Looking for bursary support for your studies in nursing, accounting, or education in 2025? Several Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) in South Africa are offering bursaries to help students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds complete their qualifications. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the top opportunities, eligibility criteria, deadlines, and tips to strengthen your application.
HWSETA Nursing Bursaries & Learnerships 2025
HWSETA (Health & Welfare SETA) supports nursing and health-related training via bursaries and learnership placements.
Who Can Apply?
- South African citizens, aged 18–35
- Unemployed learners with Matric including Life Sciences, preferably Maths or Maths Literacy
- Not currently enrolled in another programme
- Priority given to women, persons with disabilities, and rural youth
What’s Covered:
- Tuition and training fees
- Monthly stipends (~R3,000–R5,000)
- Clinical practical placements in public health facilities
- Qualifications recognized by SANC (South African Nursing Council)
- Textbooks, accommodation and uniforms may also be included in bursary packages
Deadline & Application:
- Applications close 15 July 2025
- Apply via the HWSETA website under “Learnerships & Bursaries”
- Documents include certified ID, Matric certificate, CV, proof of residence, motivational letter, transcripts
Key Notes:
Only employers funded by HWSETA may apply on behalf of learners—not automatic renewal year-to-year
Related: HWSETA Nursing Internships 2025: A Gateway to Healthcare Careers in South Africa
FASSET Bursaries 2025 for Accounting & Finance
FASSET (Finance & Accounting Services SETA) provides financial support for students pursuing accounting, financial management, audit, taxation and related courses.
Who Can Apply?
- South African citizens, unemployed or low-income families (household income ≤ R1,000,000 p.a.)
- Studying or accepted for BCom Accounting, Financial Management, Auditing, Taxation, Actuarial Science, Business Science, or National Diploma in Accounting
What’s Included:
- Tuition fees
- Prescribed textbooks
- Accommodation and meals (university students)
- Transport or data allowance in some cases
- Funding capped at R100,000/year for university students; R40,000 for TVET college learners
Deadline & How to Apply:
- Deadline: By 31 December 2024 (for the 2025 academic year)
- Apply online via FASSET website or approved bursary partners like Career Wise
- Documents: Certified ID, academic transcripts, proof of registration, income affidavit, motivational letter
Benefits:
- Designed to support students entering in-demand professions
- Focus on financial inclusion and closing skills gaps in finance
- No repayment required
SETA or Institutional Education Bursaries (e.g. Funza Lushaka) for Teaching
While not SETA-administered, the Funza Lushaka Bursary through the Department of Basic Education is the primary funding pathway for teaching qualifications (Early Childhood, Foundation Phase, FET, etc.).
What Is Funza Lushaka?
- Funded by the Department of Education
- Covers tuition, textbooks, accommodation, living allowance
- Recipients agree to teach at public schools for a period equal to the bursary length
- Priority fields include rural placements and scarce subjects
Eligibility:
- Final-year school-leavers or graduates accepted into PGCE, B.Ed., or diploma in teaching
- South African citizens
- Commitment to teach in under-resourced public schools in exchange
Deadline:
- Varies by province (usually in the September–December period for following year)
- Best to contact your tertiary institution finance office or provincial education department early
Reddit
Side-by-Side Overview
| SETA / Programme | Field | Eligibility | Covers | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HWSETA | Nursing, Health | SA citizen, unemployed, NSC with Life Sciences | Tuition, placement, stipend, textbooks, uniforms | 15 July 2025 |
| FASSET | Accounting/Finance | SA citizen, studying BCom/Finance, ≤ R1M household income | Tuition, books, accommodation/meals (for university) | 31 Dec 2024 (for 2025) |
| Funza Lushaka (DBE) | Education (Teachers) | SA citizen accepted into teaching qualification | Full-course cost + stipend; placement obligation | Varies (apply early Sept–Dec) |
Tips to Strengthen Your Application
- Gather certified documents no older than 3 months
- Submit a clear and compelling motivational letter
- Apply early—many bursaries operate on first come, first served basis
- Maintain strong academic performance
- Use professional email and format document names appropriately
Additional Opportunities & Notes
- NSFAS generally does not fund new nursing or education students at undergraduate level (per policy gazette)—so SETA or departmental bursaries are essential for these streams
- Other SETAs like W&RSETA, HWSETA, FP&M, Services SETA occasionally issue bursaries in related fields—check their websites or SA Youth portals
- RSAt reddit posts note that banking and insurance companies also sponsor accounting and finance bursaries, especially for postgraduate and CFA-level qualifications
If you’re studying nursing, accounting, or education, generous bursary funding through HWSETA, FASSET, and Funza Lushaka could make your studies achievable—and your career launch smoother.
- Nursing: apply through HWSETA before 15 July 2025
- Accounting / Finance: apply via FASSET by 31 December 2024
- Teaching: check Funza Lushaka deadlines with provincial education department or university
Preparing early, submitting complete and accurate documents, and highlighting your financial need and career passion are key to successful bursary applications.