How to Claim a SETA Grant

Learn how to claim a SETA grant in South Africa. Step-by-step guide for employers, learners on requirements, application process and benefits

In South Africa, skills development is not just a personal goal — it’s a national priority. Businesses, employees, and learners all play a role in building a workforce that is competitive and ready for the future. One of the ways the government supports this effort is through Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), which provide funding in the form of grants.

But here’s the big question: How to claim a SETA grant?

If you’re a learner, you might be wondering how to access bursaries, stipends, or learnership funding. If you’re an employer, you may be interested in grants that support staff training or help cover the cost of hosting trainees. This guide will unpack everything you need to know — from the types of grants available to the step-by-step claim process.

What Is a SETA Grant?

A SETA grant is financial support provided by a Sector Education and Training Authority to encourage skills development in a particular industry.

There are two main categories of SETA grants:

Mandatory Grants – For employers who submit Workplace Skills Plans (WSPs) and Annual Training Reports (ATRs).
Discretionary Grants – For learners, training providers, and employers, often funding learnerships, internships, bursaries, or in-service training.

Whether you’re an employer or a learner, understanding how to claim these grants can unlock funding opportunities that make education and training more accessible.

Why Does SETA Offer Grants?

The purpose of SETA grants is to:

Improve access to skills training.
Bridge the gap between education and workplace needs.
Fund industries with scarce or critical skills shortages.
Encourage employers to actively train and upskill employees.
Reduce youth unemployment by funding learnerships and internships.

This makes SETA grants one of the most effective tools in South Africa’s skills development strategy.

Types of SETA Grants

Before learning how to claim a SETA grant, it’s important to understand the types available.

1. Mandatory Grants

Paid to levy-paying employers who submit their WSP and ATR on time.
Usually about 20% of the levy paid by the employer to SARS.
Encourages companies to plan and report on training initiatives.

2. Discretionary Grants

Available for specific skills programs, learnerships, or bursaries.
Open to employers, training providers, and sometimes individual learners.
Awarded at the discretion of SETAs depending on priority skills needs.

3. Special Projects & Bursaries

Some SETAs run bursary programs for learners in scarce-skill fields (e.g., nursing, IT, engineering).
These may cover tuition, learning materials, and stipends.

👉 Each SETA may have slightly different funding priorities depending on its sector.

Who Can Claim a SETA Grant?

Not everyone can apply for every grant, but here’s a breakdown:

Employers – Can claim both mandatory and discretionary grants.
Learners/Students – Can benefit from discretionary grants like bursaries, learnership stipends, or internships.
Training Providers – May apply to host accredited programs funded by SETAs.

Step-by-Step: How to Claim a SETA Grant

Now let’s get practical. Here’s a step-by-step process for how to claim a SETA grant.

Step 1: Identify the Relevant SETA

There are 21 SETAs in South Africa, each covering a specific industry (e.g., HWSETA for Health, MICT SETA for IT, MQA SETA for Mining).
Employers should register with the correct SETA for their sector.

Step 2: Understand the Grant Type

Employers → Mandatory + discretionary grants.
Learners → Bursaries, internships, or learnership stipends.

Step 3: Prepare the Required Documents

Typical requirements include:

Certified ID copy (for learners).
Proof of registration (for students).
Employer levy payment details (for companies).
Workplace Skills Plan (WSP) and Annual Training Report (ATR).

Step 4: Apply During the Funding Window

SETAs publish calls for applications on their websites.
Deadlines are strict — missing them usually means waiting until the next cycle.

Step 5: Submit Through the Online Portal

Most SETAs now use online application portals. Employers may use the Indicium system to submit WSPs/ATRs.

Step 6: Wait for Evaluation

SETAs review applications based on:

Relevance to scarce/critical skills.
Compliance with application rules.
Available funding.

Step 7: Approval & Payment

Employers → Receive a portion of their levy back (mandatory grant).
Learners → Get stipends, bursary payments, or internship funding.

Documents Needed to Claim a SETA Grant

Depending on the applicant, here are common documents required:

For Employers:

SARS levy number and compliance proof.
Workplace Skills Plan (WSP).
Annual Training Report (ATR).
Company registration documents.

For Learners:

Certified copy of ID.
Latest academic results or Matric certificate.
Proof of registration at a college or university.
Bank details (for stipend payments).

Benefits of Claiming a SETA Grant

So, why go through the effort? Let’s unpack the benefits.

For Employers

Recover part of the skills levy paid to SARS.
Access funding for training staff.
Meet compliance with the Skills Development Act.
Improve workforce productivity and competitiveness.

For Learners

Access free or subsidized education.
Receive monthly stipends to support study or in-service training.
Gain practical workplace exposure.
Graduate with recognized qualifications.

Challenges in Claiming SETA Grants

While the system is beneficial, applicants sometimes face challenges.

Common Issues:

Lack of awareness about open funding windows.
Complex application processes.
Strict deadlines that, if missed, delay funding.
Delayed stipend payments for learners.

Solutions in progress:

More digital applications via SETA portals.
Simplified guidelines and templates for WSP/ATR submissions.
Outreach programs to increase awareness.

Real-Life Examples

Example 1: An Employer’s Perspective

A small construction company in Gauteng pays the skills levy but struggled with staff training costs. After learning how to claim a SETA grant, they submitted their WSP and ATR on time. Within months, they received a mandatory grant rebate and a discretionary grant to train apprentices.

Example 2: A Learner’s Story

Naledi, a student nurse, applied through her college for HWSETA bursary funding. The grant covered her tuition and provided a monthly stipend, enabling her to complete her studies without financial stress.

Both examples show how SETA grants benefit individuals and organizations alike.

Tips for a Successful SETA Grant Claim

Stay informed – Regularly check SETA websites and newsletters.
Apply early – Avoid last-minute submissions.
Ensure compliance – Especially for employers (levies, tax clearance, etc.).
Keep records – Missing documents can disqualify an application.
Get guidance – Use your institution’s support services or HR department.

Future of SETA Grants

The future looks promising:

More emphasis on digital skills training (AI, coding, cybersecurity).
Increased funding for green economy jobs (renewable energy, sustainability).
Expansion of online application systems for easier access.

This means knowing how to claim a SETA grant will become even more important for learners and employers in the coming years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How to claim a SETA grant as a learner?
Apply through your institution or directly to the relevant SETA when bursary or learnership funding windows open.

Q2: How long does it take to get a SETA grant approved?
It can take weeks to months depending on the SETA and funding type.

Q3: Do all employers qualify for mandatory grants?
Yes, if they pay the skills levy and submit WSP/ATR on time.

Q4: Can individuals apply directly for discretionary grants?
Sometimes, but often applications go through training institutions or employers.

Q5: How much stipend do learners get from SETA grants?
On average, R2,000–R4,000 per month depending on program and sector.

Final Thoughts

So, how to claim a SETA grant?

It’s about knowing your sector’s SETA, staying updated on funding windows, preparing the right documents, and applying on time.

For employers, this means recovering levies and training staff. For learners, it’s the difference between struggling to finish studies and being supported all the way to graduation.

SETA grants are not just funding — they’re a bridge between education and employment, and a vital tool for building South Africa’s workforce of tomorrow.