SASSETA is now taking applications for its 2026 bursaries, which are part of the Discretionary Grants for Students Who Are Not Working. This bursary program helps young people who are not employed, aged 18 to 35, to study at recognized public schools in South Africa.
Programme Overview
- Bursary provider: Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority
- Programme: SASSETA Discretionary Grants Unemployed Bursary 2026
- Study level: Undergraduate, TVET, Honours, Masters, and Research
- Placements: South Africa
- Target group: Unemployed South African youth
- Age range: 18 to 35 years
- Ending Date: 30 January 2026
About SASSETA
SASSETA is one of South Africa’s Sector Education and Training Authorities responsible for skills development within the safety and security sector. The organisation supports education, training, and workforce development aligned with national priorities and labour market demand.
Through bursaries and discretionary grants, SASSETA aims to improve access to education for unemployed youth and support skills development in areas linked to economic growth and public service needs.
About the SASSETA Unemployed Bursary
The SASSETA Unemployed Bursary is designed to support students who are not employed and who plan to study or are already studying in priority fields. Funding is provided for the 2026 academic year and is awarded for the minimum duration of the qualification plus one additional year.
The bursary focuses on qualifications aligned with national skills shortages and occupations identified as high demand by the Department of Higher Education and Training.
Fields of Study Supported
Bursaries are preferably awarded to students studying in the following areas:
- Bachelor of Laws
- Science qualifications
- Technology qualifications
- Engineering qualifications
- Mathematics related qualifications
- Veterinary Science
Occupations in High Demand as published by the Department of Higher Education and Training in 2024
Field availability may depend on funding priorities and demand.
Bursary Funding Value and Coverage
The bursary provides funding based on the type of study and mode of learning.
Full Time University Students
Full time students may receive funding up to R80 000 per year, which covers:
- Registration fees
- Tuition fees
- Prescribed books
- Accommodation
- Meals
In addition, funded students receive an electronic device such as a laptop or tablet with a mouse, to a maximum value of R10 000.
Distance Learning Students
Distance learning students may receive funding up to R35 000 per year, which covers:
- Registration fees
- Tuition fees
- Prescribed books
TVET College Students
TVET students may receive funding up to R50 000 per year, which covers:
- Registration fees
- Tuition fees
- Prescribed books
- Accommodation
- Meals
Postgraduate and Research Students
Masters and research students may claim funding related to research expenses, including:
- Printing costs
- Editing costs
- Thesis or dissertation related expenses
Additional Funding Considerations
SASSETA may consider additional funding or payment of outstanding student debt. This depends on availability of funds and individual circumstances.
Funding is awarded for a maximum period equal to the minimum duration of the qualification plus one additional year.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet all minimum requirements before applying
- You must be a South African citizen.
- You need to be between 18 and 35 years old.
- You must have finished Grade 12 or Matric.
- You need to be studying or accepted for a priority field in 2026.
- You must be at a recognized public university, university of technology, or TVET college.
- If you attend a private school, you can only apply if your course isn’t offered at a public school.
- You must not have a job when you apply.
- You cannot be in another SASSETA program this year.
- You must agree to the SASSETA Bursary Policy for 2025 to 2026.
Preference is given to:
- Students from households earning less than R350 000 per year
- Students from the missing middle with household income between R350 000.01 and R600 000 per year
- Students from marginalised communities
Required Documents
Applicants must submit clear and complete copies of all required documents
- A copy of your South African ID, verified and issued within the last six months.
- A verified copy of your Matric certificate or final grades, also from the last six months.
- If you are still a student, a verified copy of your most recent school transcript.
- Evidence of your acceptance or enrollment for the 2026 school year, on official letterhead from the institution.
- Documentation showing the income and job status of your parents or guardians.
- A sworn statement detailing all household income and where it comes from.
- All these documents together must be smaller than 20 megabytes.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted by email using the official SASSETA bursary application form
Follow the steps below to apply:
- Download the SASSETA Bursary Application Form for 2026
- Complete the application form in full
- Prepare all required supporting documents
- Email the completed application and documents to Bursaries@SASSETA.org.za
- Use the email subject line: SASSETA Bursary 2026
- Incomplete applications or missing documentation reduce the chances of selection
NB: Applicants should ensure all information provided is accurate and complete. Submission of false information may result in disqualification.
Applicants who do not receive feedback after the application process should consider their application unsuccessful
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