SASSETA Opens Bursaries for 2026

• South Africa’s unemployed youth have just received a powerful opportunity to change their future.
• The Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority (SASSETA) has officially opened Discretionary Grant – Unemployed Bursaries for the 2026/2027 academic year, targeting young people aged 18 to 35 who have been accepted or registered at public tertiary institutions.
• This funding window could be the difference between delaying your studies and finally stepping into a career that matters.

Quick Overview

The Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority (SASSETA) is a statutory body established under the Skills Development Act. It oversees skills development for sectors including:

• Policing and law enforcement
• Legal services
• Corrections and justice
• Defence and security-related services

SASSETA has a strong track record of funding bursaries, learnerships, internships, and discretionary grants, making it a trusted authority in workforce development. This bursary programme follows Bursary Policy Version 6, ensuring transparency, compliance, and fairness in funding decisions

Priority Qualifications

The following fields receive first priority:

• LLB (Bachelor of Laws)
• Veterinary Science
• STEM Qualifications
  (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)

Other High-Demand Qualifications

SASSETA also allocates funding to other qualifications aligned with occupations in high demand, as published by DHET and listed in the official SASSETA advert banner.

Important: You may only apply for qualifications that appear on SASSETA’s official approved list.

You must meet all of the following:

• South African citizen
• Aged 18–35 years
• Unemployed at the time of application
• Registered or accepted for 2026 at a public tertiary institution
• Studying an approved qualification
• Able to provide full supporting documentation

Preference Is Given To:

• Applicants from poor households (≤ R350 000 per year)
• Applicants from the missing middle (R350 000 – R600 000 per year)
• Youth from marginalised communities

Compulsory Documents Checklist

Before you apply, prepare all documents in advance:

1. Certified copy of your South African ID (not older than 6 months)
2. Certified Matric certificate / statement of results / highest qualification
3. Proof of registration or acceptance for 2026
4. Certified copy of parent/guardian ID
5. Affidavit confirming household income and employment status

Missing documents = automatic disqualification.

How to Apply

1. Download and complete the official SASSETA bursary application form from the SASSETA website under Discretionary Grants.
2. Compile all documents into one PDF or email submission.
3. Ensure total attachments do not exceed 20MB.
4. Email your application to:
   bursaries2026@sasseta.org.za
5. Submit before 30 January 2026 at 23:59.

No hand-delivered, couriered, duplicated, or password-protected applications allowed.