TETA Bursary Applications Now Open for 2026
The Transport Education Training Authority (TETA) has officially announced that bursary applications for the 2026 academic year are now open. This exciting opportunity is available for students across South Africa who are interested in pursuing studies within the transport sector and related fields.
With the rising demand for skilled professionals in aviation, maritime, logistics, rail, and road transport, the TETA bursary is designed to support and empower the next generation of leaders in these industries.
In this blog post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the TETA bursary for 2026, including eligibility requirements, fields of study, how to apply, and why this is such a valuable opportunity for young South Africans.
About TETA
The Transport Education Training Authority (TETA) is one of the 21 Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) established in South Africa. TETA’s primary role is to ensure that skills development within the transport sector is prioritized and aligned with the country’s socio-economic needs.
Through funding, bursaries, training, and learnerships, TETA plays a crucial role in shaping skilled professionals who contribute to South Africa’s economic growth and development.
By providing bursaries, TETA addresses the challenges of access to higher education, especially for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, while also ensuring that critical skills gaps in the transport industry are filled.
Fields Covered
TETA Bursary for the 2026 academic year funds the following qualifications:
- Accounting (BCom)
- Aeronautical Engineering (B Degree / BSc)
- Artificial Intelligence (Postgraduate Diploma / Master of Science: Master’s Degree)
- Business Management or Administration (N4-N6, National Diploma, B-Tech, Advanced Diploma, B Degree)
- Cloud Computing / Networking (Diploma)
- Cybersecurity (Postgraduate Diploma)
- Data Analytics or Business Intelligence (Postgraduate Diploma)
- Data Sciences (BSc)
- Doctoral Degree (PhD) in Research topics Relevant to the transport sector
- Electrical Engineering / Electronic Engineering (N4-N6, National Diploma, B-Tech, Advanced Diploma, B Degree)
- Environmental Health or Environmental Management (BSc)
- Environmental Science or Environmental Studies (BSc / BCom)
- Financial Management (N4-N6, National Diploma, B-Tech, Advanced Diploma, B Degree)
- Freight Forwarding and Customs Compliance (National Certificate)
- Health and Safety Management (National Diploma, B-Tech, Advanced Diploma, B Degree)
- Information and Communication Technology (National Diploma, B-Tech, Advanced Diploma, B Degree)
- Law (B Degree)
- Logistics Management (National Diploma, B-Tech, Advanced Diploma, B Degree)
- Machine Learning (Master of Science: Master’s Degree)
- Marine Engineering (B Degree)
- Maritime Law (B Degree)
- Maritime or Nautical Studies (National Diploma, B-Tech, Advanced Diploma, B Degree)
- Mechanical Engineering (N4-N6, National Diploma, B-Tech, Advanced Diploma, B Degree)
- Mechatronics (Diploma)
- Operations Management (National Diploma, B-Tech, Advanced Diploma, B Degree, Honours)
- Risk Management (National Diploma, B-Tech, Advanced Diploma, B Degree)
- Road Transport Management (National Diploma, B-Tech, Advanced Diploma, B Degree)
- Robotics or any other Research topics relevant to the transport sector (Master of Science: Master’s Degree)
- Supply Chain Management including Warehouse, Storage and Distribution (National Diploma, B-Tech, Sustainable Development (Postgraduate Diploma)
- Transport Economics (National Diploma, B-Tech, Advanced Diploma, B Degree)
- Transportation Management (National Diploma, B-Tech, Advanced Diploma, B Degree)
- Aviation and Diving studies:
- Commercial Divers, Class II, III and IV
- Private Pilot License
- Commercial Pilot License
- Instructor’s Rating
- Instrument Rating
- CPL with ATPL Subjects (Frozen ATPL)
- ATPL (Hour Building)
What the TETA Bursary Covers
The TETA bursary is comprehensive and aims to relieve the financial burden on students. Depending on the applicant’s circumstances and course of study. The TETA bursary covers the following expenses:
Tuition fees – Full or partial coverage of university or college tuition.
Accommodation – Assistance for students staying in university residences or accredited housing.
Meals – Allowances to ensure students are properly supported during their studies.
Books and study materials – Funding for essential academic resources.
Transport costs – For students commuting between home and campus.
This all-inclusive support ensures that bursary recipients can focus on their studies without the constant worry of financial strain.
Who Can Apply for the TETA Bursary?
TETA Bursary Requirements for 2026:
- Must be a South African citizen or permanent resident in South Africa
- Must be currently unemployed
- Must be currently in Matric or have completed Matric
- Must be studying or intend on studying towards a qualifications in one of the fields listed above, in 2026
- Must be registered or intend to register to study at a recognised and accredited University (Public/ Accredited Private Institutions), University of Technology, Public and
Private Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Colleges (including Accredited Aviation and Diving Schools) - Must have passed with a minimum overall average of 40%
- Commercial Diving class II, III and IV applicants: you must have completed Matric
- Commercial Pilot License applicants: you must have a valid Private Pilot License (PPL)
- Instructor’s or Instrument Rating applicants: you must have a valid Commercial Pilot License (CPL)
- ATPL applicants: you must have a valid Commercial Pilot License (CPL), Instructor’s and Instrument rating
- Commercial Diving applicants: you must be able to swim
- Must be from a previously disadvantaged background
- Must have a total household income NOT more than R350 000 per annum
- Must meet the criteria listed on the TETA Bursary Guidelines 2026 (.pdf)
Why Apply for the TETA Bursary?
The TETA bursary is not just financial assistance—it’s an investment in your future. Here are some of the benefits of applying:
- Full financial support: Many bursaries cover only tuition, but TETA supports multiple aspects of student life.
- Industry alignment: The bursary is specifically tailored for careers in transport, ensuring you are studying towards in-demand skills.
- Empowerment of youth: TETA actively supports young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, helping them access opportunities they may not have otherwise.
- Nation-building: By becoming a skilled professional in the transport sector, you are contributing to South Africa’s economic development and future sustainability.
How to Apply for the TETA Bursary 2026
Applying for the TETA bursary is straightforward, but it’s important to ensure that your application is complete and accurate. Here are the steps to follow:
- Visit the official TETA website to do your online application
- Fill in all sections carefully and honestly. Incomplete or false information may lead to disqualification.
- Upload all the required documents
- Submit your application
NOTE: The deadline for TETA bursary applications for 2026 is 30 September 2025. it is important to note that late applications will not be considered.
To avoid disappointment, start preparing your documents early and submit your application well before the deadline.
Final Words
The TETA bursary for 2026 is more than just a financial aid programme—it’s a gateway to education, skills development, and career opportunities in South Africa’s vital transport sector. Whether you dream of becoming a pilot, an engineer, a logistics manager, or a maritime specialist, this bursary can help turn your dreams into reality.
Education is one of the most powerful tools for transformation, and with TETA’s support, you can build a brighter future for yourself and contribute to the growth of the nation.
Don’t miss this chance—apply now for the TETA bursary 2026 and take the first step towards your future in transport and logistics.
