If beauty, skincare, nails, or professional grooming is more than a hobby for you, the Sorbet Academy Bursary 2026 could be your gateway into a real career.
Sorbet is South Africa’s largest beauty salon group, and this bursary gives selected candidates accredited training at Sorbet Academy — plus a direct pathway into employment within the national salon network.
Applications close 15 February 2026. Late emails are not reviewed.
Deadline Alert (Important)
- Closing Date: 15 February 2026
- Application Method: Email only
- Intake Year: 2026
- Training Provider: Sorbet Academy (Sorbet Group)
This is a short application window and competition is high.
What the Sorbet Academy Bursary Covers
The bursary funds professional beauty qualifications offered at Sorbet Academy campuses. All programmes are aligned with SETA and ITEC standards, making them recognised in South Africa and beyond.
Funded Fields of Study
- Beauty Therapy & Skincare
Facials, body treatments, skincare consultations - Nail Technology
Advanced manicures, pedicures, nail enhancements, nail art - Hairdressing
Cutting, styling, colouring, and salon techniques - Barbering (Sorbet Man)
Men’s grooming, fades, beard care, styling
Final placement depends on academy availability and suitability.
Where You’ll Study
Successful applicants will train at one of Sorbet Academy’s flagship campuses:
Sorbet Academy Campuses
- Gauteng: Woodmead
- KwaZulu-Natal: Mount Edgecombe
- Western Cape: Century City (Cape Town)
Applicants must be able to travel to and attend classes at their assigned campus.
Minimum Requirements (2026 Intake)
To qualify for the Sorbet Academy Bursary, you must:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be 18 years or older
- Have a completed Matric (Grade 12) certificate
- Show genuine passion for beauty, nails, hair, or grooming
- Be willing to study full-time at a Sorbet Academy campus
No prior beauty qualification is required.
How to Apply for the Sorbet Academy Bursary 2026
There is no online application form. Applications are submitted by email only.
Step 1: Prepare Your Documents
Attach certified copies of:
- South African ID
- Matric certificate
- Motivational letter (critical)
Your motivation letter should explain:
- Why you love the beauty industry
- Which field you want to study
- Why Sorbet should invest in you
- Your long-term career goals
How to Answer Sanlam’s Motivation Questions:
Sorbet Academy wants to see your personality and logic. If you aren’t sure how to structure your answers, follow our step-by-step Motivational Letter Template for 2026 which includes specific tips for Sorbet Academy Bursary.
Step 2: Send Your Application Email
Email Address: academies@sorbet.co.za
Email Subject Line: Sorbet Bursary 2026
Incomplete or incorrectly titled emails may be ignored.
Why Choose Sorbet Academy?
Sorbet Academy doesn’t just train students — it builds professionals.
- Nationally recognised beauty brand
- Industry-aligned, practical training
- Strong employment pipeline
- Graduates often absorbed into Sorbet salons
- Career opportunities across South Africa
The beauty and grooming industry continues to grow, and qualified therapists and technicians are always in demand.
Funding Alternatives
If you don’t qualify yet, also explore:
- Shoprite Agricultural Sciences Bursary 2026
- NSFAS funding
- Sanlam Actuarial Bursary 2027: Full Funding Plus Career Placement
- IUCMA External Bursary Programme 2026 – Mpumalanga
- SETA Bursary 2026
- Shoprite Accounting Bursary 2026: SAICA CA Stream
FAQs – Sorbet Academy Bursary 2026
While employment is not guaranteed, many graduates are placed within the Sorbet salon network after qualifying.
Yes. Passion and commitment matter more than experience.
Applicants must be 18 or older. There is no upper age limit stated.
You may indicate preference, but final placement depends on availability.
