Investigate SETA & Government Bursaries – Especially if You’re Studying in High-Demand Fields
In South Africa, access to higher education remains a challenge for many, but the good news is that SETA and government bursaries are helping to bridge that gap, especially for students pursuing careers in fields that are in high demand. If you're studying in areas like engineering, ICT, education, health sciences, or finance, there's likely a bursary tailored specifically to your qualification and future career path.
This blog will help you understand what SETAs are, how their bursaries work, and how to apply for them alongside other government funding options available for South African students.
🎯 What Are SETAs?
Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) are industry-specific bodies established by the South African government to promote skills development and training in various sectors of the economy. There are currently 21 SETAs, each responsible for managing learnerships, internships, and bursary programmes in its sector.
For example:
MICT SETA – Information & Communication Technology
CHIETA SETA – Chemical Industries
ETDP SETA – Education, Training, and Development
HWSETA – Health and Welfare
FASSET – Finance, Accounting, Services
AGRISETA – Agriculture
These SETAs offer bursaries for scarce and critical skills aligned with the National Development Plan and the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET)'s list of high-demand occupations.
🧾 What SETA Bursaries Typically Cover
While each SETA has its own criteria, most offer funding for:
Tuition fees
Accommodation and transport
Prescribed textbooks
Living allowance or stipend
Academic mentoring or tutoring support
Some bursaries also provide workplace exposure through internships or learnerships after graduation, giving students practical experience and a better shot at employment.
📚 Who Should Apply?
You should investigate SETA or government bursaries if you are:
A South African citizen with a valid ID
Studying in a high-demand field like engineering, ICT, health sciences, accounting, or education
Enrolled in a recognised public university or TVET college
In financial need or academically deserving
Interested in practical learning and skills development through internships or workplace training
💼 High-Demand Fields with SETA Support
The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) publishes an annual list of high-demand occupations. These are some of the careers strongly supported by SETAs and other government funders:
Civil, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering
Data Science, Software Development, Cybersecurity
Accounting, Auditing, Actuarial Science
Nursing, Medical Technology, Social Work
Education (especially Maths, Science, and Foundation Phase teaching)
Agriculture and Environmental Science
Supply Chain and Logistics
BridgeOne can help you match your qualification to the relevant SETA or sector bursary programme.
📝 How to Apply for SETA or Government Bursaries
Each SETA has its own application timeline and criteria. However, here are general application tips:
✅ Step 1: Identify Your Relevant SETA
Match your field of study to the correct SETA (e.g., IT = MICT SETA, Education = ETDP SETA).
✅ Step 2: Check the Annual Bursary Advert
Most SETAs publish bursary calls between October and February. Check their official websites and social media regularly.
✅ Step 3: Prepare Your Documents
You’ll typically need:
Certified ID copy
Proof of household income
Academic transcripts or matric results
Proof of university or college registration
Motivation letter
✅ Step 4: Submit Application as Directed
Follow instructions carefully. Some SETAs require email submissions, others use application portals or even physical drop-offs.
🚀 Other Government Bursaries to Explore
In addition to SETAs, consider:
Funza Lushaka Bursary – For teaching
Department of Health Bursaries – For nursing and health sciences
Department of Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries – For agricultural studies
Municipal or Provincial Government Bursaries – Often field-specific and locality-based
Many government departments publish annual bursary adverts in newspapers, on social media, or on government portals.
🧠 Pro Tip: Track Bursary Deadlines with BridgeOne
BridgeOne's bursary management tools let you:
Track multiple bursary deadlines
Receive reminders for reapplications
Organise and store the required documents
Get alerts when new bursaries matching your qualification go live
Access support for writing motivation letters and uploading required documents
📌 Final Thoughts
SETA and government bursaries are more than just funding—they are part of a national strategy to develop skilled graduates for South Africa’s economy. If you’re in a high-demand field, this is your opportunity to graduate debt-free, gain work experience, and boost your employability.
Don't miss out—start your bursary planning early, stay organised, and let BridgeOne help you take control of your future.
