Are you a South African citizen connected to the private-security sector and looking to study full-time? The PSiRA Bursary offers financial support for your academic journey — especially for security officers or their legal dependents. At BursaryForms, we’re here to help you navigate your application with confidence!

About the PSiRA

The Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSiRA) is the statutory body tasked with regulating South Africa’s private-security industry under the Private Security Industry Regulation Act. Through its Corporate Social Investment (CSI) initiative, PSiRA provides bursaries to eligible individuals from the security sector to access further education—helping strengthen both professional development and opportunities for families in the industry.

Fields Covered by the PSiRA Bursary

This bursary is remarkably broad and supports studies in:

  • Any undergraduate certificate, diploma or degree at a recognised and accredited institution in South Africa.

Expenses Covered by the PSiRA Bursary

The bursary covers tuition/registration fees for the academic year (12 months) for eligible students. Specific maximums apply depending on the level of study:

  • Up to R 25,000 (excluding VAT) for certificate studies at TVET institutions.
  • Up to R 45,000 (excluding VAT) for undergraduate diploma or degree studies.

Eligibility Requirements for the PSiRA Bursary

You need to meet all of the following criteria to apply:

  • Be a South African citizen, and your parent/guardian (if applicable) must also be a South African citizen.
  • You must either be employed in the private-security sector or your legal parent/guardian must be a registered security officer with PSiRA.
  • You must have completed Matric (Grade 12).
  • You must be aged between 19 and 35 years at application.
  • You must be enrolled or intend to enroll full-time at a recognised and accredited institution for the upcoming academic year.
  • The bursary does not cover postgraduate studies.

Here are some application tips from the BursaryForms team:

  • Get certified copies of all your documents (ID, Matric certificate, parent/legal guardian’s ID, etc.) early.
  • Ensure you have proof of your parent/guardian’s PSiRA registration number or your own employment in the private-security sector.
  • Ensure the institution where you intend to study is accredited and registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training.
  • Submit well ahead of the closing date — late or incomplete applications are not considered.

This page was updated on October 23, 2025 to provide the most current bursary information.

Indicate “www.bursaryforms.co.za” when asked how you heard about this bursary.

How to Apply for the PSiRA Bursary

Steps to apply (based on the 2025 round):

  • Download the official application form (check PSiRA’s website or bursary portal).
  • Complete the form, attach all required certified supporting documents (IDs, proof of registration at institution, proof of parent/guardian PSiRA registration, etc.).
  • Email the application and documents to: financial.aid@psira.co.za — addressed to: Senior Manager: Human Capital Management.

Related Bursaries in South Africa

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

Closing Date for the PSiRA Bursary

31 January 2025 was the closing date for the 2025 academic year.

Please note: At the time of writing, no confirmed closing date for a 2026 intake has been publicly announced. If you are applying for 2026, monitor PSiRA’s official website for updates.

Contact PSiRA

If you have any queries, contact:

Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSiRA)
Tel: 086 133 3850
Email: info@psira.co.za / financial.aid@psira.co.za
Website: psira.co.za

Frequently Asked Questions

Click each question to see its answer about the PSiRA Bursary.

Can I apply if I already have another bursary?+
No. The criteria state the bursary is for full-time studies and other bursary funding may disqualify you—check the latest form.
Does the bursary cover postgraduate studies?+
No. Postgraduate studies are excluded from the PSiRA Bursary.
If my parent is a security officer but changed companies, do I still qualify?+
Yes—as long as your parent is registered with PSiRA as a security officer. Ensure you include the parent’s PSiRA registration number in the application.
Is there an age limit for applicants?+
Yes. Applicants must be between 19 and 35 years old.
What fields of study are supported?+
Almost any undergraduate certificate, diploma or degree at accredited institutions is eligible (no field restriction).
I’m only doing a part-time course. Can I apply?+
No. The bursary requires full-time study status for the academic year.
If I missed the deadline, when is the next opportunity?+
The 2025 deadline has passed. PSiRA has not yet publicly confirmed the 2026 round—keep watching their website for announcements.
What types of supporting documents must I submit?+
Certified IDs of both applicant and parent/guardian, proof of registration at an institution for upcoming year, parent/guardian’s PSiRA registration number and the completed application form.
Does the bursary apply across all provinces?+
Yes. Applications from all provinces in South Africa are accepted.
If I am already studying second year, can I apply?+
Yes—provided you meet all criteria and are enrolled full-time for the upcoming academic year. However specifics may vary by year—check the latest application form.

Before you apply for any bursary, make sure you have a clear plan. Download our comprehensive Bursary Application Checklist to stay organized, submit your documents correctly, and increase your chances of success.

Bursary Application Checklist