merSETA

About merSETA

merSETA is the Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority. The Minister of Higher Education and Training set it up in 2000 under the Skills Development Act of 1998, and it operates as a public entity. Its main job is to guide skills development in factories, workshops and engineering firms. The head office, merSETA House, is in Melville, Johannesburg.

The authority covers several sub-sectors. These include metal and engineering, auto manufacturing, motor retail, auto components, new tyre manufacturing and plastics. Together, they make up tens of thousands of companies and hundreds of thousands of workers. Employers in these industries pay a skills levy. In return, a large share of that money flows back into the sector as grants for training.

How merSETA supports students

merSETA funds far more than bursaries. It also backs learnerships, apprenticeships, internships and artisan training, so young people can choose between university study and a hands-on trade. Its bursary programme, however, focuses on scarce engineering skills. Recent calls have covered BSc engineering degrees in chemical, electrical, industrial, mechanical (including mechatronics) and metallurgy and materials engineering. Diploma students at universities of technology have also been included, for example in production management. Honours bursary calls have appeared as well.

Funding is meant to cover the study costs of the whole qualification, as long as the student makes satisfactory progress. This usually means tuition, prescribed books and other approved expenses. The exact amounts and the items covered can change from year to year, so read each call carefully.

What to know before applying

Applicants must be South African citizens with a matric certificate or an equivalent qualification. They must also meet the admission rules of their chosen institution. In addition, the applicant should either be unemployed and keen to work in the manufacturing and engineering sector, or be employed by a company registered with merSETA. Because places are limited, strong marks give you a real advantage.

In past calls, students applied through the bursary office of their university or university of technology. Supporting papers included a certified ID copy, a matric certificate, proof of registration, an academic record and details of any other funding. Closing dates have often been set for each semester. Even so, processes and dates are updated regularly, so confirm the latest steps on the official merSETA website before you submit anything.

Finally, remember that a bursary is only one route into the sector. If you do not qualify for funding this year, a learnership or apprenticeship through a registered employer can still lead to a recognised trade or technical qualification. Many learners start there and study further later.