SETA Bursary 2025: Apply for Government-Funded Support

Who doesn’t like to acquire higher education but sometimes financial conditions do not allow some hard-working and deserving students to continue their studies. This does not only break a student’s heart but also shatter their dreams.

Acknowledging the financial status of numerous South African students, the Services Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) initiated multiple bursary programs to provide financial aid to the students to pursue their academic journey. Today we will provide important information about SETA bursaries that will help every student out there who needs financial help to continue his studies without stressing about educational expenses.

The SETA bursaries are changing the lives of thousands of students who were ready to give up their dream of getting higher education due to financial crises. Continue reading to find out what is the eligibility criteria of this bursary and how you can apply for the program.

About the SETA and It’s Bursary

The full form of SETA is the Services Sector Education and Training Authority. It was established in 2000 and deals with the disbursement of grants to companies, employers, and training providers to facilitate skill development programs.

The bursary programs of this company finance the students in their academic pursuits to help them continue and complete their studies without breaking the bank. It bears the educational expenses of those who are enrolled in any undergraduate or post-graduate program.

Eligibility Criteria

However, this bursary is for every student but to get this a student must pass the set eligibility criteria. If you are wondering what the eligibility criteria for this bursary then read the following points.

First of all this bursary is invite-based, which means the academic performance of the students and their qualification plays a major role. However, you can also apply through SETA directly without the invitation. Here are the eligibility criteria for the bursary.

Unemployed Students

• Applicant must be a citizen of South Africa.
• The age of the applicant must be between 18 to 35 years.
• Students with no stable income source/unemployed.
• Planning to pursue studies within one year.
• Applicant must have at least 50% marks in the previous degree or academic year.
• Must be a regular student in a public tertiary institute such as a university or college.
• Total annual household income should be less than R600 000.

Employed Students

• Applicant must be a citizen of South Africa.
• Currently employed in any private or government sector organization.
• Planning to pursue studies within one year.
• Regular or part-time student of any public educational institute like a university or a college.
• Applicant must have at least a 50% score in the prior academic year or studies.
• The gross income of the household must be less than R600 000.

Mind that The SETA bursary is not for all academic programs. The only programs supported by this bursary are the following:

• Business Administration
• Business Management
• Communication Studies
• Human Resources
• Marketing
• Project Management
• Public Administration
• Media Studies
• Real Estate
• Property Development
• Hair and Personal Care

SETA Bursary Application Process

Many students still have no idea how they can apply for this bursary program. If you are also one of those read ahead.

SETA bursaries are one of the easiest bursary programs to apply for. I am mentioning the steps of how I applied for SETA bursary 2025 so you can just follow my lead.

• First of all, you will need to register yourself on the website to start the application process. Here’s the website link https://www.servicesetabursaries.org.za/register.
• SETA bursary online application 2025 is available on their official website. Register yourself and log into your account by adding your credentials.
• Follow the on-screen instructions and fill in the SETA bursary online application form.
• Attach clear copies of all the supporting documents.
• Once you are done click on the submit button.
• That’s all. Congratulations! You have successfully submitted your application.

Documents Required

I am providing you with information regarding supporting documents so you can search your documents beforehand. This way you won’t have to leave your seat and look for your documents while filling out the online application form. The documents you will need are:

• Certified copy of your national ID card.
• Academic record or certificates of your previous qualification.
• Acceptance letter from the institution which means you should be enrolled in an institution to get the educational fund.
• Certified copies of the parent’s or guardian’s identity cards or documents.
• Proof of income or payslip of the parents or guardian if applicable.
• Name of the applicant’s municipality.

Type of SETA Bursaries

SETA offers numerous bursaries from students to companies. Here is the list of bursaries that SETA offers:

• Finance and Accounting Services Sector Education and Training Authority (FASSET)
• Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA)
• Transport Education Training Authority (TETA)
• The Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority (SASSETA)
• ETDP-SETA Bursary Education, Training and Development Practices Sector Education and Training Authority
• Bank SETA Banking Sector Education and Training Authority
• Services Sector Education and Training Authority

SETA Bursary 2025 Closing Date

The closing date of the SETA bursary 2025 applications is February 16, 2024. So, if you are looking for educational funds and haven’t applied for this bursary yet then you should better hurry. The applications are closing soon.

SETA Bursary Allowance

Before you apply for this bursary you must be wanting to know what educational expenses are covered in this. As this bursary is for graduate and postgraduate students so according to last year’s reports a master’s and PhD student received funds between R1000,000 to R120,000 and R140,000 to R150,000 respectively.

Many students ask what expenses are covered in this bursary. So, here are some details for those who are wondering about the details of the bursary.

• Tuition fee or registration fee
• Research cost
• Study material like books, articles, etc.

Contact Details

Anyone can apply for SETA bursaries using their online platform easily. But still, if anyone has any queries here are the contact details of SETA.

• Services Sector Education and Training Authority (Services SETA)
• Contact no: 011 051 5026
• Email: [email protected]

Why You Should Apply for SETA Bursaries

• Getting funds to cover educational expenses like tuition fees, registration fees, accommodation, etc.
• Easy accessibility to higher education.
• Enhanced skills and knowledge in the field of your choice.
• Increased chances of employability and career growth.

SETA is one of the leading funding organizations for the employed and unemployed learners of South Africa. It helps deserving students to continue their education without any financial stress. We have explained the application procedure in detail in this guide for those who want to learn how to apply for a SETA stipend.

From the academic programs that are compatible with this bursary to the eligibility criteria and application process, everything is mentioned in this stepwise guide. Feel free to take help from this article if you are thinking of applying for SETA in 2025.