Finance & Banking INSETA (Insurance Sector Education and Training Authority)

INSETA Insurance Sector Student Fund (ISSF) Bursary

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:
20 October 2026
Renewable:
Yes

Eligible Fields of Study

INSETA (Insurance Sector Education and Training Authority) supports students in the following disciplines

Financial Investment Advisor
Insurance Agent
Insurance Broker
Actuary / Actuarial Science
Compliance Officer
Risk Management / Risk Assessment
Underwriting
Insurance Claims Administration
Insurance Loss Adjuster
Software Developer
ICT Systems Analyst
Sales and Marketing Management

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. 1

    Visit the INSETA ISSF page at inseta.org.za/issf to confirm the bursary is open and read the current criteria

  2. 2

    Open the online application via the Microsoft Forms link published on the INSETA ISSF page

  3. 3

    Complete the application form with your personal, academic and financial details

  4. 4

    Upload all required supporting documents, including a certified ID, parental/guardian documents and financial statements

  5. 5

    Submit your application before the closing date (the 2026 cycle closed on 20 to 21 October 2025 at 23:59)

  6. 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 close?
The 2026 cycle closed on 20 to 21 October 2025 at 23:59. The ISSF is a recurring annual programme, and the next (2027) cycle is expected to open around September or October 2026, so check inseta.org.za/issf for confirmed dates. 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].

Ready to apply?

Applications close on 20 October 2026

Apply on INSETA (Insurance Sector Education and Training Authority)'s official site

Need help? Contact INSETA (Insurance Sector Education and Training Authority):

Email: [email protected]

Information verified 2026-06-22. Always confirm details on the funder's official website before applying.