The SASSETA Bursary Online Application 2026 programme is open for applications. See if you qualify and send your applications before the closing date.
Table of Contents
About SASSETA ( These are the SASSETA Functions)
- The facilitation of strategic human resource development planning within the safety and security sector.
- Our proposal of education and training standards and qualifications to bodies registered with SAQA.
- Upholding our responsibility for developing education and training standards as well as the monitoring and auditing of those standards and qualifications.
- By accrediting providers, assessors and moderators of education and training.
- We analyse and prioritise education and training needs within this sector in order to drive skills development strategies that meet our objectives.
- We champion enhanced access to learning that includes the likes of career paths, progression pathways, NQF qualifications and Learnerships that make a real difference.
- The effective management and administration of all learnerships and levy disbursements within SASSETA.
- By promoting a culture of learning that encourages active employer and training provider participation in our strategies and activities.
- To promote and market SASSETA through regular communication with all stakeholders and potential stakeholders.
- To perform any other function required by SAQA in terms of SASSETA’s registration, the Skills Development Act or any other applicable law.
Bursary Invitation for 2026
SASSETA invites students to apply for the Discretionary Grants – Unemployed Bursary, for the 2026 academic year.
Bursaries will be awarded to unemployed students, for studies preferably within these fields:
- LLB
- STEM qualifications – studies in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
- Veterinary Science
- Occupations in High Demand, as published by the Department of Higher Education & Training in 2024 (pages 13-22)
Expenses to Be Covered by SASSETA Bursary for 2026
The bursary will provide cover up to following values:
- Full-time students will receive funding to the value of R80 000, for the following expenses: registration fees, tuition fees, books, accommodation and meals. Students will also receive an electronic device (laptop or tablet) and mouse, to the maximum value of R10 000.
- Distance learning students will receive funding to the value of R35 000, for the following expenses: registration fees, tuition fees and books.
- TVET students will receive funding to the value of R50 000, for the following expenses: registration fees, tuition fees, books, accommodation and meals.
- Masters and research students may claim funds in relation to their research related expenses, including printing and editing costs related to their thesis or dissertation.
SASSETA may consider additional funding and/ or paying outstanding student debt, subject to the availability of funding.
SASSETA Bursary Selection Process
Bursaries will be awarded for a period not more than the minimum duration of the qualification, plus 1 year (i.e. for a 3 year qualification, funding will be provided for a maximum of 4 years).
Teaching bursaries
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted within 90 days after the closing date. If you do not receive any feedback by this time, please consider your application unsuccessful.
Who Qualifies for this BUrsary
Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying (please note that failure to satisfy all the requirements will lead to your application not being considered):
- You must be a South African citizen
- You must be between 18 and 35 years old
- You must have completed Matric
- You must be studying or registered to study within one of the fields of study listed above, in 2026
- You must be registered or accepted to study full-time or distance learning at a recognised and accredited public University/ University of Technology/ Public TVET College in South Africa (private institution students may only apply if their course of study is not offered at any of the public institutions)
- You must be unemployed
- You must NOT be taking part in any other SASSETA funded programme (internship, learnership or skills programme) within the current financial year
- Preference will be given to students from the “missing middle” (a combined household income of between R350 000.01 and R600 000 per annum) and students from poor households (a combined household income of LESS than R350 000 per annum) and students from marginalised communities
- You must read and agree to the terms of the SASSETA Bursary Policy 2025/2026 (.pdf)
SASSETA Bursary Online Application 2026 Process
Applications must be submitted online at: SASSETA Bursary Application Form 2026 (.docx)
Submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation with your completed application form (the submission of these documents is compulsory – if any items are missing, your application be disqualified):
- ID Document (certified copy – not older than 6 months)
- Matric certificate/ final results (certified copy – not older than 6 months)
- Most recent academic record, if currently studying (certified copy – not older than 6 months)
- Proof of acceptance/ registration for the 2026 academic year (on institutions letterhead)
- Parents or guardians proof of household income and employment status (affidavit confirming total household income, specifying all sources of income and indication employment status)
Note: the total size of the supporting documents must not be larger than 20 Megabytes (MB).
Applications must be submitted via email to: Bursaries@SASSETA.org.za
(Insert the words “SASSETA Bursary 2026” in the email subject line).
SASSETA Bursary 2026 Closing Date
Applications for this bursary closes on 30 January 2026 just before midnight.
CONTACT THE BURSARY PROVIDER
For any queries related to this bursary programme, please contact SASSETA directly:
Email: DG@sasseta.org.za
