Services SETA Bursary Programme

1. 1

   Identify the partner public institution administering the Services SETA bursary for your study programme and the relevant academic cycle (for example the University of Zululand or Durban University of Technology for 2026/2027)

2. 2

   Confirm the current closing date with the host institution, as deadlines vary by institution and cycle (UniZulu's 2026/2027 programme closed 15 September 2025, while DUT's 2026/2027 programme closed 3 April 2026)

3. 3

   Register or secure acceptance at the host public tertiary institution in an eligible services-sector qualification at NQF Level 5 or higher

4. 4

   Complete the bursary application via the host institution's online portal

5. 5

   Attach all certified supporting documents, including ID, academic results, proof of registration/acceptance and proof of household income

6. 6

   Submit the application before the institution's closing date and await assessment against the SETA's eligibility and financial-need criteria

7. 7

   For confirmation of the current cycle, host institution and deadline, contact the Services SETA directly at [email protected]

Frequently Asked Questions

Who qualifies for the Services SETA Bursary?

South African citizens with a valid SA ID who are studying (or accepted to study) an NQF Level 5 or higher qualification in a services-sector field at a public university, university of technology or TVET college. Applicants need at least a 50% overall academic average, must demonstrate financial need (household income below the SETA threshold), and unemployed applicants should be aged 18–35. Continuing students must pass at least 75% of their registered modules to remain funded.

What does the Services SETA Bursary cover?

It provides a full or partial bursary covering tuition fees, plus prescribed textbooks and learning materials. Unemployed students may also receive accommodation and meals, a monthly living allowance of roughly R1,500–R3,000 applies where relevant, some partner institutions (such as DUT) provide a once-off laptop, and Master's and PhD students may receive a travel and research allowance.

How do I apply and what is the deadline?

The bursary is administered through partner public institutions each cycle rather than via a single permanent national portal, so you apply through the host institution's online application system and the deadline varies by institution. For 2026/2027, the Services SETA / University of Zululand programme closed on 15 September 2025 and the Durban University of Technology programme closed on 3 April 2026. Always confirm the current host institution and closing date, including via [email protected].

Why does the application website change each year?

The Services SETA's primary role is facilitating skills development by disbursing discretionary grants to employers and accredited training providers. Its student bursary funding is delivered through partner public universities and TVET colleges, so the exact application URL and host institution change by academic cycle. Use the Services SETA contact details to confirm which institution is hosting the bursary for your intake.