SASSETA Bursary 2026 — The Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority (SASSETA) is inviting students to apply for the Discretionary Grants – Unemployed Bursary for the 2026 academic year. This comprehensive SETA bursary programme provides substantial funding for unemployed students pursuing studies in law, STEM fields, veterinary science, and occupations in high demand, with coverage up to R80,000 for university students including laptops and comprehensive study support.
About SASSETA
The Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority (SASSETA) was formed to facilitate education and training for the South African safety and security industry. SASSETA is committed to facilitating continuous learning and opportunities for skills transfer and development within the safety and security sector.
SASSETA was created through the merger of the Police, Private Security, Legal and Correctional Services SETA (POSLEC SETA) and the Diplomacy, Intelligence, Defence and Trade Education and Training Authority (DIDTETA). As one of 21 SETAs in South Africa, SASSETA creates and manages learnerships, internships, apprenticeships, and skills programmes for its sector.
SASSETA focuses on developing critical skills for South Africa’s safety and security sectors, including law enforcement, private security, legal services, and intelligence fields.
Prefered Fields of Study
- LLB (Bachelor of Laws)
- STEM qualifications (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
- Veterinary Science
- Occupations in High Demand (as per DHET 2024 publication, pages 13-22)
The bursary prioritizes fields that address critical skills shortages in South Africa’s safety, security, and development sectors.
Eligibility Requirements
- South African citizen
- Aged 18 to 35 years
- Completed Matric (Grade 12)
- Studying/registered in preferred fields in 2026
- Registered at accredited public institution
- Currently unemployed
- Not in other SASSETA funded programmes
- Read and agree to SASSETA Bursary Policy
Preference: “Missing middle” (R350k-R600k household) and poor households (
Funding Amounts by Category
- University Full-time: R80,000
- Registration & tuition
- Books, accommodation, meals
- Laptop/tablet + mouse (R10k max)
- Distance Learning: R35,000
- TVET Students: R50,000
- Masters/Research: Research expenses
Additional funding/student debt payment considered based on availability.
How to Apply
Step 1: Download and complete the SASSETA bursary application form
Step 2: Gather all required certified documents (certification not older than 6 months)
Step 3: Email complete application to Bursaries@SASSETA.org.za with subject: “SASSETA Bursary 2026”
⏰ Closing Date: All applications must be submitted by 30 January 2026 at 23:59.
Required Documents
- Completed SASSETA bursary application form
- Certified copy of ID (not older than 6 months)
- Certified Matric certificate/results (not older than 6 months)
- Most recent academic record (if currently studying)
- Proof of acceptance/registration for 2026 (institution letterhead)
- Parents/guardians’ proof of household income and employment status (affidavit)
Important: All documents must be certified within last 6 months. Total file size must not exceed 20MB.
Funding Details by Student Type
| Student Type | Funding Amount | Coverage |
| University Full-time | R80,000 | Registration, tuition, books, accommodation, meals, laptop (R10k) |
| Distance Learning | R35,000 | Registration, tuition, books only |
| TVET Students | R50,000 | Registration, tuition, books, accommodation, meals |
| Masters/Research | Variable | Research expenses, thesis/dissertation costs |
Funding duration: Minimum qualification period + 1 extra year (e.g., 3-year degree = 4 years funding max).
Important Notes
- Bursaries for unemployed students only
- Must not participate in other SASSETA programmes concurrently
- Private institution students may apply only if course not offered at public institutions
- Preference to “missing middle” and poor households
- Additional funding/student debt clearance considered based on availability
- Must read and agree to SASSETA Bursary Policy 2025/2026
- Shortlisted candidates contacted within 90 days after closing
- Email subject must be exactly: “SASSETA Bursary 2026”
- Total document size must not exceed 20 Megabytes
- All certifications must be within last 6 months
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who can apply for the SASSETA bursary?
Unemployed South African citizens aged 18-35 who have completed Matric, are studying preferred fields at accredited institutions, and meet income criteria (preference for “missing middle” and poor households).
2. What fields are preferred?
LLB, STEM qualifications, Veterinary Science, and Occupations in High Demand as per DHET 2024 publication.
3. How much funding is available?
University full-time: R80,000 (including R10k laptop), Distance learning: R35,000, TVET: R50,000, Masters/Research: variable research expenses.
4. How do I apply?
Download application form, complete with required certified documents (within 6 months), and email to Bursaries@SASSETA.org.za by 30 January 2026 at 23:59.
5. What is the “missing middle”?
Households with combined annual income between R350,000.01 and R600,000 who don’t qualify for NSFAS but struggle with tertiary costs.
6. Can employed students apply?
No, this is specifically for unemployed students as part of SASSETA’s Discretionary Grants programme.
7. Are laptops included?
Yes, university full-time students receive an electronic device (laptop or tablet + mouse) up to R10,000 value.
8. How long is funding provided?
Minimum qualification duration plus one extra year (e.g., 3-year degree = maximum 4 years funding).
9. When will I know if shortlisted?
Shortlisted candidates contacted within 90 days after closing date (by end of April 2026).
10. Can I apply from a private institution?
Only if your course is not offered at any public institutions in South Africa. For more SETA bursaries and security sector opportunities, explore our bursaries database or check other SETA opportunities.
Contact Information
- Bursary Application Queries:
Email: Bursaries@SASSETA.org.za
Use subject line: “SASSETA Bursary 2026” - General SASSETA Enquiries:
Email: DG@sasseta.org.za - Policy Document:
SASSETA Bursary Policy 2025/2026
All applicants must read and agree to the SASSETA Bursary Policy terms and conditions before applying.
For more SETA bursaries and 2026 funding opportunities, visit EduFunds.co.za
Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority
Discretionary Grants – Unemployed Bursary Programme
Pretoria, South Africa