SASSETA Bursary for Unemployed Youth 2026 Now Open

The Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority (SASSETA) has opened bursary applications for the 2026 academic year. This opportunity is aimed at unemployed South African youth who want to study further at a public tertiary institution. If you are between 18 and 35 years old and meet the requirements, this bursary can help you achieve your study goals.

SASSETA 2026 Bursary for Unemployed Youth is Open

Who Can Apply?

You may apply if you meet all of the following:

• You are a South African citizen
• You are unemployed
• You are between 18 and 35 years old
• You are registered or accepted for the 2026 academic year at a Public Tertiary Institution

Priority Fields of Study

SASSETA will consider applications for all qualifications linked to occupations in high demand, as published by the Department of Higher Education and Training (2024). However, priority will be given to students studying:

• LLB – for future legal professionals
• Veterinary Science – for animal health and welfare careers
• STEM qualifications – Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

Important: Only qualifications listed on the official SASSETA advert banner are eligible. Applications for unlisted courses will not be accepted.

Other Funded Qualifications

Funding may also be provided for other qualifications that align with:

• Occupations in high demand
• SASSETA Sector Skills Plans

Always check the official advert to confirm if your qualification qualifies.

Required Documents

You must submit certified copies of the following (certification not older than 6 months):

• South African ID
• Academic records (Matric certificate or highest qualification)
• Proof of registration or acceptance for 2026
• Parent or guardian’s ID
• Proof of household income and employment status
  • A valid affidavit stating total household income
  • All sources of income
  • Employment status of household member

How to Apply for the SASSETA 2026 Unemployed Bursary

• Complete the official SASSETA bursary application form
• The form is available on the SASSETA website under Discretionary Grants
• Download Application Form Here: https://www.sasseta.org.za/2026-2027-unemployed-bursary-application-2/
• Compile all documents into one email
• Submit only one application

Email your application to: [email protected]

Application Dates

• Closing date: 30 January 2026 at 23:59:59 (midnight)

Late applications will not be accepted.

Applications Will Be Disqualified If:

• Submitted after the closing date and time
• More than one application is submitted
• Applications are hand-delivered, posted, or couriered
• Attachments exceed 20MB
• Files are password-protected or sent as access links
• Application forms are changed or edited

Who Is Given Preference?

Preference will be given to applicants from:

• Poor households – income up to R350,000 per year
• Missing middle households – income between R350,000.01 and R600,000 per year
• Marginalised communities

Important Information

• Only complete and compliant applications will be evaluated
• The evaluation process has three stages:
  • Compliance checking
  • Evaluation
  • Adjudication
• Successful applicants must sign a bursary agreement with SASSETA
• You must submit an affidavit confirming that:
  • You are unemployed
  • You are not funded by NSFAS or any other bursary
• If you receive no response within 90 days after closing, consider your application unsuccessful
• Funding spaces are limited and may change at SASSETA’s discretion

SASSETA Contact Details

For questions about the advert or application process, email: [email protected]
(Queries must be sent before the closing date.)

Conclusion

The SASSETA 2026 bursary is a valuable opportunity for unemployed youth to access higher education. Make sure your application is complete, correct, and submitted on time. Start preparing your documents early to avoid last-minute issues and give yourself the best chance of success.