HWSETA Postgraduate Research Bursary for Unemployed Persons
Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority (HWSETA) (administered through public universities and universities of technology — institutions apply on behalf of students)
The HWSETA Postgraduate Research Bursary funds unemployed South Africans pursuing Honours, Master's or PhD research in the health and welfare sector at a public university or university of technology. The bursary covers tuition and research funding of up to R100,000 per learner, with a separate disability stream funding up to R240,000 per learner. Applications are submitted by the institution on behalf of eligible students, so students should approach their university financial aid office to be included in the submission.
- Amount
- Up to R100,000 per learner for the Postgraduate Research Bursary (Honours/Master's/PhD); the separate HWSETA disability bursary stream funds up to R240,000 per learner
- Deadline
- To be announced
- Renewable
- No
Eligible Fields of Study
Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority (HWSETA) (administered through public universities and universities of technology — institutions apply on behalf of students) supports students in the following disciplines
Eligibility Requirements
- ✓ South African citizen
- ✓ Currently unemployed
- ✓ Registered or enrolled at a public university or university of technology in the 2025 or 2026 academic year
- ✓ Studying at postgraduate research level (Honours / Master's / PhD)
- ✓ Studying in a health, welfare, social or related sector discipline
- ✓ Preference given to students previously funded by HWSETA at undergraduate level
- ✓ Applications are submitted by the institution on behalf of eligible students, not by individuals directly
- ✓ Disability stream: applicant must be a person with a disability studying in a health, welfare, social or veterinary field
What's Included
- ✓ Tuition fees
- ✓ Research funding for postgraduate study
- ✓ Up to R100,000 per learner for the postgraduate research stream
- ✓ Disability stream funds up to R240,000 per learner
- ✓ For the disability stream: accommodation, books and living allowances
- ✓ For the disability stream: disability-related costs such as assistive devices and transport
How to Apply
Steps to complete your Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority (HWSETA) (administered through public universities and universities of technology — institutions apply on behalf of students) bursary application
- 1
Approach your university or university of technology financial aid office to confirm your eligibility for the HWSETA postgraduate research bursary
- 2
Ask to be included in the institution's submission to HWSETA — students cannot apply directly to HWSETA
- 3
Provide your institution with proof of registration and academic records for the relevant academic year
- 4
Submit a research proposal or postgraduate study plan as requested by your institution
- 5
The institution compiles and submits the bursary application to HWSETA on behalf of eligible students before the closing date
- 6
Await selection and confirmation, which HWSETA communicates through the participating institution
- 7
For the disability stream, supply documented proof of disability to your institution as part of the submission
Required Documents
- 📄 Certified copy of South African ID document
- 📄 Proof of registration or enrolment at a public university or university of technology
- 📄 Latest academic transcript or results
- 📄 Research proposal or postgraduate study plan
- 📄 Proof of unemployment (e.g. affidavit) where required by the institution
- 📄 Curriculum vitae
- 📄 Disability stream: medical documentation or proof of disability
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I apply directly to HWSETA for the postgraduate research bursary?
- No. HWSETA does not recruit students directly. Applications are submitted by your public university or university of technology on your behalf, so you must approach your institution's financial aid office to be included in its submission.
- How much does the HWSETA Postgraduate Research Bursary pay?
- The postgraduate research stream funds up to R100,000 per learner for Honours, Master's or PhD study, covering tuition and research costs. The separate disability bursary stream funds up to R240,000 per learner and also covers accommodation, books, living allowances and disability-related costs.
- Who is eligible for this bursary?
- Unemployed South Africans registered or enrolled at a public university or university of technology in 2025 or 2026, studying at postgraduate research level in a health or welfare sector discipline. Preference is given to students previously funded by HWSETA at undergraduate level.
- When do applications close?
- The Postgraduate Research Bursary Expression of Interest for 2025-2026 closed on 06 February 2026, and the Expression of Interest for Funding 2026/2027 closed on 20 February 2026. Applications run annually around January-February, so check with your institution early in the year.
When do 2027 applications open?
Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority (HWSETA) (administered through public universities and universities of technology — institutions apply on behalf of students) has not yet announced dates for the 2027 intake.
The last recorded window closed on 20 February 2026. Treat that as a guide to timing only — confirm the 2027 dates with Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority (HWSETA) (administered through public universities and universities of technology — institutions apply on behalf of students) before you rely on them.
Check Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority (HWSETA) (administered through public universities and universities of technology — institutions apply on behalf of students)'s official siteNeed help? Contact Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority (HWSETA) (administered through public universities and universities of technology — institutions apply on behalf of students):
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 011 607 6900
Information verified 2026-02-20. Always confirm details on the funder's official website before applying.
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