Funding higher education can sometimes be a challenge for students and parents. Bursaries play an important role in helping students access accredited educational qualifications. These can be awarded by the government or the private sector.
The Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) is one such organisation that awards bursaries in South Africa. These bursaries are awarded for education in different fields of study.
In this article, we will help to answer what is SETA, the bursaries they provide, and the criteria to apply.
Table of Contents
What is SETA?
SETA is a South African organisation responsible for planning and implementing skills development programmes. There are currently 21 different SETA organisations in South Africa. For those wondering, “What does Seta do?”, it caters to various sectors with the aim to improve training and providing skills.
The role of the Sector Education and Training Authority SA is to ensure that training and education align with the skills required by the labour market. It works closely with employers, training providers, and government departments to identify shortages
SETA helps to address skills shortages through funding and bursary programmes. These bursaries are awarded based on academic performance and financial need. This financial assistance is applicable to undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in South Africa.
Additionally, SETA funding in South Africa helps provide funds for Masters and Doctorate programmes.
Different Types of SETA
There are 21 different types of SETAs in South Africa. Each one manages and creates leadership, skills-based programmes, and internships within its sector.
Below is the complete list of the various SETA organisations in South Africa:
- Agricultural Sector Education and Training Authority (AgriSETA)
- Banking Sector Education and Training Authority (BANKSETA)
- Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority (CHIETA)
- Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA)
- Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport Sector Education and Training Authority (CATHSSETA)
- Education, Training and Development Practices Sector Education and Training Authority (ETDP SETA)
- Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority (EWSETA)
- Fibre Processing and Manufacturing Sector Education and Training Authority (FP&M SETA)
- Finance and Accounting Services Sector Education and Training Authority (FASSET)
- Food and Beverage Manufacturing Industry Sector Education and Training Authority (FoodBev SETA)
- Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority (HWSETA)
- Insurance Sector Education and Training Authority (Inseta)
- Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority (LGSETA)
- Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority (merSETA)
- Media, Information and Communication Technologies Sector Education and Training Authority (MICT SETA)
- Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA)
- Public Service Sector Education and Training Authority (PSETA)
- Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority (SASSETA)
- Services Sector Education and Training Authority (SSETA)
- Transport Education Training Authority (TETA)
- Wholesale and Retail Sector Education and Training Authority (W&RSETA)
What Does the SETA Bursary Cover?
The SETA bursaries offer financial assistance towards basic allowances while studying. Employed and Unemployed learners can apply for sector-specific SETA bursaries. This can help a larger number of students access higher education without worrying about the cost.
When students apply for a sector-specific bursary, they can also gain practical experience while studying. Some bursary providers might offer full-time employment after graduation.
The bursaries typically offer full-funding, which means that they cover:
- Tuition
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Study materials
- Study related devices
SETA Bursary Requirements For Eligibility
Bursaries are financial rewards that do not need to be repaid. This makes the bursary application process competitive, as only limited seats are available. The SETA bursary committee has outlined a list of criteria to ensure that funding supports national skills development.
Unemployed Applicants
This refers to full-time students who are seeking enrolment in university or TVET programmes. These are recent school leavers and members of the youth population. This offers an opportunity to those who were unable to enrol for higher education.
Unemployed applicants must meet the following criteria:
- South African citizen
- Between the ages of 18 and 35 years old
- Currently unemployed
- Intend on studying towards a NQF level 5 qualification (or above) within one of the aforementioned fields of study
- Studying full-time at a public or private tertiary institute (University/ University of Technology/ TVET College) in South Africa
- Achieved a minimum overall average of 50%
- Have a total household income of less than R600 000 per annum
Employed Applicants
Students who are trying to balance work and study can have a little less to worry about with the SETA bursary. It helps to cover the cost of higher education for qualified and financially needy students.
Students who are working must meet the following criteria:
- South African citizen
- Currently employed
- Studying towards a NQF level 5 qualification (or above) within one of the aforementioned fields of study
- Studying full-time or part-time at a public higher learning institution
- Achieved a minimum overall average of 50%
- Have a total household income of less than R600 000 per annum
Read more on What are the Bursary Requirements in South Africa? here
What Is the SETA Bursary Application Process?
The SETA bursary application process is structured to ensure that funding is awarded to eligible candidates. While each SETA manages its own applications, the overall process follows a similar format across sectors. The application process is now completely online.
Applicants are advised to prepare their documents in advance and to apply early. Interested candidates can follow these steps to apply for a SETA bursary:
- Find your sector’s SETA website
- Create login details
- Complete the online application
- Upload certified copies of your documents
- Submit within the deadline
Documents Required for the Seta Bursary
The SETA bursary application process is now completely online. Students are encouraged to have certified copies of all the required documents before they begin the online application. This helps to improve the application experience and ensures that nothing is missed.
While some requirements might vary, most SETA’s require the following documents:
- Certified copy of your ID document
- Certified copy of your Matric certificate/ results, if entering the first year of study
- Certified copy of the latest tertiary academic record, if in the second or subsequent year of study
- Proof of acceptance from your tertiary institution
- Certified copies of parents/guardians’ ID documents
- Parents/guardians’ proof of income
- Name of your municipality
When Is the SETA Bursary Closing Date?
SETA bursary closing dates vary by SETA and by the candidates’ employment status. Most applications open once or twice a year, and the deadlines are strictly followed. For this reason, applicants should regularly check the official SETA websites for the latest dates.
It is advisable to start preparing well in advance of the closing date. Early preparation allows sufficient time to gather documents and complete the application correctly.
SETA Approved Regenesys Programmes
Regenesys Education offers a wider range of accredited programmes that help develop to close the skills gap in South Africa. Our programmes are offered in contact and online study formats, appealing to full-time students and working professionals.
We also offer some of our programmes in a distance-learning format. All our programmes are CHE-accredited and registered with SAQA.
Listed below are some Regenesys programmes that will be covered by various SETA bursaries:
- Bachelor of Business Administration
- Higher Certificate in Public Management
- Bachelor of Public Management
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
- Bachelor of Accounting Science
- Bachelor of Education (BEd)
Explore Our Other Programmes
Conclusion
SETA bursaries provide valuable financial support to students who want to pursue accredited programmes. By focusing on sector-specific education, these bursaries help learners gain relevant knowledge and skills. At the same time, this also contributes to economic growth.
For students and working professionals who meet the eligibility criteria, a SETA bursary can reduce the cost of higher education. Students who meet the requirements should apply for funding at the earliest.
Visit the Regenesys Education website to explore the various programmes eligible for SETA bursaries.
FAQ
What is SETA?
SETA is Sector Education and Training Authority in South Africa. They work with various stakeholders to provide training and close the skills gap.
What is the SETA bursary and what does it cover?
The SETA bursary helps to cover the complete cost of education and other related expenses. It is offered for accredited programmes at NQF Level 5 and higher.
Who can apply for a SETA bursary?
Both employed and unemployed South African citizens can apply, provided they meet the academic, financial, and sector-specific requirements.
Do SETA bursaries guarantee employment after graduation?
No. While some bursaries may include workplace experience, employment is not guaranteed
Can I apply for more than one SETA bursary?
While applicants can apply to more than one bursary, they can only receive funding from one.
