The Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority (SASSETA) has opened applications for its 2026 Unemployed Bursary Programme, offering financial support to South Africans who want to study at a university or public TVET college but cannot afford the costs.
This bursary aims to support qualifications in high-demand fields identified by the Department of Higher Education and Training, helping unemployed youth access education and secure a better future.
Application Deadline: 30 January 2026 (23:59)
What the SASSETA Bursary Is About
SASSETA is offering a discretionary grant to unemployed students who wish to study in priority fields such as law, STEM, veterinary science, and other scarce skills. The bursary removes financial barriers by covering tuition, learning materials, and essential living expenses.
Fields of Study Covered
Applicants are encouraged to apply if they plan to study in one of the following areas:
- Law (LLB)
- STEM qualifications (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
- Veterinary Science
- Other high-demand occupations identified by the Department of Higher Education and Training
What the Bursary Covers
University or University of Technology (Full-Time Students)
Funding of up to R80,000, covering:
- Registration fees
- Tuition fees
- Prescribed books
- Accommodation
- Meals
- A laptop or tablet and mouse (up to R10,000)
Distance-Learning Students
Funding of up to R35,000, covering:
- Registration fees
- Tuition fees
- Prescribed books
Public TVET College Students
Funding of up to R50,000, covering:
- Registration fees
- Tuition fees
- Prescribed books
- Accommodation
- Meals
Masters or Research Students
Funding may be used for research-related expenses, including:
- Printing
- Editing
- Thesis or dissertation costs
SASSETA may also provide additional funding or assistance with outstanding student debt, subject to available funds.
SASSETA Bursaries 2026 for Unemployed Students (Discretionary Grants)
Duration of Funding
The bursary is awarded for the minimum duration of the qualification plus one additional year. For example, a three-year qualification may be funded for up to four years.
Who Can Apply
You must meet all of the following requirements:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be between 18 and 35 years old
- Have completed Matric
- Be accepted or registered to study in 2026 in a listed field
- Be registered at a public university, university of technology, or public TVET college
- Private institutions may be considered if the qualification is not available at a public institution
- Be unemployed at the time of application
- Not be enrolled in another SASSETA programme during the current financial year
- Read and agree to the SASSETA Bursary Policy 2025/2026
Preference will be given to:
- Students from low-income households (combined income below R350,000 per year)
- Students from middle-income households (R350,001 to R600,000 per year)
- Students from marginalised communities
Required Supporting Documents
Applicants must submit clear, certified copies of the following:
- South African ID (certified within the last 6 months)
- Matric certificate or final results
- Latest academic record (if currently studying)
- Proof of acceptance or registration for 2026 (on institutional letterhead)
- Proof of household income and unemployment status, such as an affidavit detailing all income sources
Important:
- All documents must be certified and not older than 6 months
- Total email attachment size must not exceed 20 MB
- Incomplete applications will be automatically disqualified
How to Apply
Step 1: Complete the Application Form
Download and complete the SASSETA Unemployed Bursary Application Form for 2026 from the official SASSETA website.
Step 2: Submit Your Application
Email the completed form and all supporting documents to:
Bursaries@SASSETA.org.za
Use the email subject line: “SASSETA Bursary 2026”
Closing Date and Feedback
- Closing date: 30 January 2026 at 23:59
- Late applications will not be accepted
- Shortlisted candidates will be contacted within 90 days after the closing date
- If you are not contacted within this period, your application was unsuccessful
Why the SASSETA Bursary Matters
The SASSETA Bursary Programme makes higher education accessible to unemployed South Africans by covering tuition, learning materials, and living costs. It supports studies in fields that improve employability while reducing the financial burden on students and their families.
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If you meet the requirements and want to study without paying out of pocket, submit your application before the deadline.
