Are you passionate about building a career in the services sector but worried about how to fund your studies? The Services SETA Bursary Programme is designed to help South African learners—whether unemployed, employed, or living with disabilities—get access to quality education without the financial burden.
In this in-depth guide, we explain how to apply for the Services SETA bursary in 2025, what documents you need, who qualifies, and how to improve your chances of approval.
What is the Services SETA Bursary?
The Services Sector Education and Training Authority (Services SETA) is one of 21 SETAs in South Africa responsible for skills development and training. It offers bursary opportunities to individuals pursuing qualifications in fields aligned with the services sector.
Some of the key industries supported by Services SETA include:
- Human Resource Management
- Business Administration
- Real Estate & Property Practice
- Funeral Services
- Hairdressing & Beauty Therapy
- Wholesale and Retail
- Marketing
- Project Management
- Contact Centre Operations
The bursary is open to unemployed youth, employed workers, and learners with disabilities, providing support across various qualifications from TVET colleges and universities.
Who Can Apply for a Services SETA Bursary?
There are three categories of applicants:
1. Unemployed Learners
This category is for school leavers or students not currently employed who:
- Are enrolled (or accepted) at a public institution such as a TVET college or university.
- Are pursuing studies related to the services sector.
- Are South African citizens with a valid ID.
- Meet the income requirements for financial need.
2. Employed Learners
This group includes individuals currently working in the services industry who:
- Are registered for further studies to upskill or specialise in their field.
- Have support or endorsement from their employer.
- Need financial aid to complete or further their education.
3. Learners with Disabilities
This category is for disabled learners who:
- Can provide proof of disability.
- Meet academic and institutional requirements.
- Require financial assistance to support their studies.
Fields of Study Funded
The bursary covers a wide range of services-sector-aligned qualifications, including:
- NATED (N4–N6) programmes
- National Certificates (NCV) Levels 2–4
- National Diplomas
- Advanced Diplomas
- Bachelor’s Degrees
- Honours Degrees
- Postgraduate Diplomas
Your qualification must be registered with a public institution and align with the Services SETA sector priorities.
Required Documents
When applying, make sure you have certified copies (not older than 3 months) of the following documents, depending on your category:
For Unemployed Applicants:
- South African ID
- Proof of registration or acceptance at a public TVET college or university
- Academic record or latest results
- Proof of household income (payslips, affidavits, or SASSA proof)
- ID copies of parents/guardians
- Proof of residence
- Motivational letter
Employed Applicants:
- South African ID
- Proof of registration
- Academic record
- Employer recommendation/support letter
- Recent payslip or proof of employment
For Learners with Disabilities:
- Medical certificate or documentation confirming disability
- All documents listed under the applicable employment status
How to Apply for a Services SETA Bursary (2025 Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Visit the Services SETA Website
Go to the official site:
👉 https://www.serviceseta.org.za
Look for the “Learning Programmes” section and click on “Bursaries”. This is where the latest bursary call and details will be posted.
Step 2: Register on the Learner Portal
To apply, you’ll need to create an account on the Services SETA Learner Portal:
👉 https://portal.serviceseta.org.za
Follow these steps:
- Create a learner profile using your email and ID number.
- Upload your certified documents.
- Complete your full personal and academic details.
- Save and continue to the bursary application form.
Step 3: Complete the Online Application Form
Select the relevant bursary stream (unemployed, employed, or disabled). Fill out the required sections and attach your documents.
Be sure to:
- Double-check your details for accuracy.
- Upload clear scanned documents.
- Submit your application before the deadline.
Application Deadlines
The bursary cycle is usually open between January and June each year, depending on funding availability and academic calendars. For 2025, keep an eye on announcements from Services SETA between March and May.
You can monitor updates via:
- https://www.serviceseta.org.za
- https://portal.serviceseta.org.za
- Their official Facebook page: facebook.com/serviceseta
🛑 Important: Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
What Costs Does the Bursary Cover?
The Services SETA bursary may cover:
- Full or partial tuition fees
- Prescribed textbooks and learning materials
- Accommodation (depending on distance and approval)
- Transport and meals (case-by-case basis)
Note: All payments are made directly to the institution, not the student.
Tips to Boost Your Application
Want to improve your chances of being awarded the bursary? Here are some useful tips:
- ✅ Write a compelling motivational letter explaining your background, financial need, and career goals.
- ✅ Ensure all documents are certified and clearly scanned.
- ✅ Apply early to avoid server crashes or delays.
- ✅ Make sure your chosen field of study aligns with the Services SETA focus areas.
- ✅ Double-check that your qualification is from a public institution (not private colleges).
Contact Information for Support
If you need help during the application process, you can reach out to Services SETA using the following contact details:
- Website: www.serviceseta.org.za
- Learner Portal: https://portal.serviceseta.org.za
- Phone: 011 276 9600
- Email: [email protected]
- Facebook: facebook.com/serviceseta
Final Summary
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligible Applicants | Unemployed, employed, and disabled South African learners |
| Study Fields | Services sector fields (HR, business admin, real estate, etc.) |
| Covered Costs | Tuition, books, accommodation, and sometimes meals/transport |
| Application Platform | portal.serviceseta.org.za |
| Closing Date | Varies, typically March to June annually |
| Contact Support | [email protected] / 011 276 9600 |
Conclusion
The Services SETA Bursary is more than just financial support—it’s an opportunity to unlock your career potential in South Africa’s growing services sector. Whether you’re finishing matric, upskilling at work, or navigating life with a disability, this bursary gives you access to real educational pathways.
👉 Start your application today and take a step closer to your future.
Need help crafting your motivational letter or preparing your documents? Just ask—I’m here to help!