South Africa’s education system needs passionate, skilled, and future-ready teachers—especially in subjects that drive innovation, technology, and economic growth. If you are a young Black woman with dreams of studying STEM and becoming part of the next generation of educators, the STET Bursary Programme 2026 could be the opportunity that changes your life.
- Check if you Qualify for this Bursary before you Apply
- Track your Daily Career Score Here
- Create and Download your CV for this Bursary Application here
- Create a Motivational Letter for this Bursary Application here
- Check if you also Qualify for NSFAS Funding here
- Check if you Qualify for TVET College Enrolment here
- View more 2026 Bursaries here
The Support Teacher Empowerment Trust (STET) is calling on aspiring female educators to apply for its 2026 bursary programme, designed not only to fund studies but to build confident, digitally skilled teachers who can transform classrooms and communities across the country.
This is more than a bursary. It is an investment in your future, your leadership potential, and South Africa’s education system.
Quick Overview
| Category | Details |
| Bursary Provider | Support Teacher Empowerment Trust (STET) |
| Year of Study | 2026 |
| Who Can Apply | Black Female South African citizens |
| Age Requirement | 18 – 35 years |
| Level of Study | Undergraduate |
| Fields Covered | STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) |
| Institution | University of South Africa (UNISA) |
| Application Method | Online |
| Closing Date | 5 January 2026 |
About the Support Teacher Empowerment Trust (STET)
The Support Teacher Empowerment Trust (STET) is a South African non-profit organisation, established in 2017, with a clear and focused mission: to empower future educators and strengthen teaching standards in South Africa.
STET was founded in response to a growing crisis in education—particularly in under-resourced schools where learners lack access to qualified teachers, digital skills, and modern learning tools.
What Makes STET Different?
Unlike many bursary providers that focus only on tuition funding, STET takes a holistic approach to teacher development:
- Financial support through teaching bursaries
- Structured mentorship programmes
- Skills development and leadership training
- Strong emphasis on digital education
- Practical exposure to industry-relevant teaching methods
STET places special focus on high-demand subjects, including:
- Coding
- Robotics
- Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
- Mathematics
- Science
By doing this, STET directly addresses South Africa’s digital divide and equips future teachers with the tools needed for a technology-driven education system.
About the STET Bursary Programme 2026
The STET Bursary Programme 2026 is aimed at Black female students who want to pursue undergraduate STEM qualifications and ultimately contribute to basic education in South Africa.
STET is inviting applications from students who are either:
- Currently studying at UNISA, or
- Planning to register at UNISA for the 2026 academic year
Why UNISA?
UNISA plays a critical role in widening access to higher education in South Africa. Its distance learning model allows students from rural and disadvantaged communities to study without relocating or incurring high accommodation costs.
By partnering with UNISA, STET ensures:
- Greater accessibility
- National reach
- Inclusive participation for women across all provinces
Fields of Study Covered by the STET Bursary
The bursary supports undergraduate qualifications within STEM fields, including (but not limited to):
- Mathematics
- Physical Sciences
- Life Sciences
- Information Technology
- Computer Science
- Coding and Robotics-related qualifications
- Engineering-related STEM pathways (within UNISA offerings)
- ICT-focused education streams
These fields are critical for:
- Preparing learners for the Fourth Industrial Revolution
- Improving numeracy and science literacy
- Building South Africa’s future workforce
Eligibility Requirements for the STET Bursary 2026
Before applying, it is important to carefully check whether you meet all minimum requirements. Failure to meet even one requirement may result in your application being disqualified.
You must:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be Black
- Be Female
- Be between 18 and 35 years old
- Have completed Matric
- Be studying or intending to study towards an undergraduate STEM qualification
- Be studying or intending to study at UNISA
This bursary is intentionally targeted to address historical inequality and empower women in fields where they remain under-represented.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online.
Step-by-Step Application Process:
- Visit the STET Bursary Application 2026 online platform
- Complete the online application form carefully
- Upload all required supporting documents
- Review your application before submitting
- Submit before the closing date
Important: Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Required Supporting Documents
You must submit clear, certified copies of the following documents:
- Certified copy of your South African ID
- Certified copy of your Matric certificate or final results
- Certified copy of your latest academic record (if currently studying)
- A motivational letter explaining:
- Why you want to study STEM
- Why you want to become an educator
- How this bursary will change your life and community
Your motivational letter is critical—it allows STET to understand your passion, commitment, and future goals.
Closing Date: 5 January 2026
Late applications will not be accepted.
APPLY FOR THE SUPPORT TEACHER EMPOWERMENT TRUST (STET) BURSARY PROGRAMME 2026 HERE
Before you Apply, Check the Edupstairs Youth Tools Hub below that can be helpful in your application
- Edupstairs Financial Literacy Mini-School
- Grow your Confidence – 30-day Challenge
- SA Bursary Probability Checker
- Edupstairs Simple CV Builder Tool
- Edupstairs AI Cover Letter Generator Tool
- Edupstairs Learnership Application Checklist Tool
- Edupstairs Internship Application Checklist Tool
- Edupstairs Interview Q & A Coach Tool
- SA Youth Apprenticeship Readiness Quiz
- Edupstairs Learnership Stipend Calculator Tool
- NSFAS Funding Eligibility Checker Tool
- Edupstairs Qualification-to-Career Pathways Tool
- South African Salary Explorer Tool
- TVET College Enrolment Eligibility Checker Tool
- Edupstairs Career Personality Tool
- Daily Career Score Tracker
- Learnership and Internship Readiness Quiz
Edupstairs Advice for Applicants
At Edupstairs, we encourage applicants to approach bursary applications strategically:
- Apply early—do not wait for the closing date
- Take time to write a strong, honest motivational letter
- Ensure documents are clear, certified, and up-to-date
- Apply for multiple bursaries to increase your chances
Remember: One successful application can change the direction of your entire future.
Career Growth Path After This Bursary
Receiving the STET bursary can open doors to long-term career growth, including:
- Qualified STEM educator
- Coding or Robotics teacher
- ICT integration specialist in schools
- Education project coordinator
- Curriculum developer
- Educational technology trainer
- Leadership roles in education NGOs
- Postgraduate studies in education or STEM fields
STET’s mentorship model ensures that beneficiaries are not just graduates—but leaders in education transformation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Is the STET bursary only for women?
Yes. The bursary is specifically designed for Black female students.
- Can I apply if I am not yet registered at UNISA?
Yes, as long as you intend to study at UNISA in 2026.
- Does STET support postgraduate studies?
No. The 2026 bursary is for undergraduate studies only.
- Is the bursary limited to teaching degrees?
The focus is on STEM fields linked to education, particularly those relevant to basic education and digital skills development.
- Will I be required to participate in mentorship programmes?
Yes. Mentorship and skills development are core components of the STET programme.
CLOSING DATE: 05 JANUARY 2025
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Disclaimer
Edupstairs is not affiliated with STET. We share this opportunity for informational purposes only. Applicants are advised to verify details directly on the official STET application platform. Edupstairs does not charge any fees for bursary information.
EDUPSTAIRS IS A REGISTERED NON-PROFIT ORGANISATION NPO No: 232 – 182, PUBLIC BENEFIT ORGANISATION (PBO): 930066984. EDUPSTAIRS DOES NOT, IN ANY WAY OR FORM, SOLICIT MONEY OR CV’S FROM PEOPLE FOR JOBS. PLEASE BE AWARE OF PHONY JOB POSTINGS AND RECRUITMENT FRAUD. FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT OUR SCAM/FRAUD ALERT PAGE HERE