The Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority (HWSETA) has officially opened its 2025–2026 bursary funding initiative aimed specifically at unemployed persons with disabilities who are studying in health, welfare, social, and veterinary fields.
Unlike many bursaries that only cover tuition, this programme is designed to remove real barriers to education — funding not only fees, but also accommodation, books, living allowances, transport, and assistive devices. For qualifying students, this bursary can be life-changing.
Quick Overview: HWSETA Bursary 2025–2026
- Bursary Name: HWSETA Bursary Programme for Unemployed Persons with Disabilities
- Academic Period: 2025–2026
- Target Group: Unemployed students with disabilities
- Fields Supported: Health, welfare, social, and veterinary studies
- Maximum Funding: Up to R240,000 per learner
- Application Email: Unemployedbursaries@hwseta.org.za
- Closing Date: 13 February 2026
Study Levels Covered
Undergraduate Studies (NQF Levels 5–8)
- Higher Certificate (NQF 5)
- Diploma (NQF 6)
- Advanced Diploma (NQF 7)
- Degree (NQF 7–8)
Postgraduate Research Studies (NQF Levels 8–10)
- Honours (NQF 8)
- Master’s Degree (NQF 9)
- Doctorate / PhD (NQF 10)
Postgraduate funding is limited to health, welfare, and veterinary-related research programmes.
Approved Institutions
Students must be enrolled at one of the following:
- Public universities
- Universities of Technology
- Public or private nursing colleges that are HWSETA-aligned employers
What the HWSETA Bursary Covers
This bursary is structured to support students holistically.
Funded Costs Include:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Prescribed books and learning materials
- Living allowances
- Disability-related academic support, including:
- Assistive devices
- Transport
- Any additional reasonable costs required for learning access
Maximum Funding
- Up to R240,000 per learner (undergraduate and postgraduate)
Who Can Apply?
Important: How This Bursary Works
This is not an individual online application.
- Institutions apply to HWSETA
- Institutions submit applications on behalf of eligible students
- Students must already be enrolled for 2025 or 2026
Student action: Contact your institution and request inclusion in their HWSETA bursary submission.
Fields of Study Supported
To qualify, the programme must fall within health, welfare, social, or veterinary disciplines, including but not limited to:
- Nursing
- Public Health
- Social Work
- Psychology
- Occupational Therapy
- Physiotherapy
- Speech Therapy
- Radiography
- Pharmacy and pharmaceutical studies
- Medicine and clinical programmes
- Veterinary Science and Animal Health
- Community development and welfare studies
Eligibility Requirements
For Students (Learners)
You must:
- Be a person with a disability
- Be unemployed
- Be studying in 2025 or 2026
- Be enrolled in an eligible institution
- Be registered for a health, welfare, social, or veterinary qualification
- Provide a valid disability confirmation letter from a registered health practitioner
For Institutions
Institutions must:
- Be registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET)
- Provide proof of accreditation (if private)
- Submit complete applications via email
- Apply before the official closing date
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Confirm Your Qualification
Ensure your programme falls under:
- Health
- Welfare / Social
- Veterinary
Step 2: Obtain a Disability Confirmation Letter
Request a letter from a registered health practitioner confirming your disability.
Tip: Start early — medical documentation can take time.
Step 3: Contact Your Institution
Reach out to your:
- Financial Aid Office
- Bursary Office
Ask:
- “Is the institution applying for the HWSETA disability bursary?”
- “Can I be included in the submission?”
- “Which documents must I submit internally?”
Step 4: Prepare Your Documents
Ensure all documents are complete, accurate, and certified where required.
Step 5: Institutional Submission
The institution must email the application to:
📧 Unemployedbursaries@hwseta.org.za
Step 6: Await Feedback
HWSETA may request additional verification or documentation during assessment.
Closing Date
13 February 2026
Late submissions may not be accepted. Early institutional submission is strongly advised.
Important Conditions
HWSETA reserves the right to withdraw approval if:
- Information provided is false or misleading
- Institutional requirements are not met
- The institution’s registration status changes during the project
Accuracy and compliance are critical.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I apply directly to HWSETA as a student?
No. Applications must be submitted by your institution, not by individuals.
2. Does the bursary cover living expenses?
Yes. It includes living allowances, accommodation, transport, and assistive devices.
3. How much funding can one student receive?
Up to R240,000, depending on the approved costs.
4. Which academic years are covered?
The bursary supports studies during 2025 and 2026.
5. What proof of disability is required?
A valid letter from a registered health practitioner confirming the disability.
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