Services SETA (SSETA) Bursary 2025: Introduction
Services SETA (SSETA) Bursary 2025, If you’re a South African student seeking financial support for your studies, the Services SETA (SSETA) Bursary Programme 2025 could be your golden opportunity. Whether you’re enrolled at a university, TVET college, or private institution, the Services SETA offers full and partial bursaries to help you gain the qualifications needed to succeed in your chosen career.
In this blog post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the SSETA bursary, including eligibility criteria, benefits, application process, and key deadlines. Plus, we’ll include direct application links to make your process easier!
What is the Services SETA (SSETA)?
The Services Sector Education and Training Authority (SSETA) is one of South Africa’s 21 SETAs, established to support skills development in the services sector. This includes industries like business administration, hairdressing, real estate, funeral services, cleaning, and more.
SSETA provides learnerships, internships, and bursaries to unemployed youth and employed learners to close the gap between education and employability.
What is the Services SETA (SSETA) Bursary Programme?
The SSETA Bursary Programme is designed to fund students who are pursuing qualifications that fall under the Services SETA’s occupational qualifications list. The bursary can cover tuition fees, textbooks, accommodation, meals, and transport, depending on individual circumstances and available funding.
There are two main categories of beneficiaries:
- Employed learners: Already working and seeking to improve qualifications.
- Unemployed learners: School-leavers or university students in need of funding.
Who Can Apply?
To qualify for the Services SETA Bursary 2025, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a South African citizen (with a valid SA ID)
- Be currently enrolled or have been accepted at a public university, university of technology, TVET college, or accredited private institution
- Be studying or intending to study an NQF-aligned programme related to the services sector
- Not be currently funded by NSFAS or another bursary (unless partial)
- Demonstrate financial need (especially for unemployed learners)
- Show academic potential or strong performance
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Fields of Study Funded by Services SETA (SSETA) Bursary
SSETA supports a wide range of qualifications in line with the Services Sector Priorities. These include:
- Business Administration
- Marketing & Sales
- Hairdressing & Cosmetology
- Funeral Services
- Cleaning & Hygiene Services
- Project Management
- Real Estate
- Secretarial Services
- Hospitality and Events Management
Note: Only services-sector-related fields will be funded, so ensure your course aligns with the SSETA scope.
What Does the Bursary Cover?
Depending on your category and financial need, the Services SETA bursary may cover:
- Full or partial tuition fees
- Prescribed textbooks
- Accommodation and meals (for students studying away from home)
- Transport allowance
It’s important to note that bursaries are not guaranteed to cover all costs, and coverage depends on annual budget availability.
How to Apply for the Services SETA (SSETA) Bursary 2025
Follow these steps to apply:
Step 1: Prepare Required Documents
Ensure you have certified copies (not older than 3 months) of the following:
- South African ID
- Matric certificate or latest academic results
- Proof of registration or acceptance at a tertiary institution
- Proof of income (payslips or affidavit)
- Motivation letter (why you need funding)
- CV (for employed learners)
Step 2: Access the SSETA Online Portal
Go to the official Services SETA bursary application portal:
🔗 Apply for SSETA Bursary 2025 Here
Note: The application portal is only open during specific windows, so check the site regularly.
Step 3: Complete the Online Application
- Fill in all required fields truthfully
- Upload all supporting documents
- Submit before the deadline
Step 4: Await Communication
Shortlisted applicants will be contacted for further verification or interviews. Keep your phone and email active.
Application Closing Date
The closing date for the 2025 SSETA Bursary applications is usually in the last quarter of 2024 or early 2025, but dates may vary by province or institution.
📢 Bookmark the official SSETA website to stay updated:
🔗 www.serviceseta.org.za
Tips for a Successful Application
- Apply as early as possible to avoid system issues
- Double-check that your course is services-sector aligned
- Ensure documents are certified and legible
- Write a strong motivation letter explaining your goals
- Avoid applying if you already receive a full bursary from another organisation
Why Choose SSETA Funding?
The Services SETA Bursary is more than just financial aid—it’s a stepping stone into the world of work. Many bursary recipients become eligible for learnerships, internships, and even full-time jobs through the Services SETA ecosystem.
This is a great opportunity to:
- Complete your qualification without debt
- Receive career guidance and exposure
- Get connected to future work opportunities
Contact Details
If you have questions about your application or eligibility, contact SSETA directly:
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Call: 011 276 9600
🌐 Website: www.serviceseta.org.za
📍 Physical Address: 15 Sherborne Road, Parktown, Johannesburg
Final Thoughts: Services SETA (SSETA) Bursary 2025
Don’t let finances hold you back from achieving your dreams. With the Services SETA Bursary 2025, you can get the support you need to complete your studies and build a meaningful career in the services sector.
Take the first step by applying today—your future self will thank you!