W&RSETA has opened 2026 bursary applications for continuing unemployed students funded in 2025. TVET colleges and universities must apply before 30 May 2026. Contact provincial offices for support.
W&RSETA Opens 2026 Bursary Funding Applications for Continuing Students
The Wholesale and Retail Sector Education and Training Authority (W&RSETA) has officially opened its 2026 Bursary Scheme for unemployed students who previously received funding during the 2025 academic year.
The funding initiative is aimed at helping continuing students complete their qualifications at public and private TVET colleges and Higher Education and Training (HET) institutions across South Africa. Institutions and bursary administrators are now encouraged to submit applications before the closing date on 30 May 2026.
The bursary programme continues to play an important role in supporting unemployed youth who require financial assistance to continue their studies and improve their future employment prospects.
Funding Opportunity for Continuing Bursars
According to W&RSETA, the 2026 funding window is only available to students who were funded during the 2025 academic year and are continuing with their studies in 2026.
Eligible students include:
- Students who received W&RSETA funding in 2025 and are currently enrolled for the 2026 academic year
- Students who began their studies during the second semester of 2025 and will continue into the second semester of 2026
The SETA noted that funding confirmation for second-semester continuing students will depend on the submission of academic results.
This initiative aims to prevent academically progressing students from dropping out due to financial difficulties while strengthening skills development within South Africa’s wholesale and retail sectors.
Individual Students Cannot Apply Directly
W&RSETA clarified that applications from individual students will not be accepted.
Instead, all applications must be submitted online by:
- TVET colleges
- Universities and HET institutions
- Bursary administrators
- Retail Chairs
- W&RSETA levy-paying entities
These institutions must already have had Memorandums of Agreement (MOAs) with W&RSETA during the 2025 academic year.
Applications must be completed through the stakeholder portal available on the W&RSETA website. Institutions are required to select the 2026 Unemployed Continuing Bursary Project during the application process.
Required Supporting Documents
Institutions applying for continued bursary funding must upload several supporting documents as part of their submissions.
The required documents include:
- Previous MOA signed with W&RSETA
- List of students funded during the 2025 academic year
- Student academic results
- Continuing status confirmations
- Reconciliation of bursary funds disbursed in 2025
Successful institutions will later be required to submit:
- Statements of fees
- Statements of results for each student
These documents will help confirm bursary allocations before contracts and payments are finalized.
Important Dates for the 2026 Bursary Scheme
W&RSETA has confirmed the following important dates for the bursary process:
- Applications Opened: May 2026
- Closing Date: 30 May 2026
- Award Letters Issued: By 30 June 2026
Institutions are encouraged to submit applications early to avoid delays or technical issues before the closing date.
How Funding Will Be Processed
Successful institutions will receive Award Letters generated through the W&RSETA Management Information System (MIS).
Once institutions accept the Award Letters, they will need to complete bursar registrations within the specified timelines.
Contracts between W&RSETA and funded institutions will only be concluded after bursar registrations are approved on the MIS platform.
Funding allocations for 2026 will remain aligned with the rates agreed upon in the original contracts signed during the 2025 funding cycle.
Payments will then be processed after institutions submit compliant grant claim forms and invoices.
W&RSETA Continues Supporting Student Development
As one of South Africa’s sector education and training authorities, W&RSETA continues investing in skills development and education opportunities for unemployed youth.
The bursary scheme is designed to improve qualification completion rates while helping students access better career opportunities in the wholesale and retail sectors.
With rising education costs placing pressure on many households, bursary funding remains an important lifeline for students pursuing technical and higher education qualifications.
By focusing on continuing bursars, the SETA aims to ensure that students already progressing academically are able to complete their studies successfully.
Provincial Offices Available for Assistance
Institutions requiring assistance with MIS access or application submissions can contact their nearest W&RSETA provincial office.
Provincial Contact Details
- Eastern Cape: [email protected]
- Western Cape: [email protected]
- KwaZulu-Natal: [email protected]
- Gauteng North: [email protected]
- Gauteng South & North West: [email protected]
- Limpopo & Mpumalanga: [email protected]
- Free State & Northern Cape: [email protected]
Institutions are encouraged to seek support early if they experience technical challenges during the application process.
Final Reminder Before the Deadline
With the closing date set for 30 May 2026, institutions and bursary administrators are urged to prepare and submit applications as soon as possible.
The W&RSETA 2026 Continuing Bursary Scheme remains a valuable opportunity for unemployed South African students to continue their education journey with financial support while developing skills needed for future employment opportunities.
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