SETA bursary application: A detailed guide for you

SETA stands for the Sector Education and Training Authority in South Africa. The country has various SETAs that facilitate skills development within specific economic sectors. The SETA bursary application process is simple and easy, allowing students to access bursaries to fund their higher education studies.

Key takeaways

• The SETA bursaries are financial aid programs designed to support students pursuing education in fields aligned with industry skills development needs.
• Applicants must typically be South African citizens.
• The process involves filling out an application form, submitting necessary documents and meeting submission deadlines.
• SETA bursaries generally cover tuition fees, accommodation, study materials, and sometimes a stipend for living expenses.

SETA bursary application in 2026

Since its conception in 1996, the Sector Education and Training Authority has played a critical role in ensuring South Africans have the skills and knowledge needed in the workplace.

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The authority understands the importance of skill development as a means of addressing high unemployment in SA. It continues to facilitate skills development through the bursary application.

What is the SETA Bursary?

SETA bursaries are financial aid programs for students in specific sectors requiring skilled professionals. These bursaries cover various educational expenses, including tuition fees, study materials, accommodation, and sometimes a stipend for living costs.

SETA bursary requirements

The SETA bursary is a learning pathway that offers basic financial assistance to a bursar or student to pay for basic needs during their studies.

SETA has partnered with Universities South Africa (USAF) to offer financial aid. Every student in need of financial aid can submit an application for the bursary.

Note that the field of study of applicants should be aligned to SETA. To qualify for a SETA bursary online application for 2025 undergraduate, applicants must:

Basic criteria

• An applicant must be an employee within the scope of the Services SETA (SSETA)
• An applicant must not currently hold a bursary within the PSET system
• An applicant must enrol on a course that is aligned with the hard-to-fill vacancies identified in the Services SETA’s Sector Skills Plan

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How do I request for a bursary?

The application process for SETA bursaries varies by sector, but generally includes steps on how to request a bursary;

1. Research available bursaries – Identify which SETA sector aligns with your field of study.
2. Complete the SETA bursary application form – Download and fill out the official SETA bursary application form available on the respective SETA website.
3. Gather required documents – This may include certified copies of your ID, academic records, proof of income, and an acceptance letter from a recognized institution.
4. Submit your application online – Ensure all documents are uploaded correctly before submitting the SETA bursary online application for 2025 through the official website.
5. Follow up – After submission, regularly check your application status and email for updates.

Documents required

During the application process, you will be required to submit the documents listed below (new applicants).

• Proof of registration or fee statement
• Bursary agreement form or bursary registration form
• Certified ID copy
• Dated and signed proof of employment
• POPI consent form
• Bursary funding declaration form

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If you are a continuing learner, you will also need to provide the following additional documents.

• Current academic year results
• Academic year proof of registration or fee statement

SETA bursary online application process

If you meet the eligibility requirements, you can begin the SETA bursary online application in 2026 for undergraduates through the relevant SETA.

In most cases, applicants must download the official SETA bursary application form from the specific SETA website. Each SETA manages its own bursary programme and publishes application details on its official platform.

Here are official starting points for some major SETAs:

• Services SETA Visit: www.servicesseta.org.za. Check the bursaries or funding section for the latest SETA bursary application form and submission guidelines.
• ETDP SETA Visit: www.etdpseta.org.za. Look under vacancies, opportunities, or bursaries for current undergraduate funding calls.
• EWSETA Visit: www.ewseta.org.za. Navigate to the opportunities or bursaries section to access the relevant SETA bursary application form.
• LGSETA Visit: www.lgseta.org.za. Bursary information is usually listed under skills development or funding opportunities.

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Some SETA bursaries are also administered through the Student Application Centre portal. Visit: www.sac.org.za You may need to register, log in, and complete the SETA bursary application form online.

Once you access the correct SETA bursary application form, complete it carefully and upload or submit all required supporting documents. These usually include a certified copy of your ID, proof of university registration, academic transcripts, and proof of household income.

Always confirm the application deadline and submission method on the official SETA website before sending your documents. Application procedures may change from year to year.

Why apply for the SETA bursary allowance

Below are the reasons and benefits of applying for this aid.

• Tuition fees and money for study materials
• Contribution to the transformation and growth of the services sector
• Increased employability and career prospects
• Access to quality education and training from public tertiary institutions in SA
• Enhanced skills and knowledge in your preferred field

How do you contact SETA?

If you need to reach the authority for more details, use the contact details below.

• Head office location: 15 Sherborne Road, Parktown, Johannesburg
• Telephone number: 011 276 9600
• Email address: customercare@servicesseta.org.za

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Who qualifies for the SETA bursary?

SETA bursaries are open for all South Africans who meet the criteria above. Kindly check the previous sections of this article to see the qualification criteria.

SETA bursary application 2026 opening date

SETA bursary applications mostly opened in early January 2026. The SETA bursary application closing date varies by SETA, with most deadlines falling in late January 2026, such as the 20th, 29th, or 30th. Since these dates can change, it is advisable to check the official website of the relevant SETA for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

What does SETA bursary cover?

The bursary covers tuition fees and learning materials such as books and stationery. This makes it one of the most practical education bursaries available to qualifying students.

Depending on the specific SETA and available funding, some beneficiaries may also receive a SETA bursary monthly allowance to assist with living expenses.

This allowance varies according to the funding structure of the relevant SETA. It is usually intended to cover transportation, meals, accommodation, or other personal costs.

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Applicants should always check with the relevant SETA to confirm the exact benefits provided for that year.

How much is the SETA bursary fee?

Master's students get between R1000,000 and R120,000, while their PhD counterparts get between R140,000 to R150,000.

What is the ETDP SETA Bursary?

For those interested in education, training, and development, the ETDP SETA bursary online application for 2025 is a great opportunity. This bursary supports students in fields related to teaching, early childhood development, and skills development training.

South Africa's SETA bursary has helped thousands of people achieve their career dreams by offering financial aid for higher education. The application process is simple for all applicants who meet the requirements.

DISCLAIMER: This article is not sponsored by any third party. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional advice or help and should not be relied on to make decisions of any kind. Any action you take upon the information presented in this article is strictly at your own risk and responsibility!

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Source: Briefly News