The Agricultural Sector Education Training Authority (AgriSETA) has formally announced the application windows for its 2026 funded learning programmes. These initiatives are designed to support students, graduates, and employees within the agricultural sector by providing financial assistance and practical work experience.
To ensure your application is successful, it is important to understand the specific timelines and requirements for each category of funding.
AgriSETA Application Windows and Deadlines
AgriSETA operates two distinct application windows based on the type of learning programme. Missing these deadlines will result in your application not being considered for the 2026 academic and financial year.
Window 1: August 1 – September 15
This window is dedicated to higher education and professional development. Applications must be submitted during this period for:
- Bursaries: For full-time or part-time students at Colleges, Universities of Technology, or Universities.
- Internships: Targeted at students requiring up to 12 months of practical exposure to complete a formal qualification (HET or FET).
- Graduate Placement: For individuals who have completed their studies in scarce and critical skills areas but require one year of work experience to become employable.
- Artisan Development: Focused on technical trades within the agricultural environment.
Window 2: October 1 – November 15
This window focuses on skills-based training and occupation-specific programmes:
- Learnerships: Structured learning that combines theoretical knowledge and practical work experience leading to a qualification.
- Skills Programmes: Occupation-based modules focusing on specific job requirements.
- Adult Education and Training (AET): Improving literacy and numeracy levels for employees in the agricultural sector.
- Land Reform and Mentoring: Specialized support for agricultural transformation projects.
Detailed Programme Descriptions
Bursaries for Higher Education
AgriSETA bursaries cover tuition for learners pursuing formal qualifications, including Certificates, Diplomas, and Degrees. Funding is available for both undergraduate and postgraduate students, provided the field of study aligns with the Sector Skills Priority list.
Internships and Graduate Placements
The Internship programme is specifically for students who cannot graduate without a documented period of on-the-job training. Graduate Placements, however, are for those who already hold a qualification but lack the professional experience necessary to enter the job market. Both programmes generally last 12 months.
Skills Programmes and AET
Skills programmes are designed to be flexible. They can be taken as stand-alone modules to address immediate workplace needs or stacked over time to form a full qualification. Adult Education and Training (AET) serves as a foundational step, allowing workers to improve their basic education to eventually qualify for more advanced learnerships.
Application Information
Applicants can apply directly through the AgriSETA website or via an accredited service provider. AgriSETA has issued a stern reminder to verify the authenticity of any facilitator companies. AgriSETA is not liable for agreements made with non-accredited entities.
Application Requirements
While specific documents may vary by programme, all applicants should prepare the following:
- Certified copy of South African Identity Document.
- Proof of registration or provisional acceptance from a public tertiary institution.
- Latest academic transcripts or certificates.
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (for Internships and Graduate Placements).
Contact and Portal Details
All applications and inquiries should be directed to the official channels:
- Application Portal: agriseta.co.za
- Physical Address: AgriSETA House, 529 Belvedere St, Arcadia, 0083
- Email: info@agriseta.co.za
- Telephone: +27 12 301 5600
- Fax: +27 12 325 1677
Commodity Organizations
Organizations committed to developing specific agricultural commodities may also apply for support. Funding requests for commodity-related projects must be submitted via the uniform proposal log-frame available on the AgriSETA website. Credit-bearing programmes within these proposals must still adhere to the relevant application windows mentioned above.