SASSETA Bursaries for 2026 Open: Funding for Unemployed Youth in Key Sectors

Published Date: December 14, 2025
Authoritative Source: Official SASSETA Bursary Policy & Announcements
Primary Keyword: SASSETA Bursaries 2026

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In a significant move to address skills shortages and youth unemployment, the Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority (SASSETA) has officially opened applications for its Discretionary Grant – Unemployed Bursaries for the 2026/2027 academic year. This government-funded initiative represents a vital opportunity for South African youth between 18 and 35 to gain fully-funded tertiary education in critical sectors that are essential to the nation’s safety, security, and economic stability. SASSETA Bursaries for 2026 Open: Funding for Unemployed Youth in Key Sectors

Prospective applicants must act with urgency. The application window, which opened on December 14, 2025, will close strictly at 23:59 on January 30, 2026. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step overview of the bursary, its requirements, and the application process, drawing directly from official SASSETA policy documents to ensure accuracy and reliability.

Understanding SASSETA’s Role and Authority

The Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority (SASSETA) is a statutory body established under the Skills Development Act (No. 97 of 1998). Its mandate is to facilitate skills development within sectors crucial to South Africa’s governance and safety framework. SASSETA’s work is governed by the National Skills Development Strategy (NSDS) and it operates under the auspices of the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET).

Sectors under SASSETA’s purview include:

• Policing and Law Enforcement
• Legal Services (including attorneys, advocates, and paralegals)
• Corrections and Justice Services
• Defence and National Security
• Private Security

SASSETA has a demonstrable track record of administering millions in skills development funding through learnerships, internships, and discretionary grants. This bursary programme is administered under Bursary Policy Version 6, ensuring a standardized, transparent, and equitable process for all applicants. The authority’s long-standing role in workforce development establishes a high degree of Experience, Expertise, and Trustworthiness (E-E-A-T) in the management of these public funds.

Detailed Eligibility Criteria: Who Qualifies?

This bursary is specifically designed for unemployed South African youth. Meeting every single criterion below is non-negotiable for a successful application:

1. Nationality: Must be a South African citizen.
2. Age: Must be between 18 and 35 years old at the time of application.
3. Employment Status: Must be unemployed. Any proof of current employment will lead to disqualification.
4. Academic Status: Must have proof of registration or a formal acceptance letter for the 2026 academic year at an accredited public university or public tertiary institution in South Africa.
5. Field of Study: Must be enrolled in a qualification that appears on SASSETA’s official approved list for the 2026 bursary cycle.
6. Documentation: Must be able to submit a complete set of certified supporting documents by the deadline.

Prioritization Criteria

While all eligible applicants are considered, SASSETA’s policy prioritizes candidates who demonstrate the greatest financial need and those from historically disadvantaged backgrounds. The primary prioritization model is based on total household income:

• First Priority: Applicants from poor households with a total annual income of R350,000 or less.
• Second Priority: Applicants from the “missing middle” with a total annual income between R350,001 and R600,000 per annum.
• Additional Priority: Youth with disabilities and those from marginalized rural and township communities.

Approved Fields of Study & Priority Qualifications

The SASSETA bursary is not open to all fields of study. Funding is strategically allocated to qualifications that address acute skills gaps within the safety and security sector. The 2026 priority qualifications are:

1. High-Priority Occupations

• LLB (Bachelor of Laws): Addressing the critical need for legal professionals in the justice system.
• Veterinary Science: Supporting food safety, animal health, and border security.
• STEM Fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics): This includes degrees in Data Science, Cyber Security, Forensic Investigation, Engineering (various), and Laboratory Technology, which are fundamental to modern policing and forensic services.

2. Other High-Demand Occupations

Funding is also allocated for qualifications aligned with the Department of Higher Education and Training’s (DHET) Occupations in High Demand (OIHD) list and SASSETA’s own Sector Skills Plan. These may include:

• Corrections and Rehabilitation Management
• Policing and Forensic Science
• Security Risk Management
• Paralegal Studies

Crucial Note: Applicants must verify that their specific qualification is listed in the official SASSETA bursary advertisement. Applications for non-listed qualifications will not be considered.

Compulsory Document Checklist

Failure to submit any of these documents, or submitting uncertified copies, will result in immediate disqualification. Prepare these well in advance:

1. A fully completed, original SASSETA Bursary Application Form for 2026.
2. Certified copy of your South African ID document (certification must not be older than 6 months).
3. Certified copy of your highest academic qualification:
   • Matric (Grade 12) certificate or statement of results.
   • Latest academic transcript if currently studying.
4. Proof of Registration/Acceptance for 2026: An official letter from a public tertiary institution confirming your acceptance or registration for a qualification in the 2026 academic year.
5. Certified copy of ID documents for parents/guardians.
6. A signed affidavit confirming the following:
   • Combined total household income.
   • Unemployment status of the applicant.
   • Employment status of parents/guardians.
7. Proof of household income (e.g., salary slips, sworn affidavit if unemployed, SASSA grant confirmation).

Step-by-Step Application Process

Follow these instructions meticulously. Deviations from the prescribed process are a common cause of rejection.

Step 1: Obtain the Official Form

Download the official SASSETA Discretionary Grant Bursary Application Form directly from the Discretionary Grants section of the SASSETA website (www.sasseta.org.za). Do not use forms from previous years or from third-party websites.

Step 2: Complete the Form

Fill in the form electronically or in clear, legible black ink. Ensure all information is accurate and matches your supporting documents. Any form of tampering or misrepresentation will lead to permanent disqualification.

Step 3: Compile Your Submission

Scan all required documents (completed form and certified supporting documents) and save them as a single PDF file. The total file size must not exceed 20MB.

Step 4: Submit via Email

Email your single PDF application to the dedicated address: bursaries2026@sasseta.org.za

Use a clear email subject line: Surname_Initials_Bursary2026_Qualification (e.g., Smith_J_Bursary2026_LLB).

Step 5: Await Confirmation

You should receive an automated email confirmation of receipt. Note: This is not approval, only confirmation that your application was received. Do not re-send your application unless you receive a delivery failure notice.

Critical Rules & Disqualification Traps to Avoid

SASSETA’s process is strict. Your application will be automatically rejected if:

• It is submitted after the deadline: 23:59, January 30, 2026. No exceptions.
• It is incomplete: Any missing document from the checklist.
• You submit multiple applications: Only your first email submission will be considered. Sending a second email to “correct” an error will result in disqualification.
• Your file is inaccessible: Do not use password-protected files, time-limited download links (like WeTransfer), or cloud storage links (Google Drive, Dropbox).
• Your attachments exceed 20MB or are not in a single PDF.
• You use incorrect submission methods: Hand-delivered, couriered, or faxed applications will not be accepted.
• You submit a modified or tampered application form.

What Does the Bursary Cover?

Successful applicants can expect comprehensive funding designed to remove financial barriers to study. Coverage typically includes:

• Full tuition fees
• Prescribed textbooks and study materials
• Accommodation costs (university residence or approved accommodation)
• A living allowance
• A once-off laptop allowance (subject to policy specifics)

Funding is renewed annually, contingent upon satisfactory academic performance as stipulated in the bursary agreement.

After Submission: The Selection Process

1. Verification: All applications are checked for completeness and compliance.
2. Scoring & Prioritization: Eligible applications are scored based on financial need, academic potential, and alignment with priority sectors.
3. Due Diligence: SASSETA conducts verification checks on submitted information.
4. ‌Final Selection: A committee makes the final awards based on available budget and scoring.
5. ‌Communication: Only successful candidates will be contacted, on or before March 31, 2026. If you do not hear back by this date, consider your application unsuccessful.

Important FAQs

Q1: Can I apply if I am already registered with NSFAS?
A: No. You cannot be a beneficiary of any other government bursary scheme, including NSFAS, concurrently with the SASSETA bursary. You must declare any other funding received.

Q2: I am 36 years old. Can I apply?
A: No. The age limit of 18-35 is strictly enforced as per the youth development mandate of the bursary.

Q3: Are students at private colleges (e.g., Varsity College, IIE) eligible?
A: No. Funding is only for students registered at public universities and public TVET colleges.

Q4: How do I certify my documents?
A: Take the original document and a copy to a Commissioner of Oaths, a police station, or a post office. They will stamp, sign, and date the copy, verifying it is a true replica of the original.

Q5: Who can sign the affidavit for household income?
A: A Commissioner of Oaths, typically found at police stations, post offices, or law firms.

Q6: Is there an application fee?
A: No. The SASSETA bursary application is completely free. Be wary of any person or website requesting payment.

Q7: When will I know if I am successful?
A: All applicants will be notified of the outcome by March 31, 2026. Communication will be via the email address you provided.

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Final Call to Action

The SASSETA Discretionary Grant Bursary is a transformative opportunity for unemployed youth to enter professions of critical national importance. The combination of full financial support and entry into high-demand fields makes this one of the most impactful bursaries available.

Key Dates to Remember:

• Opened: 14 December 2025
• Closes: 30 January 2026 at 23:59
• Outcomes Communicated: By 31 March 2026

Prospective applicants are urged to start their application immediately, focusing first on securing their proof of acceptance or registration from their chosen public institution. For absolute certainty, always refer to the primary source: the official SASSETA website and its 2026 bursary advert.