How much is SETA bursary allowance in South Africa? Learn about SETA bursary amounts, what they cover, who qualifies, and how to apply.
Education is one of the most powerful tools for changing lives. Yet in South Africa, the cost of tuition, books, accommodation, and living expenses makes higher education a challenge for many families. That’s why bursaries are not just financial help — they are lifelines.
One of the most common questions asked by learners is:
“How Much Is SETA Bursary Allowance?”
This guide provides a 360° look at bursary allowances offered by SETAs (Sector Education and Training Authorities). We’ll explore how much you can expect, what’s included, who qualifies, and how to apply successfully.
Understanding SETA Bursaries
To answer “How Much Is SETA Bursary Allowance”, let’s start with what a SETA bursary actually is.
What Is SETA?
SETA stands for Sector Education and Training Authority. There are 21 SETAs in South Africa, each responsible for developing skills in a specific sector, such as:
- BANKSETA – Banking and finance
- MICT SETA – ICT, media, telecoms
- HWSETA – Health and welfare
- CETA – Construction
- Services SETA – Business and services
- MERSETA – Manufacturing and engineering
Why Do SETAs Offer Bursaries?
SETA bursaries are designed to:
- Support students in scarce skills fields.
- Develop talent for the South African economy.
- Provide opportunities for disadvantaged learners.
- Reduce unemployment by funding career-driven qualifications.
So, How Much Is SETA Bursary Allowance?
The straightforward answer:
👉 The SETA bursary allowance ranges between R35,000 and R80,000 per year, depending on the sector, qualification, and individual student needs.
However, the allowance isn’t a flat amount. It varies depending on:
- The specific SETA.
- The course of study.
- Whether you live at home, in residence, or need transport support.
Let’s unpack this in detail.
What Does a SETA Bursary Allowance Include?
When students ask, “How Much Is SETA Bursary Allowance?”, they often only think about tuition. But a bursary allowance is a package that can cover:
- 🎓 Tuition Fees – Usually paid directly to the university or TVET college.
- 📚 Study Materials – Textbooks, laptops, stationery, or specialized equipment.
- 🏠 Accommodation Allowance – For students living away from home.
- 🍲 Meal Allowance – Monthly food support or residence meals.
- 🚍 Transport Allowance – For commuting students.
- 💻 Practical Tools – E.g., laptops for IT, toolkits for artisans, uniforms for nurses.
👉 This means your bursary isn’t just about tuition — it can support your entire student life.
Real Examples of SETA Bursary Allowances
Different SETAs offer different amounts. Let’s look at examples:
BANKSETA (Banking Sector)
- Full tuition covered.
- Study material allowance: R5,000–R7,500 per year.
- Monthly stipends for accommodation and meals.
- Total package: R60,000–R80,000 annually.
MICT SETA (ICT and Media)
- Tuition covered.
- Book allowance: ~R8,000.
- Laptop provided for IT students.
- Monthly stipend: ~R3,000.
- Annual value: R50,000–R70,000.
HWSETA (Health and Welfare)
- Tuition for nursing/social work diplomas.
- Accommodation allowance for students in hospitals/clinics.
- Monthly stipend: R2,500–R4,000.
- Annual value: R40,000–R65,000.
Services SETA
- Tuition covered.
- Book allowance: ~R5,000.
- Monthly transport allowance: R1,500.
- Annual value: R35,000–R50,000.
CETA (Construction)
- Tuition and registration covered.
- Book allowance: R6,000.
- Monthly stipend: R3,000–R4,000.
- Annual value: R45,000–R65,000.
Table: Average SETA Bursary Allowance Breakdown
| SETA | Tuition | Study Material | Accommodation | Monthly Stipend | Total Value (Annual) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BANKSETA | Full | R5,000–R7,500 | Yes | Yes | R60,000–R80,000+ |
| MICT SETA | Full | R8,000 | Yes (varies) | R3,000 | R50,000–R70,000 |
| HWSETA | Full | R5,000 | Yes | R2,500–R4,000 | R40,000–R65,000 |
| Services SETA | Full | R5,000 | Limited | R1,500 | R35,000–R50,000 |
| CETA | Full | R6,000 | Yes | R3,000–R4,000 | R45,000–R65,000 |
This table shows that allowances differ significantly across SETAs.
Who Qualifies for SETA Bursary Allowances?
Eligibility criteria vary, but most SETAs require:
- South African citizenship.
- Matric certificate (with required subjects for your field).
- Acceptance into a SETA-accredited university, TVET, or private institution.
- Financial need (priority for disadvantaged students).
- Enrollment in a scarce skills qualification.
Some bursaries are also open to working professionals upgrading their skills.
How to Apply for a SETA Bursary
Step 1: Identify Your Sector
Find the SETA linked to your course (e.g., IT = MICT SETA, Nursing = HWSETA).
Step 2: Look for Bursary Adverts
Check SETA websites, career portals, and local newspapers (most open September–December).
Step 3: Prepare Your Documents
- Certified ID copy.
- Matric certificate or results.
- Proof of acceptance into a program.
- Proof of income (parents/guardians).
- Motivational letter.
Step 4: Apply Early
Submit before the deadline. Late applications are rarely accepted.
Step 5: Follow Up
Track your application and stay in contact with the SETA.
How Much Is SETA Bursary Allowance vs NSFAS?
Many students wonder whether SETA or NSFAS offers more support.
| Feature | SETA Bursary | NSFAS |
|---|---|---|
| Funding Source | Employer levies | Government funds |
| Fields Covered | Scarce skills per SETA | Public universities & TVET |
| Allowances | Varies (R35k–R80k) | Standardized allowances |
| Coverage | Competitive, sector-specific | Wider coverage, broader access |
| Repayment | None | None |
SETA bursaries often offer more comprehensive packages in niche fields, while NSFAS serves more students across the board.
Advantages of SETA Bursary Allowances
- Cover tuition, books, and living expenses.
- Provide laptops or specialized tools.
- Connect learners to industry placements.
- Open doors to jobs after graduation.
- Support students from disadvantaged communities.
Limitations of SETA Bursary Allowances
- Limited bursaries (high competition).
- Only available in specific fields.
- Strict application requirements.
- Not all SETAs cover accommodation or meals.
Real-Life Stories: SETA Bursary Allowance in Action
Lerato – IT Student (MICT SETA)
Her bursary included full tuition, a laptop, and R3,000 per month. “Without SETA, I couldn’t afford my degree. The stipend kept me going.”
Kabelo – Civil Engineering (CETA)
Received tuition, book allowance, and R3,500 for accommodation. “The bursary made it possible to study without worrying about rent.”
Thandi – Nursing (HWSETA)
Her bursary covered tuition, uniforms, and R2,800 food allowance. “I could focus on my clinical work instead of stressing about money.”
Tips for Students Applying for SETA Bursaries
- Apply early — deadlines are strict.
- Budget your allowance carefully.
- Keep your grades high — funding depends on progress.
- Use networking opportunities during bursary placements.
FAQs: How Much Is SETA Bursary Allowance?
Q1: How much is SETA bursary allowance for undergraduates?
Between R35,000 and R80,000 annually, depending on sector and course.
Q2: How much is SETA bursary allowance for TVET students?
Around R30,000–R50,000 per year, with tuition and study materials included.
Q3: Does SETA bursary include a laptop?
Some SETAs, like MICT SETA, do provide laptops.
Q4: How much is SETA bursary allowance for accommodation?
Between R2,500 and R4,000 monthly, depending on SETA.
Q5: Is SETA bursary better than NSFAS?
SETA offers bigger allowances in certain fields, but NSFAS supports more students overall.
Final Thoughts: How Much Is SETA Bursary Allowance?
So, how much is SETA bursary allowance?
On average, SETA bursaries range from R35,000 to R80,000 per year. They cover tuition, study materials, accommodation, meals, and transport depending on the SETA and qualification.
While amounts differ, the real value of SETA bursaries lies in how they support learners financially while connecting them to industry opportunities. For many South Africans, bursaries are not just an allowance — they are a pathway to education, employment, and empowerment.
If you’re planning to study, ask:
- Which SETA supports my field?
- What bursary allowances do they offer?
- Am I eligible to apply this year?
Your bursary allowance could be the key to unlocking your dream career.