INSETA Insurance Sector Student Fund (ISSF) Bursary
INSETA (Insurance Sector Education and Training Authority)
The INSETA Insurance Sector Student Fund (ISSF) Bursary is a co-funded programme administered directly by INSETA, the SETA for the insurance sector, supporting students pursuing qualifications across the insurance and financial services value chain. For unemployed students it covers full tuition fees, study materials, accredited accommodation and meals, a laptop and a monthly allowance, while employed students receive tuition and book allowances on a sliding scale based on income. It prioritises academically capable youth from financially disadvantaged and previously disadvantaged backgrounds at public universities, universities of technology and TVET colleges.
- Amount
- For unemployed students: full tuition fees, prescribed textbooks/study materials, accredited accommodation and meals, a technological device (e.g. laptop) and a monthly allowance. For employed students: tuition and book allowances on a sliding scale based on income.
- Deadline
- To be announced
- Renewable
- Yes
Eligible Fields of Study
INSETA (Insurance Sector Education and Training Authority) supports students in the following disciplines
Eligibility Requirements
- ✓ South African citizen with a valid ID
- ✓ Currently in Grade 12 (Matric) or already studying at a recognised public South African higher education institution
- ✓ Strong academic results in Mathematics, Accounting, Business Studies or related subjects
- ✓ From a financially disadvantaged background (priority to youth from previously disadvantaged groups)
- ✓ Aged 18 to 35 for unemployed applicants (employed applicants any age)
- ✓ Not receiving other bursary funding
- ✓ Studying a qualification aligned to the insurance/financial services sector
What's Included
- ✓ Full tuition fees at public universities, universities of technology and TVET colleges (unemployed students)
- ✓ Prescribed textbooks and study materials
- ✓ Accredited/registered accommodation and meals for qualifying full-time students
- ✓ Technological device such as a laptop
- ✓ Monthly allowance for study-related expenses
- ✓ Tuition and book allowances on a sliding scale for employed students
How to Apply
Steps to complete your INSETA (Insurance Sector Education and Training Authority) bursary application
- 1
Visit the INSETA ISSF page at inseta.org.za/issf to confirm the bursary is open and read the current criteria
- 2
Open the online application via the Microsoft Forms link published on the INSETA ISSF page
- 3
Complete the application form with your personal, academic and financial details
- 4
Upload all required supporting documents, including a certified ID, parental/guardian documents and financial statements
- 5
Submit your application before the closing date (the 2026 window ran from 29 August to 20 October 2025; 2027 dates had not been announced as of 12 October 2026)
- 6
Wait for feedback: shortlisted candidates are notified within 60 days of the closing date, and no communication within 60 days means the application was unsuccessful
Required Documents
- 📄 Certified copy of South African ID
- 📄 Certified copies of parents'/guardians' IDs and supporting documents
- 📄 Latest academic results (Matric statement/certificate or current university/TVET transcript)
- 📄 Proof of registration or acceptance at a recognised public institution
- 📄 Financial statements or proof of household income to demonstrate financial need
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who qualifies for the INSETA ISSF Bursary?
- You must be a South African citizen with a valid ID who is in Grade 12 (Matric) or already studying at a recognised public South African institution, with strong results in subjects such as Mathematics, Accounting or Business Studies. The fund prioritises youth aged 18 to 35 from financially disadvantaged and previously disadvantaged backgrounds (employed applicants may be any age) who are not receiving other bursary funding and who study a qualification aligned to the insurance and financial services sector.
- What does the bursary cover?
- For unemployed students it covers full tuition fees at public universities, universities of technology and TVET colleges, prescribed textbooks and study materials, accredited accommodation and meals, a technological device such as a laptop, and a monthly allowance. Employed students receive tuition and book allowances on a sliding scale based on their income.
- When does the ISSF Bursary open and close?
- The 2026 window opened on 29 August 2025 and closed on 20 October 2025. As of 12 October 2026, INSETA had not yet opened the 2027 window or announced its dates. In recent years the window has opened between late August and November, so check inseta.org.za/issf regularly. Shortlisted candidates are notified within 60 days of the closing date.
- How do I apply for the INSETA ISSF Bursary?
- Applications are submitted online via a Microsoft Forms link published on the INSETA ISSF page at inseta.org.za/issf. There is no separate portal: complete the form and upload your certified ID, parental/guardian documents and financial statements. For enquiries you can email [email protected].
When do 2027 applications open?
INSETA (Insurance Sector Education and Training Authority) has not yet announced dates for the 2027 intake.
The ISSF window for the 2026 academic year opened on 29 August 2025 and closed on 20 October 2025. As of 12 October 2026, INSETA's ISSF page still showed the 2026 window as closed and no 2027 dates had been announced; recent windows have opened between late August and November.
Check INSETA (Insurance Sector Education and Training Authority)'s official siteNeed help? Contact INSETA (Insurance Sector Education and Training Authority):
Email: [email protected]
Information verified 2026-10-12. Always confirm details on the funder's official website before applying.
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