Financial support
Funding opportunities for South African learners
Financial barriers should not decide who gets an education. Here is a complete picture of the funding options available to South African students, from government schemes to private bursaries and learnerships.
Overview of options
Five types of funding to know about
Government student funding
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme funds eligible students at public universities and TVET colleges. Does not need to be repaid if conditions are met.
Full NSFAS guide →Corporate and foundation bursaries
Offered by companies, government departments and foundations. Usually covers tuition and sometimes accommodation and living costs.
Bursary guide →Learn while you earn
A learnership combines structured learning with workplace experience. You receive a monthly stipend while gaining a qualification. Administered by SETAs.
Merit-based awards
Scholarships are usually awarded for academic achievement. Some universities offer merit bursaries automatically to top-performing applicants.
Trade qualifications
A formal apprenticeship leads to a trade certificate. Apprentices are employed and paid while training. Available in artisan trades registered with the QCTO.
Practical experience in your programme
Many qualifications include compulsory workplace experience. Some employers pay a stipend during this period.
SETA funding
Sector Education and Training Authorities
SETAs fund skills development in their sectors. They offer bursaries, learnerships and skills programmes. There are 21 SETAs covering different industries.
MERSETA
Manufacturing, engineering and related services
BANKSETA
Banking and financial services
MICT SETA
Media, information and communication technology
HWSETA
Health and welfare
CETA
Construction and related services
AGRISETA
Agriculture
FASSET
Finance and accounting services
ETDP SETA
Education, training and development
Visit www.seta.co.za to find the SETA relevant to your field of interest.
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