The Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) fund thousands of South Africans each year to study technical and scarce skills needed in the economy. These bursaries target high-demand fields such as engineering, IT, manufacturing, transport, construction, energy, agriculture, and artisan trades. The purpose is simple: expand technical capacity in South Africa and address persistent skills shortages across all major sectors.
This 2026 guide outlines what SETA bursaries cover, which technical programmes they prioritise, typical funding cycles, eligibility rules, and how to apply successfully through the correct SETA or its appointed implementing partner.
Table of Contents
What SETA Bursaries Are Designed For
All SETAs operate under the Skills Development Act, which mandates them to support South Africans studying for qualifications that align with each sector’s Scarce Skills List. Bursaries are provided under the Discretionary Grant (DG) window and are strictly aimed at:
- Building technical and vocational capacity
- Supporting NQF Levels 4–8 programmes (including TVET Higher Certificates, Diplomas, and Degrees)
- Funding artisans, technicians, technologists, and sector-critical professionals
- Increasing opportunities for unemployed youth entering the workforce
Most SETAs fund both unemployed learners and employed workers through separate grant categories.
“The task of the modern educator is not to cut down jungles, but to irrigate deserts.”
C.S. Lewis
Technical Fields Typically Funded
SETAs fund only qualifications linked to each sector’s annual skills plan. Common technical and scarce-skills areas include:
Engineering & Industrial Skills
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Mechatronics
- Industrial Manufacturing
- Welding, Fitting, Toolmaking, Boiler-making
Information Technology & Digital Skills
- Software Development
- Network Engineering
- Cybersecurity
- Cloud & Data Systems
- ICT Support and Systems Maintenance
Transport, Logistics & Supply Chain
- Aviation Technical Studies
- Maritime Studies
- Railway Operations
- Fleet Management
- Logistics & Supply Chain Management
Construction, Energy & Built Environment
- Construction Management
- Quantity Surveying
- Renewable Energy Technology
- Occupational Health & Safety
Agriculture & Environmental Sciences
- Crop Production
- Agro-processing
- Environmental Management
- Animal Production
Each SETA maintains its own updated scarce-skills list, published annually in the Sector Skills Plan (SSP).
What SETA Bursaries Usually Cover
Coverage depends on the SETA, but the standard bursary package includes:
- Full or partial tuition fees
- Learning materials and prescribed books
- Accommodation and meals (where applicable)
- Transport allowance for off-campus learners
- Workplace-based training opportunities
- Access to sector employers for internships or WIL
Some SETAs (e.g., MERSETA, EWSETA, TETA) also fund artisanship programmes including tools of trade where required.
Eligibility Requirements
While each SETA publishes its own criteria, the general requirements for technical bursaries include:
- South African citizenship or permanent residency
- Matric certificate (or relevant NQF qualification for higher levels)
- Meeting the academic entry requirements of the qualification
- Studying or planning to study in a technical field listed as a scarce skill
- Preference for unemployed youth aged 18–35
- Registration at a public TVET College or public University
SETAs may prioritise applicants from rural areas, female learners, and persons with disabilities as part of national equity targets.
When SETA Bursary Applications Open (2026 Cycle)
Most SETA bursaries for the 2026 academic year will open under the 2025/2026 Discretionary Grant Window.
Typical window patterns based on previous DHET and SETA notices:
- Applications Open: August–October 2025
- Applications Close: 30 September–31 October 2025 (varies by SETA)
- Award Notifications: Between January–February 2026
- Funding Finalisation: Before academic registration at TVETs and Universities
Some SETAs release additional funding calls early in January–March 2026 if unallocated DG funds remain.
How to Apply for SETA Technical Skills Bursaries
The steps below apply to most SETAs (e.g., MERSETA, CHIETA, EWSETA, TETA, MICTSETA):
- Check the SETA’s Scarce Skills List
Download the latest Sector Skills Plan to confirm your qualification aligns with sector needs. - Submit an Online Application
Applications are made on the relevant SETA portal or via their implementing partner (e.g., StudyTrust for some SETAs). - Prepare Required Documents
- Certified ID copy
- Certified Matric/TVET/University results
- Proof of household income or affidavit
- Acceptance/admission letter (for new students)
- Proof of residence
- Ensure All PDFs Are Clear and Under File-Size Limits
SETA portals typically reject blurred documents. - Keep Track of Communication
SETAs send notifications via email or SMS.
For technical bursaries, you may be required to attend a competency test or verification interview.
Major SETAs Offering Technical Skills Bursaries
Below are the SETAs most relevant to technical and scarce skills:
1. MERSETA – Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services
Focus: Engineering, manufacturing, automotive, metals.
Known for strong support of artisanship training.
2. MICTSETA – Information & Communication Technologies
Focus: Software development, systems engineering, network security.
3. EWSETA – Energy & Water Sector
Focus: Renewable energy, environmental sciences, electrical engineering.
4. CHIETA – Chemical Industries
Focus: Chemical engineering, laboratory technicians, industrial science.
5. TETA – Transport Education Training Authority
Focus: Maritime, aviation, road transport, logistics.
6. CETA – Construction Education and Training Authority
Focus: construction management, building, surveying, civil engineering.
Most SETAs release DG bursary calls annually around August–October.
SETA Comparison Table
| SETA | Sector | Technical / Scarce Skills Funded | 2026 Priority Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| MERSETA | Manufacturing, Engineering & Related Services | Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, Mechatronics, Toolmaking, Welding, Automotive | Strong artisan training focus; high demand for mechatronics & industrial automation |
| MICTSETA | Information & Communication Technologies | Software development, Cybersecurity, Networking, Data Science, Systems Support | Digital and cloud-computing skills remain top priority |
| EWSETA | Energy & Water Sector | Electrical engineering, Renewable energy, Environmental science, Water treatment | Expansion of solar, wind, hydrogen and water-tech systems |
| CETA | Construction & Built Environment | Construction management, Quantity surveying, Civil engineering, Occupational safety | SA’s infrastructure programmes create strong demand in built environment |
| TETA | Transport Education Training Authority | Maritime, Aviation, Rail operations, Logistics, Fleet management | Modernisation of transport and aviation skills for national freight network |
| CHIETA | Chemical Industries SETA | Chemical engineering, Laboratory technicians, Industrial chemistry | Priority on chemical manufacturing and petrochemical safety |
| AGRISETA | Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries | Crop production, Animal production, Agro-processing, Environmental management | Skills aligned with national food-security and agri-innovation initiatives |
| FP&M SETA | Fibre Processing & Manufacturing | Clothing technology, Wood processing, Furniture manufacturing | Growing demand for processing-plant technicians |
| W&R SETA | Wholesale & Retail | Supply chain, Distribution, Inventory control, Retail operations | Technical logistics and warehouse automation roles |
Tips to Increase Your Chances of Approval
- Apply early — SETA portals get overloaded during the final week.
- Target high-priority scarce skills, not oversubscribed fields.
- Use a public institution (SETAs rarely fund private colleges).
- Ensure all documents are certified within 3 months.
- Write a brief but clear motivation focusing on sector relevance, not generic personal statements.
- Keep copies of every document submitted.
Conclusion
SETA bursaries remain one of South Africa’s strongest pathways for young people entering technical careers in high-demand sectors. With thousands of bursaries allocated every year through the Discretionary Grant system, the 2026 cycle provides major opportunities for learners pursuing engineering, IT, construction, energy, agriculture, and critical artisan trades. Preparing your documents early and aligning your programme with the SETA’s scarce skills list gives you the best chance of securing funding.
FAQ
1. What are SETA bursaries in South Africa?
SETA bursaries are sector-specific funding programmes offered through the Discretionary Grant system. They support students studying technical, vocational, or scarce-skills qualifications that match each sector’s annual Sector Skills Plan. The goal is to produce more artisans, technicians and industry-ready graduates for priority industries such as engineering, ICT, construction, manufacturing and transport.
2. Who qualifies for SETA bursaries for technical skills?
Most SETAs prioritise South African citizens aged 18–35 who are unemployed or studying at a public university or TVET college. Applicants must be enrolled for a qualification linked to the SETA’s scarce-skills list. Many SETAs also consider employed workers who need upskilling through the PIVOTAL training pathway.
3. Do SETA bursaries cover full tuition?
Yes, the majority of SETA bursaries cover full tuition at public universities and TVET colleges. Depending on the SETA, the package may also include accommodation, meals, transport allowance, textbooks, learning materials and workplace-based learning support. Some SETAs extend funding to artisan tools or protective gear.
4. Which SETA funds engineering studies?
Engineering programmes are mainly supported by:
- MERSETA – mechanical, electrical, industrial, automotive and manufacturing engineering
- EWSETA – electrical, energy, environmental and renewable-energy engineering
- CHIETA – chemical and industrial laboratory roles
- CETA – civil, construction and built-environment engineering
- TETA – aviation, marine and transport engineering
5. When do SETA bursary applications open for 2026?
Most SETAs open their main Discretionary Grant bursary window between August and October 2025 for the 2026 academic year. Additional funding windows sometimes open in January–March if unspent funds remain. Each SETA publishes its official call on its website and social pages.
6. Are SETA bursaries only for unemployed youth?
No. SETAs support both unemployed youth and employed workers. The two streams are:
- Unemployed Learner Bursaries
- Employed Worker Bursaries (PIVOTAL Programmes)
Selection is based on sector priorities, not employment status alone.
7. What documents are required for SETA bursaries?
Applicants typically need:
- Certified ID
- Latest academic results
- Matric certificate
- Proof of household income or affidavit
- Proof of residence
- Acceptance letter from a public institution
- Recent CV
- Bank confirmation (some SETAs)
Varsha Asrani is a lecturer and education writer with experience as Visiting Faculty at AUPP and ATMC College, and as a Lecturer with TalentEdge and UpGrad. She is the Founder of the Asrani Institute of Education and Counselling. Varsha specializes in scholarships, e-learning, and career guidance for African students and professionals, and regularly visits Africa to gather first-hand insights that shape her research and articles.
