🟢 OPEN — Closing 30 May 2026 (New Students) & 14 Aug 2026 (Discretionary) — W&RSETA Bursary 2027.
What is W&RSETA Bursary?
Wholesale and Retail SETA funds South African unemployed students (under 35) studying retail-related qualifications. This is for “missing middle” — parents earn R350k-R600k (too high for NSFAS, too low to afford).
Fields Funded
Retail Management, Marketing, Supply Chain, Logistics, Business Management, Accounting, Entrepreneurship, IT, Operations, Fashion Buying, Food Technology — any qualification linked to wholesale & retail.
Who Can Apply?
- SA citizen, under 35 if unemployed
- Accepted / registered at public or private TVET / HET (University, University of Technology)
- Studying retail-related qualification
- Missing middle income: R350k-R600k family income (priority)
- Good academic record
How to Apply?
You DON’T apply on W&RSETA portal. Institutions apply for you.
STEP 1: Go to your university/TVET financial aid office NOW
Ask: “Are you applying for W&RSETA 2027 Bursary Scheme for new unemployed students?”
STEP 2: Give them:
- Certified ID, matric + academic record
- Proof of registration (2027)
- Parents income proof (payslips / affidavit)
- Proof you are unemployed (affidavit)
STEP 3: Institution uploads you on W&RSETA MIS Portal: mis.wrseta.org.za before 30 May 2026 (new bursars) — if they miss, you miss.
Where to apply direct:
- Universities with Retail Chairs: UJ, TUT, CPUT, DUT, VUT — they have dedicated W&RSETA office
- W&RSETA levy-paying companies: Shoprite, Pick n Pay, Woolworths — if you work retail, ask HR for bursary
Closing Date
- New bursars 2027: 30 May 2026 (via institution)
- Masters/PhD & Discretionary Grants: 14 Aug 2026
Contact
Your institution financial aid first. If they don’t know:
W&RSETA Head Office: 012 622 9500 | Regional offices on wrseta.org.za
Frequently Asked Questions About W&RSETA Bursary 2027
Can I apply directly on wrseta.org.za?
No. W&RSETA does NOT accept individual applications. Only institutions, bursary administrators and levy-paying companies apply via MIS portal. You must go through your TVET/University.
What is missing middle?
If your parents/guardians earn between R350,000 and R600,000 per year, you are missing middle — too high for NSFAS, too low to afford fees. W&RSETA gives you preference.
Does W&RSETA cover TVET colleges?
Yes. Both public and private TVET and HET institutions can apply. Ask your TVET financial aid if they have MOA with W&RSETA.
I work at Shoprite/Pick n Pay — can I apply?
Yes. Ask HR about W&RSETA employed bursary. Levy-paying retail companies have separate window.
What does bursary cover?
Tuition, books, accommodation — amount set by W&RSETA cost schedule per qualification. No cash to student — paid to institution.
When will I know if successful?
Institution will inform you after W&RSETA approves batch, usually 2-3 months after 30 May closing.