SETA bursary application: A detailed guide for you

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.

SETA bursaries logo and an official of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
SETA bursaries logo (L) and an official of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation launches the SETA Integrated High Impact Programme (R). Photo: @HigherEduGovZA
Source: Twitter

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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.

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.

Read also

What is the SARS consent form for NSFAS, and where can you get it?

SETA bursary application

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.

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.

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

Read also

FNB student loan: How to apply, eligibility, and benefits

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).

Read also

SAQA verification service (2024): Everything you need to know

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
LGSETA staff celebrate Heritage Dayattire. ETDP SETA stakeholders conference at Capricorn TVET College’s Central Office
LGSETA staff celebrate Heritage Dayattire (L). ETDP SETA stakeholders conference at Capricorn TVET College’s Central Office (R). Photo: @LGSETA_official @capricorntvetcollege (modified by author)
Source: Twitter

SETA bursary online application process

If you meet all the requirements above, you should learn how to apply for the SETA bursary. The process is quite simple.

All you should do is download the application forms from the official website and learn more about the programme.

Submit a filled-up form together with all the documents listed above to the email addresses given below.

  • kleinbooi@usaf.ac.za
  • linda.tshabalala@universitiessouthafrica.onmicrosoft.com

NB: The authority has collaborated with various institutions of higher or tertiary learning, so these institutions may have different application steps. Institutions may have different categories of bursaries, including the following.

  • FoodBev SETA bursary (for food and beverage production students)
  • SETA bursary for teaching
  • ETDP SETA bursary (for unemployed students)
  • LG SETA bursary - The Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority (LG SETA) creates and implements skills development interventions to assist local government employees, those working within the local government structures, and the unemployed.

Read also

Examination assistant login: How to register and create a profile?

Why apply for the SETA bursary allowance

Below are the reasons and benefits of applying for his 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

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 opening and closing date for 2025

As of March 26, 2025, the opening and closing dates for the 2025 SETA bursary applications will vary depending on the specific SETA (Sector Education and Training Authority). It is advisable to check the website of the relevant SETA for accurate dates.

Read also

Bonalesedi Nursing College: fees, courses, address, contact details

Services SETA Conducts Induction for Bursary Beneficiaries.
Services SETA Conducts Induction for Bursary Beneficiaries. Photo: @univen.ac.za (modified by author)
Source: UGC

What does SETA bursary cover?

The bursary covers tuition fees and learning materials, e.g., books and stationery. Depending on the specific SETA and available funding, some bursary recipients may receive a monthly allowance to help with living expenses.

This amount varies and is typically intended to cover transportation, meals, and other personal costs. Applicants should check with the relevant SETA to confirm the exact allowance provided.

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.

Read also

How students could access financial assistance for higher education in South Africa?

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!

Briefly.co.za recently published all the details about the SASSA foster care grant. Fostering a child is noble, as children require a loving, stable home environment.

The process requires substantial finances to adequately look after the child, which the South African government provides through the SASSA foster care grant. The SASSA foster care grant assists foster parents in providing childcare. The process has specific terms and conditions.

Source: Briefly News

Authors:
Jedidah Tabalia avatar

Jedidah Tabalia Jedi is a journalist with over 5 years working experience in the media industry. She has a BSc. in Human Resource Management from Moi University (graduated in 2014) and a working in progress MBA in Strategic Management. Having joined Genesis in 2017, Jedi is a passionate Facts and Life Hacks, Fitness, and Health content creator who sees beauty in everything. She loves traveling and checking out new restaurants. Her email address is jedidahtabalia@gmail.com

Cyprine Apindi avatar

Cyprine Apindi (Lifestyle writer) Cyprine Apindi is a content creator and educator with over six years of experience. She holds a Diploma in Mass Communication and a Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from Kenyatta University. Cyprine joined Briefly.co.za in mid-2021, covering multiple topics, including finance, entertainment, sports, and lifestyle. In 2023, she finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. She received the Writer of the Year awards in 2023 and 2024. In 2024, she completed the Google News Initiative course. Email: cyprineapindi@gmail.com