CHIETA Bursary Programme 2026 — The Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority (CHIETA) invites applications from unemployed South African youth who have been accepted at accredited public tertiary institutions for the 2026 academic year. The bursary supports deserving students with academic potential and financial need who are pursuing qualifications aligned to the chemical and related sectors, with priority given to Chemical Engineering programmes and high-demand occupations identified in the CHIETA Sector Skills Plan.
About CHIETA
The Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority (CHIETA) invites applications from unemployed South African youth who have been accepted at an accredited public tertiary institution in South Africa. The bursary grant is intended to support deserving students who demonstrate academic potential and financial need, and who are pursuing qualifications aligned to the chemical and related sectors.
Bursary Value: Up to R76,000 per annum for undergraduate studies (based on official statement of account) • Application Period: 30 January – 27 February 2026 • Priority: Chemical Engineering and high-demand occupations
CHIETA Sub-Sectors
Bursaries will be considered for studies aligned to the following CHIETA sub-sectors:
- Petroleum
- Base Chemicals
- Glass
- Explosives
- Fertilisers
- Pharmaceuticals
- Fast Moving Consumer Goods
- Speciality Chemicals
- Surface Coatings
Priority: Preference will be given to applicants accepted to study Chemical Engineering programmes and qualifications aligned with occupations in high demand, as identified in the CHIETA Sector Skills Plan (SSP).
Eligibility Criteria for CHIETA Bursary Programme 2026
- South African citizen
- Between the ages of 16 and 35
- Recently completed Grade 12 (Matric) with Mathematics and Physical Science
- Minimum overall average of 75% in Grade 12 (Matric)
- Accepted into an undergraduate qualification at an accredited public tertiary institution or TVET college in South Africa for the 2026 academic year
Financial Need: Preference given to applicants from households with annual income below R350,000, as well as “missing middle” category (household income between R350,000 and R600,000 per annum).
Bursary Value
- Tuition fees covered based on official statement of account
- Maximum of R76,000 per annum for undergraduate studies
- Funding for 2026 academic year only (reapplication may be required for subsequent years)
CHIETA reserves the right to determine the number of bursary allocations based on total available budget. Applications approved at CHIETA’s discretion.
Required Documentation for CHIETA Bursary Programme 2026
- Complete online bursary application form at https://ims.chieta.org.za
- Certified copy of South African Identity Document (not older than 6 months)
- Certified copy of final Grade 12 (Matric) results or highest qualification
- Certified proof of registration from public tertiary institution (prior to contract signing, if awarded bursary) – not older than 6 months
- Most recent proof of household income
- Certified copies of parents’ or guardian’s identity documents (not older than 6 months)
Document Requirements: All certifications must be within the last 6 months. Ensure all documents are uploaded correctly in the online application system.
How to Apply for CHIETA Bursary Programme 2026
Application Method: Online submission only via the CHIETA bursary portal.
Application Period: 30 January 2026 – 27 February 2026 at 15:00
⏰ Closing Date: 27 February 2026 at 15:00 (late applications not considered)
Applicants who have not received feedback by 30 April 2026 should consider their applications unsuccessful.
Programme Details
- Organisation: Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority (CHIETA)
- Academic Year: 2026
- Target Group: Unemployed South African youth
- Age Range: 16-35 years
- Study Level: Undergraduate qualifications at accredited public tertiary institutions or TVET colleges
- Academic Requirement: 75%+ average in Grade 12 with Mathematics and Physical Science
- Bursary Value: Up to R76,000 per annum (tuition only)
- Priority Sectors: Chemical Engineering, high-demand occupations per CHIETA SSP
- Application Period: 30 Jan – 27 Feb 2026
- Feedback Deadline: 30 April 2026
CHIETA reserves the right to determine bursary allocations based on available budget. Applications approved at CHIETA’s discretion.
Contact Information
- Contact Person: Ms Dinky Dlamini
- Telephone: 087 357 6623
- Email: Bursary@chieta.org.za
- Online Application: https://ims.chieta.org.za
For any queries related to this bursary programme, please contact CHIETA directly using the details above.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the CHIETA Bursary Programme?
A bursary programme by the Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority supporting unemployed South African youth accepted at accredited public tertiary institutions for 2026, pursuing qualifications aligned to chemical and related sectors. Covers tuition up to R76,000 per annum, with priority for Chemical Engineering and high-demand occupations per the CHIETA Sector Skills Plan.
2. Who is eligible to apply?
South African citizens aged 16-35 who recently completed Matric with Mathematics and Physical Science, achieved 75%+ average, and have been accepted for undergraduate study at accredited public tertiary institutions or TVET colleges for 2026. Preference for household income below R350,000 or “missing middle” (R350,000-R600,000).
3. What sub-sectors are covered?
Petroleum, Base Chemicals, Glass, Explosives, Fertilisers, Pharmaceuticals, Fast Moving Consumer Goods, Speciality Chemicals, and Surface Coatings. Priority given to Chemical Engineering programmes and qualifications aligned with high-demand occupations in the CHIETA Sector Skills Plan.
4. How much is the bursary worth?
Up to R76,000 per annum for undergraduate studies, covering tuition fees based on the official statement of account. Funding is for the 2026 academic year only.
5. How do I apply?
Apply online at https://ims.chieta.org.za between 30 January and 27 February 2026 (15:00 deadline). Upload certified ID, Matric results, proof of registration (if awarded), proof of household income, and certified parents’/guardians’ ID documents (all certified within 6 months).
6. What are the document requirements?
Certified ID (not older than 6 months), certified Grade 12 results, certified proof of registration (if awarded), proof of household income, certified parents’/guardians’ ID documents. All certifications must be within 6 months of application.
7. When will I know if my application is successful?
If you have not received feedback by 30 April 2026, please consider your application unsuccessful. CHIETA reserves the right to determine allocations based on available budget.
8. What is the “missing middle” category?
Households with annual income between R350,000 and R600,000. Preference is given to applicants from these households along with those below R350,000 income threshold.
9. Can I apply if I’m already studying?
The programme specifies “recently completed Grade 12” applicants. Current students should check if they meet this requirement or look for other CHIETA funding opportunities for continuing students.
10. Who should I contact with questions?
Contact Ms Dinky Dlamini at 087 357 6623 or Bursary@chieta.org.za. For more chemical industry bursaries, explore our engineering bursaries database or check SETA bursaries.
For more SETA and engineering bursaries, visit EduFunds.co.za
Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority
CHIETA Bursary Programme 2026
Developing Skills for the Chemical Sector