The Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) system is the primary engine driving vocational training and academic funding in South Africa. Established through the Skills Development Act of 1998, these 21 statutory bodies are tasked with managing the Skills Development Levy (SDL) to eliminate the “skills gap” that hinders economic growth.
For students, the SETA landscape is more than just a bureaucratic structure; it is a massive repository of financial aid. Unlike the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), which provides general funding based on financial need, SETA bursaries are industry-specific. They target “Scarce and Critical Skills”, professions where South Africa has a shortage of qualified personnel.
The Strategic Role of SETAs in the South African Economy
Each SETA serves as a bridge between the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and the private sector. Their core mission is to transform the labor market by ensuring that training aligns with the actual needs of employers.
1. Skills Development Planning
Every year, each SETA must submit a Sector Skills Plan (SSP) to the DHET. This document identifies which jobs are in high demand and where the labor market is failing. By funding students in these specific areas, SETAs ensure that graduates do not end up unemployed, but rather enter industries that are desperate for their expertise.
2. Quality Assurance and Accreditation
SETAs are responsible for the quality of training provided by private and public institutions. They accredit training providers to ensure that the certifications students receive are recognized by employers nationwide. This maintains the integrity of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).
3. Funding and Levy Management
Every employer in South Africa with an annual payroll exceeding R500,000 must pay a 1% Skills Development Levy. SETAs collect this money and redistribute it in two ways:
- Mandatory Grants: Paid back to employers who train their own staff.
- Discretionary Grants: Used to fund bursaries for unemployed youth, learnerships, and internships.
Why SETAs Invest Heavily in Higher Education
The desire for SETAs to fund higher education is rooted in economic survival. South Africa’s transition into a digital and industrialized economy requires specialized knowledge in fields like data science, renewable energy, and advanced engineering.
SETAs prioritize funding for:
- Public Universities and TVET Colleges: They focus on students enrolled in state-run institutions to strengthen the public education system.
- Post-Graduate Research: Many SETAs now fund Masters and PhD students whose research can solve industry-specific problems, such as water purification (EWSETA) or mining safety (MQA).
- Work-Integrated Learning (WIL): A unique feature of SETA funding is the requirement for practical exposure. Many bursaries include a path to an internship, ensuring the student is work-ready upon graduation.
Detailed Directory of all 21 SETAs and Their Bursary Offerings
Every SETA in South Africa offers bursary programs. While the application portals open at different times—mostly between September and January—the following list details the industry focus and contact information for each.
1. AgriSETA (Agriculture)
AgriSETA manages skills in the agricultural sector, covering everything from crop production to horticulture.
- Bursary Focus: Agricultural Science, Veterinary Science, Bio-technology.
- Website: agriseta.co.za
- Contact: 012 301 5600 | info@agriseta.co.za
- Address: 529 Belvedere St, Arcadia, Pretoria.
2. BANKSETA (Banking)
Focuses on the financial sector, banking, and micro-finance.
- Bursary Focus: Accounting, IT, Actuarial Science, Data Analytics.
- Website: bankseta.org.za
- Contact: 011 805 9661 | info@bankseta.org.za
3. CATHSSETA (Tourism and Arts)
Covers Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality, and Sport.
- Bursary Focus: Event Management, Hospitality, Travel and Tourism, Conservation.
- Website: cathsseta.org.za
- Contact: 011 214 4400 | info@cathsseta.org.za
4. CETA (Construction)
Responsible for the built environment and infrastructure.
- Bursary Focus: Civil Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Architecture, Construction Management.
- Website: ceta.org.za
- Contact: 011 265 5900 | info@ceta.co.za
5. CHIETA (Chemical Industries)
Focuses on the chemical, pharmaceutical, and energy sectors.
- Bursary Focus: Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Pharmacy, Environmental Health.
- Website: chieta.org.za
- Contact: 011 628 7000 | info@chieta.org.za
6. ETDP SETA (Education)
Manages the education, training, and development practices sector.
- Bursary Focus: B.Ed (Foundation Phase), Mathematics and Science teaching, Special Needs Education.
- Website: etdpseta.org.za
- Contact: 011 372 3300 | info@etdpseta.org.za
7. EWSETA (Energy and Water)
Handles the critical energy and water infrastructure sectors.
- Bursary Focus: Electrical Engineering, Water Management, Renewable Energy, Hydrology.
- Website: ewseta.org.za
- Contact: 011 274 4700 | info@ewseta.org.za
8. FASSET (Finance and Accounting)
Focuses on the Finance, Accounting, and Management Consulting sector.
- Bursary Focus: BCom Accounting, Auditing, Taxation, Finance.
- Website: fasset.org.za
- Contact: 011 476 8570 | fassetcallcentre@fasset.org.za
9. FoodBev SETA (Food and Beverage)
Manages the food and beverage manufacturing industry.
- Bursary Focus: Food Technology, Mechanical Engineering (Food Packaging), Microbiology.
- Website: foodbev.co.za
- Contact: 011 253 7300 | info@foodbev.co.za
10. FP&M SETA (Fibre Processing and Manufacturing)
Covers clothing, textiles, wood, and printing.
- Bursary Focus: Textile Technology, Clothing Management, Graphic Design (Printing focus).
- Website: fpmseta.org.za
- Contact: 011 403 1700 | info@fpmseta.org.za
11. HWSETA (Health and Welfare)
Responsible for the health and social services sector.
- Bursary Focus: Nursing, Social Work, Medical degrees, Psychology.
- Website: hwseta.org.za
- Contact: 011 607 6900 | info@hwseta.org.za
12. INSETA (Insurance)
Focuses on the insurance and risk management industry.
- Bursary Focus: Risk Management, Law, Actuarial Science, Financial Planning.
- Website: inseta.org.za
- Contact: 011 381 8900 | info@inseta.org.za
13. LGSETA (Local Government)
Manages the skills of municipal and local government workers.
- Bursary Focus: Public Administration, Town Planning, Municipal Finance.
- Website: lgseta.org.za
- Contact: 011 456 8579 | info@lgseta.org.za
14. merSETA (Engineering and Manufacturing)
Covers the manufacturing, engineering, and automotive sectors.
- Bursary Focus: Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Metallurgy.
- Website: merseta.org.za
- Contact: 010 219 3000 | recruitment@merseta.org.za
15. MICT SETA (Information Technology)
Focuses on Media, Information, and Communication Technologies.
- Bursary Focus: Software Engineering, Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, Film and TV.
- Website: mict.org.za
- Contact: 011 207 2600 | info@mict.org.za
16. MQA (Mining)
Responsible for the mining and minerals sector.
- Bursary Focus: Mining Engineering, Geology, Mine Surveying, Rock Engineering.
- Website: mqa.org.za
- Contact: 011 547 2600 | info@mqa.org.za
17. PSETA (Public Service)
Manages skills for the national and provincial government departments.
- Bursary Focus: Public Management, Human Resources, Government Law.
- Website: pseta.org.za
- Contact: 012 423 5700 | info@pseta.org.za
18. SASSETA (Safety and Security)
Covers policing, corrections, and private security.
- Bursary Focus: Law, Criminology, Forensic Science, Security Management.
- Website: sasseta.org.za
- Contact: 011 087 5500 | callcentre@sasseta.org.za
19. Services SETA (General Services)
Covers a wide range of services including beauty, cleaning, and real estate.
- Bursary Focus: Business Management, Marketing, Project Management, Real Estate.
- Website: serviceseta.org.za
- Contact: 011 276 9600 | info@serviceseta.org.za
20. TETA (Transport)
Handles aviation, maritime, rail, and road transport.
- Bursary Focus: Pilot training, Maritime Law, Logistics, Supply Chain Management.
- Website: teta.org.za
- Contact: 011 577 7000 | info@teta.org.za
21. W&RSETA (Wholesale and Retail)
Manages skills for the vast wholesale and retail sector.
- Bursary Focus: Retail Management, Supply Chain, Logistics, Purchasing.
- Website: wrseta.org.za
- Contact: 012 622 9500 | wrseta@wrseta.org.za
How to Successfully Apply for a SETA Bursary
The application process for SETA funding is rigorous. Because these bodies are managing public funds, they require extensive documentation.
Step 1: Identify the Right SETA
Do not apply to multiple SETAs for the same degree unless your degree spans sectors. For example, if you are studying Computer Science, the MICT SETA is your primary target. If you are studying Chemistry for the pharmaceutical industry, CHIETA is your best bet.
Step 2: Prepare Your Portfolio
Most SETAs require the following certified documents:
- South African Identity Document (ID).
- Matric Certificate or latest academic results.
- Proof of registration at a public university or TVET college.
- Fee statement from the institution.
- Proof of household income (SASSA letters or payslips).
Step 3: Check the Application Window
SETAs do not follow a unified calendar. Some open in June for the following year, while others open as late as January. You must visit the official websites listed above weekly to ensure you do not miss the window.
Step 4: Submission
Many SETAs have moved to online portals. Ensure your scans are clear and all fields are completed. Incomplete applications are the leading cause of rejection.
The 21 SETAs of South Africa provide a vital lifeline for students who cannot afford the rising costs of higher education. By focusing on the “Scarce Skills” needed by each specific sector, these authorities ensure that their investment results in gainful employment for the youth. Whether you are looking to become a pilot through TETA or an accountant through FASSET, the SETA system offers a structured, industry-aligned path to success.
National Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET)
- Address: 123 Francis Baard Street, Pretoria, 0001
- Phone: 0800 872 222
- Website: dhet.gov.za