The Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority (HWSETA) has just opened a new funding program called the HWSETA Bursary Programme for Unemployed Persons with Disabilities (2025–2026). If you are a student with a disability who wants to study in health, welfare, social work or veterinary subjects, this is a chance to get the money you need to finish your course. The full money can cover not only your tuition but also books, a place to live, a travel pass, and any special tools that help you study. You can earn up to R240 000 in this bursary, and the deadline to apply is 13 February 2026.
Why This Bursary Is Different
Most scholarships only pay for school fees, but this one looks at everything that matters for a student with a disability. It will pay for:
- Tuition fees
- A place to live while you study
- Books you need for your course
- A small allowance to help you cover daily living costs
- Extra money to buy assistive devices, travel tickets, or any other equipment that makes learning easier
Because the program covers all of these, it removes a lot of the everyday obstacles that keep many people from studying. It also helps students get a full, balanced experience in school.
Who Can Apply
- Unemployed people with a disability who want to study in any of the health, welfare, social or veterinary fields.
- Students who will start a course in the 2025 or 2026 academic year.
- The program is open for both undergraduate (NQF Level 5–8) and postgraduate research (NQF Level 8–10) learners.
Undergraduate Levels
- Higher Certificate (Level 5)
- Diploma (Level 6)
- Advanced Diploma (Level 7)
- Degree (Levels 7–8)
Postgraduate Levels
- Honours
- Masters
- Doctorate (PhD)
Study Areas Covered
The scholarship is aimed at a wide range of health and welfare subjects, including:
- Nursing
- Public Health
- Social Work
- Psychology
- Occupational Therapy
- Physiotherapy
- Speech Therapy
- Radiography
- Pharmacy
- Medicine
- Veterinary Science
- Community Development
If your course is in any of these areas, you may be a good fit.
How to Apply
The process is a little different from normal bursaries because students do not apply directly to HWSETA.
- Check your course – Make sure it is one of the allowed subjects.
- Get a disability confirmation letter – Ask a registered health practitioner to write a letter that proves you have a disability.
- Talk to your school’s Financial Aid Office – Ask if your institution is applying for the HWSETA bursary. If yes, ask if they can add you to the application.
- Send your documents – You must give all required papers to your school’s bursary office. They will then send the full application to HWSETA.
Remember: the institution does the final step by emailing the application to HWSETA before 13 February 2026. Late applications won’t be considered.
What Schools Need to Do
If you are a university or a nursing college, you must:
- Be registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET).
- If you are a private school, show proof that you are accredited.
- Email your application to Unemployedbursaries@hwseta.org.za by 13 February 2026.
Include all documents that the bursary needs. The more complete you are, the higher the chance your application will be accepted.
Why This Matters
For many students with disabilities, the real cost of education isn’t just the school fees. Transport, accommodation, and special equipment can be huge expenses. The HWSETA bursary tackles these costs head‑on and lets you focus on your studies without financial worry.
If you meet the eligibility rules, act fast. Start talking to your Financial Aid Office now and avoid waiting until the last week. The chance to get this full support is only open until 13 February 2026.
Want to find out more about the bursary? Check the HWSETA homepage for details. If you think you qualify, Apply Now by contacting your school’s financial aid office. Good luck!