HWSETA Bursaries for Unemployed Learners (via Universities and Nursing Colleges)

• Disability bursaries: up to R240 000 per learner, covering tuition, accommodation, books, living allowance and disability-related costs such as assistive devices and transport.
• Postgraduate research bursaries: up to R100 000 per learner.
• A 3% project management fee is included in the budget, based on the number of learners awarded to each institution.

• Both 2025-2026 calls carry the closing date 06 February 2026 in their titles.
• The disability call body text gives 13 February 2026, and HWSETA replies on the page mention 20 February 2026 and that funding closed on 13 February 2026.

1. Students contact their university, university of technology or nursing college about the HWSETA bursary.
2. The institution completes the application form (Excel) and the Applicant Details Form (Word).
3. The institution emails the application with all attachments to [email protected] before the closing date. See the HWSETA call.
4. HWSETA evaluates and gives feedback to the institution, which informs the beneficiaries.

• Bursaries for Unemployed Persons with Disabilities application form (Excel), or the Postgraduate Research application form (Excel).
• Applicant Details Form (Word).
• Medical letter from a registered health practitioner confirming the disability (disability call).
• Proof of WSP submission to the ETDPSETA (postgraduate call).
• Proof of accreditation for private institutions.

Applications go through an evaluation and valuation process and HWSETA then gives feedback to the institutions, which inform the beneficiaries. HWSETA may withdraw approval if the information supplied is untrue or incorrect, the employer does not meet HWSETA requirements, or the organisation's registration lapses.