Are you a South African student who is out of work but still dreaming of college?
SASSETA has a scholarship that can help you pay for school in 2026. The Unemployed Bursary is a special grant that covers tuition, books, and even a laptop if you need it. It is open only to people who are still living in South Africa and who can’t find a job right now.
What the SASSETA Bursary Is All About
SASSETA, the Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority, is giving this bursary to students who want to study in high‑need subjects. The money is meant to take out the money barrier that stops many people from going to university or a technical college.
You’ll only get the grant if you meet a few clear rules. The deadline is 30 January 2026 at 23:59. After that, any applications will be turned away.
Subjects That Get the Most Attention
If you’re looking to study in a field that the government says is “in demand,” you’ll have a better chance of getting the grant. Some of the popular options are:
- Law – an LLB degree
- STEM – any science, technology, engineering or math program
- Veterinary Science – animal health and care
- Other high‑demand jobs – as listed by the Department of Higher Education and Training
The scholarship is flexible; it can also help students who want to study in other areas if they can prove that those subjects are needed.
How Much Money Will You Receive?
The grant amount depends on the type of school and study method:
| Student type | Maximum support | What it can cover |
|---|---|---|
| Full‑time university or university of technology students | R80 000 | Registration, tuition, books, housing, meals |
| Laptop or tablet | up to R10 000 | Laptop/tablet and a mouse |
| Distance‑learning students | R35 000 | Registration, tuition, books |
| Public TVET college students | R50 000 | Registration, tuition, books, housing, meals |
| Masters or research students | variable | Printing, editing, thesis or dissertation costs |
If you have any outstanding student debt or need extra help, SASSETA might add more money, but only if they have enough funds left.
The scholarship can be paid for each year of your course, plus one extra year. So a three‑year program could be funded for up to four years.
Who Can Apply?
To qualify you need to check all of the boxes below:
- You must be a South African citizen
- You’re between 18 and 35 years old
- You finished high school (Matric)
- You’re starting a course in 2026 in one of the supported subjects
- You’re enrolled or accepted at a public university, university of technology, or public TVET college – private schools only if the course isn’t offered elsewhere
- You’re not working at the moment
- You’re not already getting another SASSETA grant this year
You’ll get priority if:
- Your household earns less than R350 000 a year
- Your household earns between R350 001 and R600 000 a year
- You come from a marginalised community
Before you apply, read and accept the SASSETA Bursary Policy 2025/2026.
Documents You Need to Send
All documents must be clear copies, not older than six months, and the total file size must be under 20 MB. Missing or unclear papers will cost you a rejection.
- Certified copy of your ID
- Certified copy of your Matric certificate or final results
- If you’re already studying, a certified copy of your latest academic record
- Proof you’ve been accepted or registered for a 2026 program (must be on the institution’s letterhead)
- Proof of your household’s income and job situation (affidavit that lists all sources of money)
How to Get Your Application In
Step 1 – Download the Form
You can download the SASSETA Unemployed Bursary Application Form for 2026 from the SASSETA website. It’s a Word document. Fill it out with your personal and educational information.
Step 2 – Send It All Together
Email the completed form and every required document to Bursaries@SASSETA.org.za.
Make sure your subject line reads: SASSETA Bursary 2026
What Happens After You Submit?
The application deadline is 30 January 2026 at 23:59 – any late submissions won’t be accepted.
If you get shortlisted, you’ll hear back within 90 days after the deadline. If you don’t hear anything in that time, it means your application wasn’t successful.
Ready to Take the First Step?
Apply for the SASSETA Discretionary Grant today and give yourself a chance to study the field you love without worrying about money. Don’t miss the deadline – it’s coming fast!