ETDP SETA is a South African Sector Education and Training Authority operating in the education, training, and development sector.

Its bursary scheme is designed to support unemployed youth, graduate or postgraduate students, to obtain full qualifications and thereby contribute to the skills pipeline in the education/training sector.

For the 2026 intake, the bursary remains active, but there is a significant change: ETDP SETA now partners with higher education institutions (HEIs), which administer the bursary rather than accepting direct walk-in applications.

ETDP SETA Bursary Eligibility Requirements

Applicants need to meet the following key criteria:

  1. Must be a South African citizen.
  2. Must hold a National Senior Certificate (Matric) or equivalent qualification.
  3. Must be unemployed (in many streams) or from previously disadvantaged backgrounds.
  4. Must be accepted for or registered in a full qualification at a recognised South African tertiary institution (University, University of Technology, TVET/College) for the relevant academic year.
  5. Must meet the eligibility requirements of the HEI partner administering the bursary. Because ETDP SETA now works via partner institutions, you apply via the institution rather than directly.

ETDP SETA Bursary What It Covers

Based on the most recent publicly available information:

  1. For previous years, the bursary value was up to R120,000 per student per year for some qualifications.
  2. It covers tuition and registration fees, learning materials (books, stationery, possibly a laptop), and may include accommodation or allowances depending on the institution and bursary stream.
  3. The bursary does not cover previous failed modules/subjects or study beyond the approved qualification.

ETDP SETA Bursary Application Process

  1. Identify a partner institution (university, UoT, or college) of ETDP SETA for the year and check their bursary call for ETDP SETA.
  2. Ensure you have proof of acceptance or registration at the institution for the relevant qualification.
  3. Gather required documentation: certified ID copy, matric certificate, proof of unemployment or financial need, acceptance letter, etc.
  4. Submit your application via the institution’s bursary office by their deadline. Note: ETDP SETA no longer directly accepts walk-in applications.
  5. Wait for notification from the institution regarding your selection.

ETDP SETA Bursary Closing Date

For the 2026 intake, the exact closing date will vary depending on the partner institution’s call.

You can read more about these partner institutions here.

ETDP SETA Contact Details

  • Website: etdpseta.org.za — check the “Students / Bursaries” section.
  • Address: ETDP SETA House, 2-6 New Street, Gandhi Square, Johannesburg CBD.
  • Postal: Private Bag X105, Melville, 2109.
  • Email enquiries: [email protected]
1. What is the ETDP SETA Bursary?
It is a funding programme run by ETDP SETA to support South African students (often unemployed) to study full qualifications in education, training and development sectors via partner institutions.
2. Who can apply for the ETDP SETA Bursary?
Applicants must be South African citizens, hold a NSC/Matric or equivalent, be accepted for a recognised full qualification, and apply via a partner institution as specified in the call.
3. Which fields of study are eligible?
Fields vary by partner institution. Historically ETDP SETA has funded studies in B.Ed, B.Sc, B.Com, Applied Maths, ICT and other education/training related qualifications. Applicants should check the current call for exact list.
4. What costs does the bursary cover?
The bursary may cover tuition and registration fees, learning materials, accommodation and possibly a stipend/allowance depending on the institution. It does not cover previous failed modules.
5. When is the closing date for applications?
There is no single closing date. Partner institutions set their own deadlines. Generally applications open Sept-Oct of the preceding year and close early in the academic year. Applicants must check their chosen institution’s call.
6. How do I apply?
Contact the bursary office of a partner institution listed by ETDP SETA, download the application form, submit it with required documents by the institution’s deadline. ETDP SETA no longer accepts direct applications.
7. Does the bursary guarantee selection?
No. Meeting eligibility is necessary but not sufficient. Selection is competitive, based on criteria set by the institution and ETDP SETA, and funding cannot be guaranteed for all applicants.
8. Can I apply if I already hold another bursary?
Usually no. ETDP SETA’s guidelines state that students who already benefit from substantial bursaries or another SETA bursary may not be eligible. Applicants must declare all funding.
9. What levels of qualification are funded?
ETDP SETA bursaries are for full qualifications at NQF levels associated with degrees, diplomas and certificates; older guidelines show values for NQF levels 7, 8, 9. Applicants should check the current call for levels supported.
10. Where can I get more information and the application form?
Visit the ETDP SETA website, check the “Students / Opportunities” section, or contact the bursary office of a listed partner institution for the current year’s call and application form.

🎓 Download Our Bursary Application Checklist

Download our free Application Checklist to make sure you do not miss any required documents. Submitting a complete application is key to being shortlisted.

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