- 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
| Item | Details |
| Bursary Type | Discretionary Grant – Unemployed Bursary |
| Target Group | Unemployed South African youth (18–35) |
| Study Year | 2026 Academic Year |
| Institutions | Public Universities & Public Tertiary Institutions |
| Priority Fields | LLB, Veterinary Science, STEM & High-Demand Occupations |
| Application Opens | 14 December 2025 |
| Closing Date | 30 January 2026 at 23:59 |
| Submission Method | Email (single application only) |
| Official Email | bursaries2026@sasseta.org.za |
| Funding Authority | SASSETA |
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:
- Certified copy of your South African ID (not older than 6 months)
- Certified Matric certificate / statement of results / highest qualification
- Proof of registration or acceptance for 2026
- Certified copy of parent/guardian ID
- Affidavit confirming household income and employment status
Missing documents = automatic disqualification.
How to Apply
- Download and complete the official SASSETA bursary application form from the SASSETA website under Discretionary Grants.
- Compile all documents into one PDF or email submission.
- Ensure total attachments do not exceed 20MB.
- Email your application to:
bursaries2026@sasseta.org.za - Submit before 30 January 2026 at 23:59.
No hand-delivered, couriered, duplicated, or password-protected applications allowed.