SASSETA: Bursaries 2026

SASSETA is inviting students to apply for the Discretionary Grants – Unemployed Bursary, for the 2026 academic year.

Bursaries will be awarded to unemployed students, for studies preferably within these fields:

• LLB
• STEM qualifications – studies in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
• Veterinary Science
• Occupations in High Demand, as published by the Department of Higher Education & Training in 2024 (pages 13-22)

The bursary will provide cover up to following values:

• Full-time students will receive funding to the value of R80 000, for the following expenses: registration fees, tuition fees, books, accommodation and meals. Students will also receive an electronic device (laptop or tablet) and mouse, to the maximum value of R10 000.
• Distance learning students will receive funding to the value of R35 000, for the following expenses: registration fees, tuition fees and books.
• TVET students will receive funding to the value of R50 000, for the following expenses: registration fees, tuition fees, books, accommodation and meals.
• Masters and research students may claim funds in relation to their research related expenses, including printing and editing costs related to their thesis or dissertation.

SASSETA may consider additional funding and/ or paying outstanding student debt, subject to the availability of funding.

NB. Bursaries will be awarded for a period not more than the minimum duration of the qualification, plus 1 year (i.e. for a 3 year qualification, funding will be provided for a maximum of 4 years).

Eligibility Requirements:

Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying:

• You must be a South African citizen
• You must be between 18 and 35 years old
• You must have completed Grade 12 / Matric
• You must be studying or registered to study within one of the fields of study listed above, in 2026
• You must be registered or accepted to study full-time or distance learning at a recognised and accredited public University/ University of Technology/ Public TVET College in South Africa (private institution students may only apply if their course of study is not offered at any of the public institutions)
• You must be unemployed
• You must NOT be taking part in any other SASSETA funded programme (internship, learnership or skills programme) within the current financial year
• Preference will be given to students from the “missing middle” (a combined household income of between R350 000.01 and R600 000 per annum) and students from poor households (a combined household income of LESS than R350 000 per annum) and students from marginalised communities
• You must read and agree to the terms of the SASSETA Bursary Policy 2025/2026 (.pdf)