SASSETA Bursary

Fields of study

Bursaries will be awarded to unemployed students, for studies preferably within these fields

• LLB
• STEM qualifications – studies in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
• Veterinary Science
• Occupations in High Demand, as published by the Department of Higher Education & Training in 2024 (pages 13-22)

Who can apply

• Be a South African citizen
• Be between 18 and 35 years old
• Have completed Matric
• Be studying or registered to study within one of the fields of study listed above, in 2026
• Be registered or accepted to study full-time or distance learning at a recognised and accredited public University/ University of Technology/ Public TVET College in South Africa (private institution students may only apply if their course of study is not offered at any of the public institutions)
• Be unemployed
• Not be taking part in any other SASSETA funded programme (internship, learnership or skills programme) within the current financial year
• Preference will be given to students from the “missing middle” (a combined household income of between R350 000.01 and R600 000 per annum) and students from poor households (a combined household income of LESS than R350 000 per annum) and students from marginalised communities
• Read and agree to the terms of the SASSETA Bursary Policy 2025/2026 (.pdf)

What the bursary covers

Value mentioned: R80 000, R10 000, R35 000

Documents you will need

• ID Document (certified copy – not older than 6 months)
• Matric certificate/ final results (certified copy – not older than 6 months)
• Most recent academic record, if currently studying (certified copy – not older than 6 months)
• Proof of acceptance/ registration for the 2026 academic year (on institutions letterhead)
• Parents or guardians proof of household income and employment status (affidavit confirming total household income, specifying all sources of income and indication employment status)

Full bursary documents checklist

How to apply

1. Check the requirements

   Make sure you meet every requirement listed above. Applications that miss one are usually rejected automatically.

2. Prepare your documents

   Scan clear copies of everything the provider asks for, certified where required.

3. Apply through the official channel
   Email [email protected]Email [email protected]

   Download and complete the SASSETA Bursary Application Form 2026 (.docx)

   Note: the total size of the supporting documents must not be larger than 20 Megabytes (MB).

4. Submit before the closing date

   Usually closes around January. Late applications are almost never accepted.

Applications for the current cycle have closed. This bursary usually opens again each year, so prepare your documents now and check back.

Genuine bursaries never charge an application fee. How to spot bursary scams

Contact the bursary provider

• Email [email protected]

Contact the provider only with questions about this bursary. StudentBursaries.co.za does not process applications.

About SASSETA

SASSETA is the SETA for the safety and security sector, including policing, corrections, defence and private security.