INSETA Bursary Requirements, Application and Closing Dates

The Insurance Sector Education and Training Authority (INSETA) is a Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) dedicated to skills development in the South African insurance and financial services sector. 

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The INSETA Bursary Programme is a vital initiative designed to address the skills shortages within this industry. 

The goal is to support South African students studying towards qualifications that are in high demand in the insurance, short-term, long-term, and financial planning industries. 

By providing comprehensive funding, INSETA ensures a continuous supply of highly qualified and competent professionals who will advance the sector.

INSETA Bursary Priority Fields of Study

INSETA funds full-time studies for qualifications that directly contribute to the insurance and financial services sector. 

The priority study fields usually include:

  1. Actuarial Science
  2. Accounting (specifically CA stream or Auditing)
  3. Data Science and Analytics
  4. Information Communication Technology (ICT)
  5. B. Com Law (Insurance focused)
  6. Risk Management
  7. Financial Planning
  8. Insurance (Long-term, Short-term, and Reinsurance)

Coverage of the INSETA Bursary 

The INSETA Bursary is comprehensive and aims to provide financial relief to ensure students can focus fully on their studies.

  1. Full Coverage: The bursary typically provides full coverage for your registration fees and tuition fees.
  2. Study Resources: It covers the costs of prescribed books and essential study materials.
  3. Living Expenses: Funding generally includes an allowance for accommodation and meals, or a monthly stipend for living expenses.
  4. Target: The bursary targets both students enrolling for their first year and existing students in their second, third, or fourth year of study.

INSETA Bursary Eligibility Requirements

Applicants for the INSETA Bursary for the 2026 academic year must meet several criteria focused on field of study, academic performance, and financial need.

  1. You must be a South African citizen with a valid ID document.
  2. You must be registered or provisionally accepted to study for a full-time undergraduate qualification in one of the priority fields listed above in 2026.
  3. You must be studying at an accredited public university or a university of technology in South Africa.
  4. Matriculants must have achieved a minimum overall academic average of 65% or higher.
  5. Matriculants must have achieved a minimum of 60% in Pure Mathematics and 60% in English.
  6. Current university students must have passed all subjects in their previous year of study.
  7. You must demonstrate a genuine financial need.
  8. You must not be a beneficiary of any other full bursary or government funding (like NSFAS) for the 2026 academic year.

INSETA Bursary Application Process

The INSETA Bursary application process is generally conducted online through the official INSETA website portal. 

A complete and timely application is critical for consideration.

  1. Visit the official INSETA website and go to the bursaries or skills development section to find the 2026 application link.
  2. Complete the online application form in full, ensuring all personal and academic details are correct.
  3. Gather all necessary supporting documents and ensure they are certified (copies of certified documents are sometimes accepted for the online submission).
  4. The required certified documents include your valid South African ID document.
  5. Attach a certified copy of your full Matric certificate. If currently in Matric, provide your Grade 11 final results and the latest Grade 12 results.
  6. Include a certified copy of your official university acceptance or provisional registration letter for 2026.
  7. Provide proof of financial need. This involves submitting your parents’ or guardians’ latest payslips, or an affidavit if unemployed.
  8. Current university students must include their latest academic transcript (proof of results).
  9. Submit your application online before the official closing date.

INSETA Bursary Contact details

For any questions or assistance regarding the INSETA Bursary application, you can use the official contact details provided below.

INSETA Bursary Closing date

The official closing date for the 2026 academic year intake is 20 October 2026.

You must submit your application and all required documents before this November deadline.

The INSETA system automatically rejects all applications received after the specified closing time.

FAQs

1. Does INSETA fund studies at private colleges or only public institutions? +
The INSETA Bursary is specifically for students who are registered or accepted for full-time study at a recognised South African public university or university of technology.
2. What minimum academic average is required for Matriculants? +
Matriculants must achieve a minimum overall academic average of 65% or higher. Furthermore, a minimum of 60% in both Pure Mathematics and English is typically required.
3. Can I apply if I already receive NSFAS funding? +
No. A key eligibility requirement is that you must not be a beneficiary of any other full bursary or government funding, such as NSFAS, for the 2026 academic year.
4. Do I need to provide proof of income for my parents or guardians? +
Yes, you must submit proof of financial need. This includes recent payslips for employed parents, or a certified affidavit if they are unemployed, to verify household income.
5. Does INSETA only fund first-year students? +
No, the bursary is open to both Matriculants entering their first year of study and current university students who are in their second, third, or fourth year of study, provided they meet the academic standards.
6. What is the key focus of the Data Science and Analytics qualification for this bursary? +
INSETA focuses on data science qualifications because the insurance sector heavily relies on complex data analysis for risk assessment, pricing, and financial modelling.
7. Is there a service binding contract after I graduate? +
Yes, INSETA bursaries are often linked to a work-back obligation. Recipients may be required to work for a company within the insurance sector for a duration equal to the years they received funding.
8. What should I do if the online application link is not working? +
If you experience technical issues with the online portal, you should immediately contact INSETA via the dedicated bursaries email address or the provided telephone number for assistance before the closing date.
9. What documents must be certified copies for the online submission? +
You must ensure that your ID document, Matric certificate (or latest results), and any income affidavits are certified copies before you upload them as part of your online application.
10. When can I expect to hear about the outcome of my application? +
Shortlisted candidates are typically contacted between December 2026 and January 2026 for further assessment or interviews. If you do not hear back by mid-January, you should consider your application unsuccessful.

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