SASSETA Bursary Programme 2026 South Africa

 

The Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority (SASSETA) is responsible for developing skills and supporting education within South Africa's safety, security, legal and justice-related sectors.

SASSETA was created through the merger of two former SETAs and now operates as one of South Africa's 21 Sector Education and Training Authorities. Its role is to fund and manage initiatives such as bursaries, internships, learnerships and skills programmes that help young people gain qualifications needed in the job markert.

Through its bursary programme, SASSETA aims to support unemployed students and close critical skills gaps in the country.

Study Areas Supported

For the 2026 academic year, SASSETA is offering bursaries under its Discretionary Grants- Unemployed Students category.

Funding is mainly aimed at studies linked to national skills priorities, including:

• Law qualification (LLB)
• STEM programmes (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics)
• Veterinary Science
• Qualifications aligned with South Africa's Occupations in High Demand, as identified by the Department of Higher Education and Training 

Final selection is guided by national skills needs and funding availability.

What the bursary pays for

The bursary amount depends on the type of study:

Full-time university students

• Funding up to R80 00 per year
• Covers tuition, registration, books, accomodation and meals
• Includes laptop or tablet (up to R10 000)

Distance learning students

• Funding up to R50 000
• Covers tuition, books, accomodation and meals

TVET College students

• Funding up to R50 000
• Covers tuition, books, accomodation and meals

Postgraduate (Masters & Research)

• Research-related expenses such as editing, printing and thesis costs

In some cases, SASSETA may assist with outstanding student debt, depending on available funding.

Duration & Selection Process

• Funding is granted for the minimum duration of the qualification, plus one additional year
• Shortlisted applicants will be contacted within 90 days after the closing date
• If no feedback is received after this period, the application should be considered unsuccessful

Who Can Apply

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be a South African citizen
• Be 18-35 years old
• Have completed Matric
• Be unemployed
• Be registered or accepted at a public university, university of technology or public TVET college
• Be studying (or planning to study) in an approved field for 2026
• Not be funded by another SASSETA programme in the same year
• Come from a household earning below R600 000 per year
• Agree to the official SASSETA bursary policy

Priority is given to students from disadvantaged, marginalised and "missing middle" households.

How to Apply

Applications must be completed using the official SASSETA application form and submitted by email: SASSETA Bursary Application Form 2026 (.docx)

Email Applications to:Bursaries@SASSETA.org.za

Subject line: SASSETA Bursary 2026

Required documents

• Certified ID copy
• Certified Matric certificate or final results
• Latest academic record (if studying)
• Proof of acceptance or registration for 2026
• Proof of household income (affidavit or supporting documents)

Total file size must not exceed 20mb.

Application deadline

30 January 2026 (23:59)

Late submissions will not be considered.

Enquaries

For bursary-related questions, contact SASSETA:

DG@sasseta.org.za

At burzarsnet. we are committed to helping students access real funding opportunities that ca change their future. This SASSETA bursary supports critical skills needed in South Africa, dont miss your chance.

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