If you dream of becoming a nurse or working in community health, this is your opportunity. The Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority (HWSETA) is offering Nursing Learnerships and Bursaries for 2025 — aimed at South African youth who are passionate about healthcare and wellness.
If you’ve completed Matric with Life Sciences (Biology) and are unemployed, this could be your first step into the healthcare field. Read on to learn how to apply, what’s covered, and what to expect from this exciting career-building opportunity.
What Is HWSETA?
HWSETA is the official SETA responsible for education and training in South Africa’s health and social development sectors. This includes everything from nursing and community health to social work and health promotion.
To strengthen the workforce, HWSETA funds learnerships, bursaries, and skills development programmes for young people who want to make a difference in their communities.
2025 Nursing & Health Promotion Programmes
The HWSETA-funded learnerships and bursaries focus on critical, high-demand skills in public health, including:
- 🧑⚕️ Auxiliary Nursing (NQF Level 4–5)
- 📢 Health Promotion Officer Training
- 🩹 Community Health Work
- 🧠 Basic Home-Based Care and First Aid
These programmes are aimed at producing qualified health workers who can support public clinics, hospitals, NGOs, and rural outreach programmes.
Who Can Apply?
To apply for the HWSETA Nursing Learnerships and Bursaries 2025, you must:
- ✅ Be a South African citizen, aged 18–35
- ✅ Be currently unemployed
- ✅ Have completed Grade 12 (Matric) with:
- Life Sciences (Biology) as a subject
- Maths or Maths Literacy is beneficial
- ✅ Not currently enrolled in another learnership, bursary, or post-school programme
- ✅ Be passionate about working in healthcare or community outreach
🚺 Women, persons with disabilities, and youth from rural communities are especially encouraged to apply.
What’s Covered in Learnerships and Bursaries?
Successful applicants will be enrolled in a full-time learnership or academic programme, which includes:
- 📚 Free tuition and training
- 🏥 Practical clinical placements at public health facilities or training partners
- 💸 A monthly stipend (usually between R3,000–R5,000 depending on the programme)
- 📜 A nationally recognized qualification upon completion
- 🏅 Opportunity to register with South African Nursing Council (SANC) (for Nursing Learnerships)
For bursaries, additional support may include:
- 🧾 Prescribed textbooks and study materials
- 🏠 Accommodation and transport (depending on financial need)
- 👩⚕️ Uniforms and clinical equipment
🕒 Deadline to Apply: 15 July 2025
Applications for the 2025 intake close on 15 July 2025.
Don’t wait until the last minute — applications are competitive, and places are limited.
Where to Apply
You can apply through the official HWSETA website:
Steps:
- Visit the website and click on “Opportunities” or “Learnerships & Bursaries”
- Find the 2025 Nursing or Health Promotion intake
- Download and complete the application form
- Upload all required supporting documents
- Submit via the email or portal listed on the form
Alternatively, some HWSETA-funded learnerships may be hosted by accredited nursing colleges and training providers — you can contact them directly if listed.
Required Documents
Prepare and submit certified copies (not older than 3 months) of:
- South African ID
- Matric certificate (with Life Sciences)
- Recent academic transcript (if applicable)
- CV with current contact details
- Proof of residence
- Medical clearance or police clearance (if requested)
- Motivational letter (optional but recommended)
📁 Submit all documents as PDFs and ensure your file names are clear and professional.
Why Choose a Career in Healthcare?
South Africa is in urgent need of skilled healthcare workers — especially in rural areas. With HWSETA training, you’ll be equipped to:
- 🏥 Work in clinics, hospitals, NGOs, or mobile units
- 💉 Deliver basic patient care and health education
- 💬 Promote public awareness of diseases and wellness
- 👩⚕️ Grow into roles like enrolled nurse, community health worker, or clinic support staff
These careers are high-impact and future-proof — offering employment stability and purpose.
What Past Beneficiaries Say
“HWSETA gave me the chance to study nursing for free. I’m now working at a district hospital as an auxiliary nurse and supporting my family.” – Asanda M., Limpopo
“The Health Promotion Officer learnership helped me get my first job with an NGO. We now work in schools and townships to teach about hygiene, STIs, and nutrition.” – Phumzile T., KwaZulu-Natal
Top Tips to Strengthen Your Application
- ✅ Be clear and honest in your application form
- 📁 Make sure all documents are included and properly certified
- 📝 Write a strong motivational letter about your passion for healthcare
- 📞 Keep your phone and email active — you may be contacted for interviews or screening
- 🧪 If selected, be prepared for medical fitness tests or basic numeracy/literacy assessments
Final Thoughts:HWSETA Nursing Learnerships and Bursaries 2025
The HWSETA Nursing Learnerships and Bursaries 2025 are more than just funding — they’re a lifeline for young people who want to change lives through healthcare. With free training, workplace experience, and real career opportunities, this programme could launch you into a fulfilling job in one of the most vital sectors in South Africa.
Apply before the 15 July 2025 deadline at hwseta.org.za and take your first step toward becoming a nurse or health promoter.
