About SASSETA
The Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority (SASSETA) is one of South Africa’s 21 SETAs (Sector Education and Training Authorities). It supports skills development, training and education within the safety and security sector. This helps to build a skilled workforce for policing, private security, legal services, corrections, intelligence and related fields.
Every year SASSETA offers bursaries to unemployed South African students to assist with tertiary study expenses. The SASSETA Bursary is now open for applications in selected fields of study.
Fields of Study Covered by the SASSETA Bursary
The 2026 SASSETA bursary supports students studying courses aligned with national skills needs, including:
- LLB (Law)
- STEM Degrees – Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
- Veterinary Science
- High-Demand Occupations as identified by the Department of Higher Education & Training
Applicants for this bursary must be enrolled or accepted into a recognised institution of South Africa to study one of selected qualifications above.
SASSETA Bursary Value and Benefits
SASSETA bursaries are offered as discretionary grants to eligible students and can cover the following:
Full-Time University Students
- Up to R80 000 per year
- Covers: tuition fees, registration fees, books, accommodation and meals
- Includes an electronic device (laptop/tablet + mouse) valued up to R10 000
Distance Learning Students
- Up to R35 000 per year
- Covers: registration fees, tuition fees and books
TVET College Students
- Up to R50 000 per year
- Covers: registration fees, tuition fees, books, accommodation and meals
Postgraduate / Research Students
- Funding may be allocated for research-related expenses (printing, editing, etc.)
Eligibility Criteria – Who Can Apply?
To be considered for funding, you must:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be between 18 and 35 years old
- Have completed Matric (Grade 12)
- Be unemployed
- Be registered or accepted for study in 2026 in one of the qualifying fields
- Study full-time or via distance learning at a recognised public institution
- Private institution applicants may apply only if the course is not offered at public institutions
- Not be participating in another SASSETA-funded programme in the current financial year
Preference is given to:
- Students from poor households (combined income < R350 000)
- Students from the “missing middle” (household income R350 000 – R600 000)
- Applicants from marginalised or under-resourced communities
Applicants must also agree to SASSETA’s bursary policy.
SASSETA Bursary Programme Application Process
Submit your application by this form (.docx).
You must attach these documents when you return your complete form:
- Certified copy of your ID (not older than 6 months)
- Matric certificate or final results (certified)
- Most recent academic record (if currently studying)
- Proof of acceptance/registration for 2026
- Parents’/guardians’ proof of household income and employment (affidavit)
Note: The best practice is to combine all supporting documents as a single PDF file. It must not exceed 20MB.
Complete forms and supporting documents must be returned by email to: Bursaries@SASSETA.org.za
Selection Process
- Shortlisted applicants will be contacted within 90 days after the closing date
- If you don’t hear back by then, assume your application was unsuccessful
Closing Date for the SASSETA Bursary
30 January 2026.
(Applications received acter the deadline will not be considered. Make sure you send yours before the date above.)
Bursary Contact Details
If you have questions regarding this bursary opportunity, feel free to contact SASSETA via:
- Email address: DG@sasseta.org.za
Best Practices for Bursary Applicants
Before submitting a bursary application, applicants are encouraged to carefully review all official information provided by the bursary provider. The following best practices can help ensure that applications are completed correctly and meet the minimum requirements.
Fully Understand the Bursary
Applicants should read the full bursary description to understand the purpose of the funding, the fields of study supported, and any sector-specific priorities set by the bursary provider.
Confirming Eligibility
Before applying, applicants should ensure that they meet all eligibility requirements, including citizenship, age limits, employment status, and study level. Applications that do not meet the minimum criteria are generally not considered.
Reviewing Funding Coverage
It is important to understand what expenses the bursary covers and whether any costs fall outside the funding scope. This helps applicants plan realistically for their academic year.
Following the Application Process
Applicants should follow the official application process as outlined in the bursary advert. This includes using the correct application form, completing all required fields, and submitting applications via the specified method.
Submitting Before the Closing Date
Applications must be submitted before the stated closing date. Late submissions are typically not accepted, regardless of the reason for delay.
Accessing Application Instructions
Official application forms, submission details, and deadlines are provided by the bursary provider when applications open. Applicants should always rely on the official advert for the most accurate and up-to-date information.