SETA Grant Application for funding through a Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) can help South African businesses, training providers, and institutions access financial support for accredited training programmes. However, success depends largely on meeting all the SETA application requirements, especially when it comes to submitting the correct documentation.
In this guide, we provide a detailed checklist of documents for SETA grant applications, whether you’re applying for a mandatory grant or a discretionary grant.
Why Documentation Matters in SETA Applications
SETA grant applications are competitive and compliance-driven. If your documents are incomplete, outdated, or inconsistent, your application will likely be rejected—even if your proposal is strong.
Proper documentation shows that:
- You’re a legally compliant organisation
- You understand SETA systems and expectations
- You have the infrastructure to deliver effective training
Ensuring that your documentation is complete and accurate significantly improves your chances of approval and funding.
Types of SETA Grants and Documentation Differences
Before reviewing the document list, it’s important to understand which type of grant you’re applying for:
1. Mandatory Grants
- Reimburse 20% of the Skills Development Levy (SDL)
- Require annual submission of training plans and reports
- Only for levy-paying employers registered with SARS
2. Discretionary Grants
- Support strategic programmes like learnerships, internships, bursaries
- Open to a wider range of applicants, including SMEs and non-profits
- Require a formal project proposal and additional documents
Each type has its own SETA application requirements, but many documents overlap.
General Documents for SETA Grant Applications
The following documents are commonly required for both mandatory and discretionary grants:
✅ 1. Company Registration Documents
Proof of legal existence is essential. Submit:
- CIPC registration certificate (CK/CM)
- Company profile (optional but recommended)
✅ 2. SARS Tax Clearance Certificate or PIN
You must prove that your tax affairs are in order. Acceptable documents include:
- SARS Tax Clearance Certificate (valid)
- SARS PIN for online verification
Ensure the certificate is valid at the time of submission.
✅ 3. Skills Development Levy (SDL) Proof
For mandatory grant applications:
- SDL registration number
- SARS EMP201 returns (to prove payment)
Your business must be SDL-compliant to qualify.
✅ 4. Proof of SETA Registration
Most SETAs require proof that you’re registered with them. This may include:
- SETA registration confirmation
- Industry classification (SIC code)
Check that you’re affiliated with the correct SETA based on your primary business activity.
✅ 5. BBBEE Certificate or Affidavit
Although not always compulsory, this can strengthen your application, especially for discretionary grants. Options include:
- BBBEE Certificate (for medium to large companies)
- BBBEE Affidavit (for exempt micro-enterprises and qualifying small entities)
✅ 6. Proof of Banking Details
This confirms that your organisation has an active, legitimate account to receive funding. Required documents:
- Cancelled cheque
- Bank-stamped confirmation letter (not older than 3 months)
✅ 7. Valid ID Documents (if individual applicant or NPO)
If the application is on behalf of an individual, NPO, or cooperative, submit:
- Certified copies of ID documents (directors/trustees)
- ID of applicant (if learner-based grant)
Documents Specific to Mandatory Grant Applications
If you are applying for a mandatory grant, you must also prepare:
✅ 8. Workplace Skills Plan (WSP)
This outlines the training your company plans to conduct in the current year. It should include:
- Training needs by occupational level
- Planned interventions
- Number of employees to be trained
✅ 9. Annual Training Report (ATR)
The ATR provides evidence of training conducted in the previous year. Required details include:
- Number of learners trained
- Type of training completed
- Training outcomes and attendance records
✅ 10. Proof of SDF Registration
Your appointed Skills Development Facilitator (SDF) must be registered with your SETA. Submit:
- SDF registration confirmation or profile
- SDF appointment letter (optional but helpful)
Documents Specific to Discretionary Grant Applications
For discretionary grants, the documentation is slightly more involved and focuses on the training proposal.
✅ 11. Training Proposal or Project Plan
This outlines your intended programme, including:
- Type of programme (learnership, skills programme, internship, etc.)
- Number of learners and target groups
- Duration, location, and training outcomes
- Implementation strategy and milestones
Your proposal should align with your SETA’s Sector Skills Plan (SSP) and national development goals.
✅ 12. Accredited Training Provider Certificate (if applicable)
If you’re a training provider or partnering with one, include:
- Accreditation letter from the relevant SETA or QCTO
- Scope of accreditation
This is essential if you are delivering formal training.
✅ 13. Learner ID Documents and Contracts (for learnerships)
If you’re applying for learnership funding, SETAs often require:
- Certified ID copies of learners
- Signed learner agreements or contracts
- Proof of learner unemployment status (for unemployed grants)
✅ 14. MOUs or Partnership Agreements
If your programme involves multiple parties (e.g., employer + training provider), include:
- Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
- Service Level Agreement (SLA)
- Host employer contracts
This demonstrates clear roles and delivery capacity.
Helpful Extras to Strengthen Your Application
While not always compulsory, these additional items can boost your credibility:
- Company organogram
- Past performance reports (if you’ve received funding before)
- Testimonials from previous learners or partners
- Proof of physical infrastructure or training venue
- Evidence of alignment with scarce or critical skills
Common Reasons for Rejection Due to Documentation
Avoid these frequent errors:
- Submitting expired tax clearance or BBBEE certificates
- Omitting key forms like WSP/ATR for mandatory grants
- Applying under the wrong SETA
- Providing inconsistent information across documents
- Submitting unsigned learner contracts
Double-check your checklist before submitting.
Conclusion
Meeting the SETA application requirements starts with assembling the right documentation. Whether you’re applying for a mandatory grant to recoup training costs or submitting a proposal for discretionary funding, having complete, accurate, and up-to-date documents is the foundation of a successful application.
By preparing early and understanding the specific documents for SETA grant applications, you can unlock valuable funding to grow your workforce, empower learners, and contribute to national skills development.