Apply for the SASSETA Unemployed Bursary 2026 – Your Chance to Study for Free
If you’re a South African who is not working right now and want to go to university or a TVET college, this is the chance you’ve been looking for. The Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority (SASSETA) is offering a bursary program that can cover most of the costs you’ll face in 2026. Read on to find out who can apply, what the bursary can pay for, and how to submit your application before the deadline.
What the Bursary Is About
SASSETA is inviting unemployed students to apply for a discretionary grant. The money is designed for young people who want to study in fields that are in high demand, like law, STEM subjects, veterinary science, and other occupations highlighted by the Department of Higher Education and Training. The goal is to remove financial obstacles that stop students from enrolling in university or TVET courses.
The Subjects That Are Covered
You’re more likely to win if you study in one of these areas:
- Law (LLB)
- STEM qualifications (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
- Veterinary Science
- Other high‑demand jobs listed by the Department of Higher Education and Training
What the Bursary Will Pay
Full‑time university or university of technology students
- Up to R80,000 for:
- Registration fees
- Tuition fees
- Books
- Accommodation
- Meals
- A laptop or tablet and mouse worth up to R10,000
Distance‑learning students
- Up to R35,000 for:
- Registration fees
- Tuition fees
- Books
Public TVET college students
- Up to R50,000 for:
- Registration fees
- Tuition fees
- Books
- Accommodation
- Meals
Masters or research students
- Funds may be used for research expenses, such as:
- Printing
- Editing
- Thesis or dissertation costs
SASSETA may also give extra money or help with outstanding student debt if they have the funds available.
How Long the Money Will Last
Bursaries can be awarded for a time not longer than the minimum length of your qualification plus one extra year. For example, a three‑year program can receive funding for up to four years.
Who Can Apply
You must meet every of the following conditions:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Be between 18 and 35 years old.
- Have finished high school (Matric).
- Be enrolled or accepted to study in 2026 in one of the listed fields.
- Be registered at a public university, university of technology, or public TVET college. (If a private school is the only place that offers the course, it can still be considered.)
- Be unemployed at the time of application.
- Not be part of another SASSETA program during the current financial year.
- Preference goes to:
- Students from low‑income households (combined yearly income below R350,000).
- Students from middle‑income households (combined yearly income between R350,001 and R600,000).
- Students from marginalised communities.
- Read and agree to the SASSETA Bursary Policy 2025/2026.
What You Need to Submit
Send clear, certified copies of these documents:
- ID (no older than 6 months)
- Matric certificate or final results
- Most recent academic record (if you’re already studying)
- Proof of acceptance or registration for 2026 (letterhead from the institution)
- Proof of household income and employment status, such as an affidavit that lists total household income and all sources
Important rules:
- All documents must be certified and no more than 6 months old.
- The total file size must not exceed 20 MB.
- Missing documents will automatically disqualify your application.
How to Apply
Step 1: Fill Out the Application Form
Download and complete the SASSETA Unemployed Bursary Application Form for 2026 from the SASSETA website:
Download the application form here.
Step 2: Send Your Application
Email the finished form and all supporting documents to Bursaries@SASSETA.org.za. Use the subject line “SASSETA Bursary 2026” so your email is easy to find.
Deadline and Decision Timeline
- Application closing date: 30 January 2026, 23:59.
- Late applications will not be accepted.
- If you are shortlisted, you will be contacted within 90 days after the deadline. If you do not hear back within that time, your application will be considered unsuccessful.
Why This Matters
Getting a bursary from SASSETA can make higher education possible when money is tight. Whether you’re looking to study law, science, or a high‑demand job, this grant covers the biggest costs: tuition, books, and living expenses. It also gives you a handy laptop or tablet so you can study on the go.
If you meet the eligibility criteria and want to avoid paying out of pocket for your future, apply before the deadline. Good luck!