The South African government provides financial assistance, known as SETA bursaries, to assist unemployed South African citizens who wish to pursue education in subjects related to particular businesses. SETA is an integral part of South Africa’s workforce development and plays a crucial role in shaping the future of the country.
But what exactly is SETA? In this article, let us learn more in detail about SETA, its types, its eligibility requirements, and the Bursary Application Process.
Table of Contents
What is SETA?
SETA–Sector Education and Training Authority. It is an organisation in South Africa that is accountable for leading the development and implementation of skills development programmes within specific economic sectors.
This organisation’s primary goal is to promote and facilitate staff training to increase productivity and competitiveness. SETA also bridges the gap between the skills demanded by the labour market and those possessed by the workforce. Therefore, by providing financial assistance, training initiatives and promoting collaboration, SETA aims to address skills shortages and improve the overall quality of education and training in the country.
The SETA provides bursaries or financial assistance to eligible students pursuing their studies in specific sectors. These bursaries are awarded based on the academic excellence and their financial requirements. Applicants applying for these bursaries must satisfy all the required eligibility criteria by submitting the supporting documents along with the application form before the closing date of each bursary. Thus, upon successfully completing the application process, applicants will receive financial assistance, which includes complete education expenses and other expenses.
Different Types of SETA
There are 21 different types of SETAs in South Africa. Each one manages and creates leadership, skills-based programmes, and internships in its sector. Each one of these 21 SETAs focuses on a specific industry and specific career aspirations in the country. Some of the 21 bursaries are listed below:
- INSETA – Insurance Sector Education and Training Authority
- Service SETA — Services Sector Education and Training Authority
- Agri SETA–The Agricultural Sector Education and Training Authority
- EWSETA–The Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority
- LGSETA–The Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority
- BANKSETA / UKZN — The Banking Sector Education and Training Authority
- HWSETA–The Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority
- BANK SETA Kuyasa —Banking Sector Education and Training Authority Kuyasa
- SASSETA – The Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority
- W&RSETA — The Wholesale and Retail Sector Education and Training Authority
- BANK SETA LETSEMA — The Banking Sector Education and Training Authority LETSEMA
- FoodBev SETA – Food and Beverage Manufacturing Sector Education and Training Authority
- UNISA BANK SETA– University of South Africa BANK Sector Education and Training Authority
- merSETA – Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority
- ETDP SETA — Education, Training and Development Practices Sector Education and Training Authority
- UWC/ INSETA — University of the Western Cape The Insurance Sector Education and Training Authority
- Bank SETA CPUT — The Banking Sector Education and Training Authority Cape Peninsula University of Technology.
These are top SETAs, which serve as a bridge between various educational and training institutions, employers, and workers to guarantee that skill development initiatives meet the industry’s demands. South Africa has various economic sectors, each supervised by a specific SETA.
What Does SETA Bursary Cover?
The SETA offers financial assistance towards basic allowances to cover the applicant’s requirements while studying. In order of priority, this organisation pays for:
- Tuition fees
- Registration fees
- Research and Travel Allowance,
- Laptop and other educational tools,
- Accommodation and food allowances
- Prescribed Academic Books and other study materials,
These are some of the monthly allowances provided by SETA. Other allowances vary with the different types of SETA, programmes offered, and more. For more details about the allowances, visit the official SETA website.
SETA Bursary Requirements For Eligibility
Applicants must satisfy the following minimum eligibility criteria before applying (please note that failure to satisfy all the requirements will lead to your application not being considered):
If unemployed, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Applicants must be South African citizens,
- Applicants must be currently unemployed,
- Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 35 years old,
- Applicants must have achieved a minimum overall average of 50%
- Applicants must have a total household income of less than R600 000 per annum.
- Applicants must intend on studying towards an NQF level 5 qualification (or above) within one of the disciplines mentioned,
- Applicants must be studying full-time at a public or private tertiary institute (University/ University of Technology/ TVET College) in South Africa,
If employed, applicants meet the following criteria:
- Applicants must be currently employed,
- Applicants must be South African citizens,
- Applicants must have achieved a minimum overall average of 50%
- Applicants must have a total household income of less than R600 000 per annum.
- Applicants must intend on studying towards an NQF level 5 qualification (or above) within one of the disciplines mentioned,
- Applicants must study full-time at a public tertiary institute (University, University of Technology, or TVET College) in South Africa.
Know the general requirements to get a bursary in South Africa.
What Is the SETA Bursary Application Process?
The application process for a SETA bursary usually involves completing an online application form and submitting relevant supporting documents, such as academic transcripts, proof of income, and a motivational letter. Applicants must pay close attention to the application deadline and ensure that all required information is provided accurately to increase their chances of being considered for the bursary.
As there are 21 different types of SETA bursaries, applicants must visit these bursaries’ official websites to carefully check for the eligibility requirements and supporting documents required to complete the SETA Bursary Application process successfully.
SETA Bursary Requirements – Documentation
In order to verify your eligibility and candidacy, applicants must submit the following documents to the selection committee along with your application form.
Here is the list of all the supporting documents required for SETA:
- Applicants’ ID card,
- Name of Applicant municipality,
- Applicants Parents/ Guardians ID documents
- Motivational letter explaining why you should be awarded the bursary,
- Applicants Matric certificate/ results, if entering the first year of study,
- Applicants Parents/ Guardians proof of income (latest payslip or bank statements),
- Applicants latest tertiary academic record, if in second or subsequent year of tertiary study,
- Proof of acceptance from the tertiary institution for first year and returning students (to be submitted before funding is confirmed),
*Note: All documentation must be certified.
When Is the SETA Bursary Closing Date?
The closing date for applying to the SETA bursaries programme for the current academic year varies with the type of SETA. Thus, applicants can check for the closing dates for respective SETA bursaries by visiting the official websites.
It’s important to note that once the deadline for the SETA bursaries programme has closed, applicants must wait until the next application cycle. This emphasises the importance of acting promptly and meeting the deadline.
Thus, applicants must understand the closing dates or deadlines and submit their applications before the closing date to avoid last-minute cancellations or rejections. As a result, check the official website of the SETA bursaries to find out the closing dates and other latest information.
SETA Bursary Contact Details
Applicants can contact the bursaries’ websites for further information or queries regarding the bursaries. They will guide you through the application procedure and provide information on the monthly allowance, eligibility requirements, and application opening and closing dates. The SETA’s contact information is provided below:
For SETA’s General Information regarding Programmes and Services, contact
Phone: (916) 263-3800
Email Id: Reception@seta.net
Conclusion
The Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) bursary is a valuable opportunity for students seeking financial assistance in South Africa. SETA bursaries enable students to fulfil their academic and professional ambitions because they offer monthly allowances, real-world experience, and possible career possibilities. Those interested are encouraged to look into the many bursary possibilities and satisfy the eligibility requirements to apply for this advantageous financial aid programme.
About to take your first step towards bursary application? Regenesys is here to provide you with the programme quotation to assist you in beginning your journey for the bursary. Besides, our career counsellor will offer you guidance to help you navigate the bursary application process. Connect With Us Now!
Frequently Asked Questions: What is SETA
1. What is W&RSETA Bursary?
W&RSETA—Wholesale and Retail Sector Education and Training Authority bursary is a bursary programme that helps students develop their skills, knowledge, and competencies in the retail and wholesale sectors.
2. Who can apply for the ETDP SETA bursary?
ETDP SETA—The Education, Training and Development Practices Sector Education and Training Authority (ETDP SETA) provides financial assistance for unemployed students to continue their higher studies through an ETDP SETA bursary for the current academic year.
3. What does SETA stand for?
SETA stands for “Sector Education and Training Authority,” the vocational skills training organisation for the services sector in South Africa.
4. What is the function of SETA?
SETA – Sector Education and Training Authority. Its function involves identifying skill shortages, implementing learning programmes, and developing sector skills plans for various sectors of the South African economy.
5. What aggregated marks should be required for applicants applying for the SETA bursaries?
Each SETA bursary requires specific academic records or the minimum overall aggregated marks to qualify. Applicants must achieve a minimum overall average of 50- 60 per cent for SETA bursaries.
