The Education, Training and Development Practices Sector Education and Training Authority (ETDP SETA) is now accepting applications for the 2026 academic year. This bursary empowers unemployed South African students to pursue qualifications in critical education and training fields. Take action now and apply to fund your future studies!

About the Bursary Provider

The Education, Training and Development Practices Sector Education and Training Authority (ETDP SETA), established in March 2000 and re-established in subsequent years, is dedicated to enhancing the skills profile of the Education, Training and Development (ETD) sector. The organisation plays a vital role in promoting education and skills development, offering financial assistance to develop skilled professionals in South Africa, particularly those from previously disadvantaged backgrounds.

Fields Covered

The bursary covers studies in the following fields:

  • Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Commerce (BCom)
  • Business Management, Information and Communications Technology (ICT), Occupational Therapy, Public Administration
  • BEd / BEd Honours and Honours in BA, BSc, BCom, Business Management, ICT, Occupational Therapy, Public Administration
  • Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)
  • Diploma and Advanced Diploma in any field of study
  • Higher Certificate in any field of study

Expenses Covered

The bursary will cover:

  • Tuition fees
  • Learning materials (books, laptop, stationery)
  • Accommodation
  • Meal allowance (included in accommodation fees for institution-owned accommodation or paid directly for accredited private accommodation)

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following minimum entry criteria:

  • Must be a South African citizen
  • Must be unemployed
  • Must have completed Matric (National Senior Certificate)
  • Must be studying or intend to study in one of the eligible fields listed
  • Must be enrolled at or accepted into a recognised and accredited tertiary institution in South Africa (University, University of Technology, public/private TVET College)
  • Must NOT be receiving any other bursary funding

ETDP Seta Bursary Online Application 2025

To apply, download and complete the official application form:

ETDP SETA Bursary Application Form 2026

Submit clear, certified copies of the following documents with the completed form:

  • South African ID document (certified copy, not older than 6 months)
  • Matric certificate (certified copy)
  • Highest qualification, if currently studying
  • Statement of results, if registered with an institution
  • Proof of acceptance and/or registration from a tertiary institution (on letterhead)
  • Motivational letter stating why you deserve the bursary award (1 page)

Applications must be submitted via: Email

Email (based on your province):
Eastern Cape: ECbursary@etdpseta.org.za
Free State: FSbursary@etdpseta.org.za
Gauteng: GPbursary@etdpseta.org.za
KwaZulu-Natal: KZNbursary@etdpseta.org.za
Limpopo: LPbursary@etdpseta.org.za
Mpumalanga: MPbursary@etdpseta.org.za
Northern Cape: NCbursary@etdpseta.org.za
North West: NWbursary@etdpseta.org.za
Western Cape: WCbursary@etdpseta.org.za
Subject line: ETDP SETA Bursary Application 2026

Related Bursaries in South Africa

Apply for multiple bursaries in South Africa to increase your chances of receiving funding this year.

Closing Date

31 December 2025

Ensure that you submit your application before the deadline. Late applications will not be considered.

Contact the Bursary Provider

For queries, contact:

Education, Training and Development Practices Sector Education and Training Authority (ETDP SETA)
Tel: Not provided (use contact portal)
Email: enquiries@etdpseta.org.za
Website: https://www.etdpseta.org.za/etd/Contacts

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who can apply for the ETDP SETA Bursary? +
Unemployed South African citizens who have completed Matric and are accepted or registered at a recognised tertiary institution for studies in fields like BA, BSc, BCom, BEd, ICT, or Occupational Therapy can apply.
2. What does the ETDP SETA Bursary cover? +
The bursary covers tuition fees, learning materials (books, laptop, stationery), accommodation, and a meal allowance (included in accommodation fees or paid directly for private accommodation).
3. Which fields of study are eligible for the bursary? +
Eligible fields include Bachelor of Arts, Science, Commerce, Business Management, ICT, Occupational Therapy, Public Administration, BEd, PGCE, Diplomas, Advanced Diplomas, and Higher Certificates in any field.
4. How do I submit an application for the ETDP SETA Bursary? +
Download the application form from https://www.etdpseta.org.za/etd/Bursaries, complete it, and email it with certified documents to the email address for your province, using the subject line “ETDP SETA Bursary Application 2026”.
5. When is the application deadline? +
The deadline is 31 December 2025. Applications submitted after this date will not be considered.
6. What documents are needed for the application? +
Required documents include a certified ID (not older than 6 months), Matric certificate, highest qualification or statement of results, proof of acceptance/registration, and a 1-page motivational letter.
7. Can I apply if I’m receiving another bursary? +
No, applicants must not be receiving any other bursary funding to qualify for the ETDP SETA Bursary.
8. How will I know if my application is successful? +
Successful applicants will be contacted by 31 March 2026. If you don’t hear back by then, consider your application unsuccessful.
9. Can current tertiary students apply for the bursary? +
Yes, current students can apply if they meet the eligibility criteria and are enrolled in an eligible field at a recognised institution.
10. Where can I get help with my application? +
Contact ETDP SETA via their contact portal at https://www.etdpseta.org.za/etd/Contacts or email enquiries@etdpseta.org.za for assistance.