Services SETA Bursary South Africa 2025

Established in 2000, the Services SETA (Services Sector Education and Training Authority) plays a big role in developing a skilled workforce for the South African service industry.

As one of the 21 SETAs in the country, it oversees various training initiatives, including internships, learnerships, apprenticeships, and skills programs.

About Services SETA Bursary

The Services SETA Bursary program offers financial assistance to both employed and unemployed South Africans seeking to further their studies in service-related fields.

This bursary program aims to address the skills gap within the industry by supporting deserving students with academic excellence and financial need.

The bursary covers a range of expenses associated with your studies:

  1. Tuition fees
  2. Prescribed textbooks
  3. Accommodation and meals (for unemployed students only)
  4. Travel and research allowance (for Masters and PhD students only)

Services SETA Bursary Eligibility Criteria

Before applying for the Services SETA Bursary, ensure you meet the following minimum requirements.

Incomplete applications will not be considered:

For Unemployed Applicants:

  1. South African citizen
  2. Between 18 and 35 years old
  3. Currently unemployed
  4. Intending to study towards an NQF level 5 qualification (or above) in a service sector field listed above
  5. Studying full-time at a public tertiary institution (University/ University of Technology/ TVET College) in South Africa
  6. Achieved a minimum overall average of 50%
  7. Have a total household income of less than R600 000 per annum  

For Employed Applicants:

  1. South African citizen
  2. Currently employed
  3. Studying towards an NQF level 5 qualification (or above) in a service sector field listed above
  4. Studying full-time or part-time at a public tertiary institution (University/ University of Technology/ TVET College) in South Africa
  5. Achieved a minimum overall average of 50%
  6. Have a total household income of less than R600 000 per annum  

Services SETA Bursary Application Requirements

Applications for the Services SETA Bursary are submitted online through the following steps:

  1. Register: Create an account on the official bursary portal
  2. Login and Apply: Once registered, log in and proceed with the online application form.
  3. Supporting Documents: Submit clear, certified copies of the following documents with your application:
    • ID document
    • Matric certificate/ results (for first-year applicants)
    • Latest tertiary academic record (for second or subsequent years)
    • Proof of acceptance from your tertiary institution (for both first-year and returning students)
    • Parents’/ Guardians’ ID documents
    • Parents’/ Guardians’ proof of income (latest payslip etc.)
    • Name of your municipality

How to Apply For The Services SETA Bursary

As of now, the application dates for the 2025 bursary program haven’t been announced yet.

However, you can use this guide to prepare for the upcoming application cycle.

Keep an eye on the Services SETA website for updates on the application opening and closing dates.

How to Contact Services SETA Bursary

For any inquiries related to the Services SETA Bursary program, you can contact the Services SETA directly:

  1. Services Sector Education and Training Authority (Services SETA)
  2. Tel: 011 051 5026
  3. Email: bursaries2018@serviceseta.org.za (Please note that this email address might change for the 2025 application cycle.)