The W&RSETA 2026 Bursary Scheme funding window is open for unemployed continuing bursars who were funded in the 2025 academic year and need support for 2026. Eligible institutions and bursary administrators must submit on behalf of qualifying students before the closing date on 30 May 2026.
For students already supported by W&RSETA, this funding window could help keep their studies on track.
But there is one important detail: this is not a new bursary intake for first-time individual applicants.
What Is The W&RSETA 2026 Bursary Scheme About?
The Wholesale and Retail Sector Education and Training Authority has opened its 2026 bursary funding window for unemployed continuing bursars.
The funding is for students who were already funded by W&RSETA in the 2025 academic year and have continued, or will continue, into the next level of their qualifications in 2026.
This means the window is focused on academic continuation, not new first-time bursary applications.
The main purpose is to support qualifying students who are already in the W&RSETA bursary system.
Who May Submit Applications?
W&RSETA invites public and private TVET and HET institutions, bursary administrators, W&RSETA levy-paying entities and Retail Chairs to submit applications on behalf of qualifying 2025 W&RSETA bursars.
Individual students may not submit directly.
The official advert states that applications must be made by HET or TVET colleges, or bursary administrators that had entered into MOAs with W&RSETA for the 2025 academic year.
Which Students Qualify?
This funding window is only for students who were funded by W&RSETA in 2025 and have not yet submitted for continued 2026 academic year funding.
Students must meet one of these conditions:
- They were funded by W&RSETA for the 2025 academic year and are currently enrolled for their qualification in 2026.
- They were funded by W&RSETA in 2025, started their studies in the second semester of 2025, and will enrol for 2026 studies in the second semester of 2026.
Funding for continuing bursars enrolling in the second semester will be confirmed after submission of their results.
What Is The Closing Date?
The closing date is 30 May 2026.
W&RSETA has confirmed that no late submissions will be accepted, so eligible institutions and bursary administrators should complete the process before the deadline.
How Must Applications Be Submitted?
Applications must be submitted online through the W&RSETA stakeholder portal.
Applicants must select the 2026 Unemployed Continuing Bursary Project when submitting.
Submissions can be completed through the official W&RSETA stakeholder portal
Which Documents Must Be Uploaded?
The official advert says the following documents must be uploaded as part of the application:
- Previous MOA with W&RSETA
- List of students funded under the 2025 MOA
- Student results
- Continuing status information
- Reconciliation of funds disbursed to each bursar through the W&RSETA Bursary Scheme for the 2025 academic year
Successful applicants or institutions will also need to submit 2025 academic year Statements of Fees and Statements of Results for each student after accepting the Award Letter.
What Happens After Successful Submission?
Allocations will be issued to successful applicants in the form of an Award Letter generated from the MIS.
According to the advert, Award Letters will be generated by no later than 30 June 2026.
After accepting the Award Letter, applicants must complete bursar registrations on the MIS within the timelines provided.
Contracts will then be concluded with institutions after bursar registrations are approved by W&RSETA on the MIS.
How Will Funding Be Paid?
Funding for the 2026 academic year will follow the funding rates of the initial contract between the institution and W&RSETA.
Payments will be processed after receipt of a compliant Grant Claim form and invoice once the contract is concluded.
This makes complete and accurate documentation important for institutions handling submissions.
Itumeleng’s Insider Tip: Students who were funded by W&RSETA in 2025 should contact their institution or bursary administrator as soon as possible. Since individual students cannot submit directly, make sure your institution has your latest results, registration status and bursary information before the closing date.
Why This Funding Window Matters
For continuing bursars, this funding window can help protect academic progress into the 2026 academic year.
Missing the deadline could create serious delays for students who still need support.
The most important step is to confirm that the correct institution or bursary administrator submits on your behalf before 30 May 2026.
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Final Thoughts
The W&RSETA 2026 Bursary Scheme funding window is an important opportunity for unemployed continuing bursars who were funded in 2025 and still need support for 2026.
Eligible institutions, bursary administrators and relevant stakeholders must submit through the official W&RSETA process before 30 May 2026.
Late submissions will not be accepted.
