be explained below, but it is important to compare the requirements of every bursary that a student is considering.
2. Compare the Different SETA Application Processes
The ways in which bursaries are applied for can be very different. The process may involve submitting an application form to the SETA directly, or asking the university or college to submit it on your behalf.
Some SETAs will only accept an application from the educational institution, while others invite individual students to apply.
The table below shows an example of application methods:
Application method Description
University or TVET college The institution may submit the application to the funder.
Direct application The SETA or its programme administrator will have instructions for individual applicants.
Institution-communicated opportunity The student may be informed about the bursary through notices, the university website or email.
This is not an exhaustive list, and it does not apply to all SETAs. The instructions that appear in a funding notice should always be followed.
At UNISA, for example, SETA bursaries are made available to students through the University’s student funding pages. Anyone interested in a SETA bursary may view the UNISA SETA bursaries page to view the information that is available to them.
It is important to make sure that a bursary is currently open for application, rather than accepting information from a notice that was published previously.
3. Compare the Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility requirements of a bursary programme may specify the results that an applicant must achieve, the income level of their household, their citizenship and other relevant factors.
Some programmes will be open to anyone who has successfully completed a qualification, while others may have stricter academic or financial guidelines.
For instance, some bursaries will only be available to students who have passed all of their modules with satisfactory results.
Other bursaries will have no academic requirements, but will only be open to students whose households fall within a specific income range.
Students should never assume that the same requirements will apply to every bursary that they are investigating. Some SETAs have no income requirements, while others specify that they only fund students who fall within the missing-middle income bracket.
Academic requirements vary from one bursary to the next, and it is incorrect to generalise a minimum matric result or university pass mark. Any student who is considering a bursary should always read the requirements carefully, and ask the funder to clarify any guidelines that they do not fully understand.
Can I apply for a bursary if I am not a South African citizen?
Applicants must read the citizenship requirements of each bursary that they are considering. Some SETAs do not specify a preferred nationality, while others only offer funding to South African citizens.
Other considerations include:
• Age: Some bursaries are only available to students who are within a certain age range.
• Level of study: Some bursaries are only available to first-year students, while others cover further degrees.
• Qualification: The bursary may only be available to students who have chosen a specific course of study, or who have enrolled at a particular institution.
Following these requirements is essential before submitting an application, because the SETA may decline the request on these grounds. Anyone who is unsure of their eligibility should contact the funder and ask them to clarify the requirements.
4. Compare the Benefits of Every Bursary
The advertised value of a bursary will not always reflect the benefits that an individual applicant will receive.
Students should compare the expenses that are covered by the funding, and make sure that it will contribute towards their study costs in the way that they expect.
Some bursaries only cover a proportion of the tuition fees, while others pay for books, accommodation and meals.
For instance, a student who is attending a university that is some distance away from their home may not be able to afford the travel costs if a bursary only covers tuition fees.
The table below indicates some of the expenses that a bursary may cover:
Expense Example of a covered benefit
Tuition fees Payment for the cost of attending classes
Registration Payment of any additional compulsory fees
Books and learning materials Payment for any prescribed study resources
Accommodation Payment for meals and residence if applicable
Transport Payment of travel costs for transport to and from the institution
Additional expenses Payment for equipment, data or other expenses where applicable
Each SETA will have its own requirements and restrictions, and some expenses may not be covered by a bursary. Students should read the benefits section of the bursary notice, to make sure that it will cover the costs that they intend to pay.
5. Read the Conditions Attached to the Bursary
Students who accept a bursary agreement will be bound by its terms and conditions.
Before submitting an application, it is important to read the requirements and consequences, and to make sure that the student will be able to comply with any rules.
Some bursaries require recipients to maintain a specific level of academic performance, while others stipulate that they must continue with their studies until they have completed their qualification.
For students who are considering a SETA bursary, it is essential to ask the following questions:
• Will I be required to achieve specific academic results?
• Will I need to declare any other bursary funding?
• Will I need to continue my studies for a specified period of time?
• Will I be required to participate in a learnership, placement or internship?
• Will I be expected to obtain a degree or qualification that is specified in the agreement?
• Will I need to declare if I transfer to another institution?
• Will I be required to repay any funding if I fail to comply with the conditions of the bursary?
The requirements will vary from one bursary to the next, and it is incorrect to assume that every SETA operates the same guidelines. A student who accepts a bursary agreement should always read the rules carefully, and seek clarification from the funder regarding any conditions that they do not fully understand.
6. Record the Different Closing Dates
Different SETA bursaries will have different application dates, and students need to submit their requests before the specified deadlines.
It is important to keep a note of every bursary that a student is considering, and to make sure that the application will be submitted before the closing date.
The table below indicates some of the information that should be recorded for each bursary:
Information to record Notes
Application deadline Keep a note of the application opening and closing dates
Application method Record the official website or contact method
Qualifications and institutions covered Confirm that the bursary applies to your course of study
Eligibility requirements Make a note of any academic or financial guidelines
Documents to submit Record any additional proof of eligibility or application forms
Contact details Keep a note of the SETA’s email address or telephone number
Date of submission If the application has been submitted, record the submission date and reference number
Anyone who is considering a SETA bursary should keep a record of the most recent notice that was issued by the funder. Some bursaries can be viewed online, but students should always double-check the requirements and deadlines with the SETA, to make sure that the information is current.
A few useful resources are listed below:
Website Purpose of the site
ZA Bursaries Information about bursaries that are currently open for application
StudyTrust Information about bursaries and funding opportunities
All Bursaries – SETA Bursaries Information about SETA-related bursaries
Department of Higher Education and Training Information about the post-school education and training sector
Each of these sites will have its own guidelines, and it is incorrect to assume that they will reflect the official requirements of any SETA. A student should always contact a funder directly, to confirm the most recent bursary application details.
It is important to be aware that the application guidelines for 2027 will not necessarily be the same as those that were issued in 2026. A SETA may announce a new bursary, or they may change the requirements for a current programme.
7. Prepare Your Documents in Advance
Students who know which bursaries they intend to apply for will be able to prepare their documents in advance.
Most SETAs require applicants to complete an application form, which may be submitted directly to the funder or through the educational institution.
Applicants may also be asked to provide the following documents:
• A certified copy of their South African identity document
• A certified copy of their matric or most recent academic results
• Proof of registration at a university or college
• Proof of income, for programmes that are means-tested
• Proof of residence, if applicable
• A Curriculum Vitae or motivation letter, if required
This is not an exhaustive list, and each SETA will have its own requirements. A student who is considering a bursary should always carefully read the document submission guidelines, and make sure that the required information has been included.
It is important to keep certified documents in order, and to make sure that sensitive information will only be submitted to the SETA. Anyone who is viewing an application portal should always ask the funder to clarify any security concerns.
8. Create a Comparison Table
Anyone who has found a few bursaries that seem to meet their requirements will benefit from creating a comparison table.
A simple spreadsheet can be used to keep track of any course-specific guidelines, including:
Comparison point Notes
Eligibility Does the bursary cover your course of study?
Institutions Does the bursary cover your institution or TVET college?
Academic requirements Are your academic results suitable for the bursary?
Financial requirements Do you fit within the means-testing guidelines?
Benefits Do the bursary benefits cover your expenses?
Application method Has the application method been confirmed?
Application deadline Has the 2027 deadline been confirmed?
Conditions Are the bursary conditions satisfactory?
Verification Have the details been confirmed by the funder?
This table can be modified to reflect the specific requirements of each bursary. Students should also update the spreadsheet as new information is received, to make sure that they have the most recent guidelines for each funder.
Frequently Asked Questions About SETA Bursaries 2027
Are SETA bursaries for 2027 open?
The application dates for each bursary will be different, and it is incorrect to assume that funding opportunities will always be available. Anyone who is considering a SETA bursary should always visit the SETA’s official website, or ask their university or college to confirm that applications are currently open.
Can matriculants apply for SETA bursaries?
Some bursaries will be available to students who are about to enter tertiary education, while others will only be available once they have enrolled at a university or college. Anyone who is considering a bursary should always read the application guidelines, and make sure that they meet the eligibility criteria.
Can I apply for more than one SETA bursary?
It may be possible to apply for more than one bursary, as long as the applicant confirms that they are allowed to receive multiple awards. Many bursaries will only be available to one recipient, or they may ask applicants to declare any other financial assistance that they receive.
Do SETA bursaries cover accommodation and meals?
This will depend on the terms and conditions of the bursary, and it is incorrect to assume that all SETAs will cover the same expenses. A student should always read the benefits section of the bursary notice, and make sure that it will contribute towards their study costs in the way that they expect.
Will a SETA bursary guarantee me a job?
A bursary should not be assumed to guarantee employment, and students must always make sure that they understand the terms and conditions of the agreement. Some bursaries will stipulate that a placement or learnership is required, and any employment conditions must be clarified with the funder.
Where can I find reliable SETA bursary information?
Anyone who is considering a SETA bursary should always visit the SETA’s official website, or ask their university or college to confirm the application requirements.
Resources such as All Bursaries and ZA Bursaries can be used to find a list of bursaries, but it is advisable to double-check these guidelines with the funder, to make sure that the information is current.
Conclusion
Comparing SETA bursaries for 2027 involves more than finding a programme that specifies that funding is available. Students must make sure that they meet the eligibility requirements, and that the application process will be appropriate for their circumstances.
As each bursary has different rules and deadlines, it is essential to keep a record of the information that has been received, and to contact the relevant SETA if any guidelines are not clear.
An appropriate bursary can make a big difference to a student’s financial situation, but the best choice will always depend on a careful comparison of the benefits and requirements.
Sources and Verification
The resources below can be used to research bursary opportunities, and to confirm the application guidelines for South Africa’s 16 Sector Education and Training Authorities.
Website Purpose of the site
Department of Higher Education and Training Information about the post-school education and training sector
UNISA SETA Bursaries Information about SETA bursaries, from a tertiary institution
All Bursaries Information about bursaries that are currently open for application
ZA Bursaries Information about bursaries and funding opportunities
StudyTrust Information about bursary opportunities and funding programmes
The resources above are intended for informational purposes only, and should not be assumed to represent the current application guidelines for any SETA bursary. Anyone who is considering a SETA bursary should always ask the funder to clarify any requirements, and make sure that the application will be received before the closing date. This article does not establish a general SETA application window, or a standardised list of SETA bursary requirements.
Editorial Note
This article is intended as an informational guide, and should not be assumed to represent an application portal, recruitment resource or financial authority. Mentioning a SETA or a bursary information source does not indicate that applications will be accepted, or that any applicant will be successful.
Corrections and Updates
The application requirements and bursary benefits are subject to revision, as new funding notices are issued. Any revisions to application deadlines, eligibility requirements, benefits or application portals must be confirmed with the relevant SETA or educational institution, before any application is submitted.
