State Information Technology Agency (SITA)

About SITA

The State Information Technology Agency, or SITA, is a state-owned entity set up in 1999 to bring government's IT resources together. It provides technology services to national and provincial departments and to public bodies. Its head office is at 459 Tsitsa Street in Erasmuskloof, Pretoria. Careers in government ICT are varied. Graduates work on networks, software, data and security for departments that serve millions of citizens. The work can be complex, and the systems must be reliable and safe. Funded students get a chance to see this environment through work-integrated learning, which strengthens their skills before graduation.

SITA offers network and hosting services, application development, end-user computing, security, procurement and e-procurement. In effect, it is the technical backbone behind many public services, from home affairs systems to provincial e-government platforms. The agency also runs youth programmes, such as TechnoGirl, which places girls from disadvantaged backgrounds in job shadowing opportunities.

How SITA supports students

SITA's external bursary targets the shortage of ICT graduates in the public service. The agency competes with private companies that pay far higher salaries, so it grows its own pipeline of specialists who understand government systems. Recent intakes offered about 20 awards nationally.

Funded fields have included computer science, information technology, data science, cyber security and ICT diplomas in application development or communication networks. Cover typically includes tuition, prescribed study materials, accommodation, meals and a living allowance. It also includes work-integrated learning placements where the qualification requires them.

What to know before applying

Entry rules have differed between intakes. Some adverts targeted school leavers with a matric average of about 70%, while others aimed at second-year students with an average of at least 65%. In every case, applicants must be South African citizens at a public institution and must not hold another bursary. Candidates from previously disadvantaged backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Like most government-linked schemes, the SITA bursary typically carries a work-back obligation that matches the years of funding. For example, three years of support means three years of service. In practice, this works as a guaranteed graduate placement within the agency. However, the exact terms are set in your contract, so read it carefully. Dates, fields and the number of awards change from year to year, so check the SITA website for the current call before you apply. Start preparing early. Keep your results in good shape, check that your chosen degree or diploma appears on the current list of funded qualifications and gather certified documents in advance. Late or incomplete applications are rarely considered.