HWSETA Bursary Programme for Unemployed Persons with Disabilities 2026

The Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority (HWSETA) has officially opened a bursary funding initiative aimed at supporting unemployed persons with disabilities for the 2025–2026 academic period.

And the best part? The bursary is designed to cover not only tuition, but also the real-life costs that often make studying difficult — including accommodation, books, living allowances, transport, and assistive devices.

Quick Overview

Bursary Name: HWSETA Bursary Programme for Unemployed Persons with Disabilities (2025–2026)
Who It’s For: Students with disabilities studying in health, welfare, social, or veterinary fields
Study Levels Covered:

Undergraduate: NQF Level 5 to 8 (Higher Certificate, Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Degree)
Postgraduate research: NQF Level 8 to 10 (Honours, Masters, Doctorate/PhD)

Where You Must Study:

Universities
Universities of Technology
Private/Public Nursing Colleges (HWSETA employers)

What It Funds: Tuition + accommodation + books + living allowances + disability-related costs (assistive devices + transport)
Maximum Funding: Up to R240 000 per learner
Application Submission Email: Unemployedbursaries@hwseta.org.za
Closing Date: 13 February 2026

What the HWSETA Bursary Covers

This is not a small bursary. It’s structured to support the student properly.

Costs Covered Include:

Tuition fees
Accommodation
Books
Living allowances
Other disability-related study expenses, including:
- Assistive devices
- Transportation
- Additional reasonable costs required for learning access

Maximum Funding Per Learner

HWSETA funding model shows:

Persons with Disabilities (Undergraduate and Postgraduate): up to R240 000 per learner

That means if you qualify and your institution submits the application correctly, the bursary can cover a significant portion of your academic journey.

Who Can Apply?

This bursary programme works slightly differently from bursaries that individuals apply for directly.

Institutions apply to HWSETA to participate in the project
The institution submits applications for eligible students with disabilities
The learners must be enrolled and studying in 2025 or 2026

So if you are a student, your action step is this:

You should approach your institution (university/UoT/nursing college) and request to be included in the application submission to HWSETA.

Fields of Study Supported (Very Important)

To qualify, students must be studying towards:

Any Health, Social and Veterinary degree/qualification

This can include programmes such as (examples to guide you):

Nursing
Public Health
Social Work
Psychology
Occupational Therapy
Physiotherapy
Speech Therapy
Radiography
Pharmacy-related fields
Medicine / clinical-related programmes
Veterinary Science / Animal Health
Community development and welfare programmes

The key is that the qualification must fall within health, welfare, social, or veterinary disciplines.

Study Level Categories That Qualify

HWSETA has confirmed the bursary will support learners under two study categories:

1) Undergraduate Studies (NQF Level 5 to 8)

This includes:

Higher Certificate (NQF 5)
Diploma (NQF 6)
Advanced Diploma (NQF 7)
Degree (NQF 7–8 depending on programme)

2) Postgraduate Research Studies (NQF Level 8 to 10)

Limited to Health, Welfare and Veterinary-related qualifications:

Honours (NQF 8)
Masters (NQF 9)
Doctorate / PhD (NQF 10)

If you’re studying within these levels during 2025 or 2026, you may qualify.

Requirements (Eligibility Rules You Must Meet)

Here’s what is required according to the programme information:

For Students (Learners)

To qualify, the learner must:

Be a person with a disability
Be studying towards a health, welfare, social or veterinary qualification
Be studying in the 2025 or 2026 academic year
Have a valid letter from a registered Health Practitioner confirming the disability
Be enrolled at:
- a university / university of technology, or
- a private/public nursing college (HWSETA employer)

For Institutions (Training Providers)

Institutions must:

Be registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) as a Higher Education and Training institution
If private: submit proof of accreditation
Submit applications using the correct email: Unemployedbursaries@hwseta.org.za
Submit before the deadline and include all required attachments

How to Apply

Even if the institution is the one submitting the application, this guide will help both students and institutions follow the process properly.

Step 1: Confirm Your Qualification Matches

Make sure your programme falls under:

Health
Social / welfare
Veterinary

Step 2: Get Your Disability Confirmation Letter

You must have a letter from a registered health practitioner confirming your disability.

Tip: Don’t wait until the last week. Medical letters can take time.

Step 3: Contact Your Institution’s Financial Aid / Bursary Office

Ask them:

“Is the institution applying for the HWSETA bursary project for unemployed persons with disabilities?”
“Can I be added to the list of learners included in the submission?”
“What documents must I submit to you internally?”

Step 4: Ensure Your Documents Are Complete

Your institution will submit to HWSETA, but they need your documents to be correct and certified where required.

Step 5: Submission to HWSETA

The institution must email the bursary application to: Unemployedbursaries@hwseta.org.za

Before the closing date.

Step 6: Wait for Feedback (Shortlisting / Approval)

HWSETA may request further verification or documentation depending on evaluation requirements.

Closing Date: 13 February 2026

Late submissions may not be accepted, so it’s safer to aim for early submission through your institution.

Important Conditions: When HWSETA Can Withdraw Approval

HWSETA has made it clear that it reserves the right to withdraw approval if:

Information in the application is not true or correct
The employer/institution does not follow the requirements
The organisation’s registration status ceases before or during the project implementation

So everything submitted must be accurate, verified, and compliant.

How Edupstairs Helps You Prepare

At Edupstairs, we don’t just post opportunities—we help you win them.

Recommended Tools:

Edupstairs Advice (How to Increase Your Chances)

Here’s the honest truth: bursary programmes are competitive, and the strongest applications are always the ones that are complete, professional, and submitted early.

My top advice to you:

1) Don’t assume your institution will “automatically” apply
Follow up with your bursary office until you get confirmation.

2) Submit your documents early
A missing medical letter or outdated certification can ruin the entire application.

3) Build a clear academic story
If possible, include a short motivation (even if not required) explaining:

why you chose the field
your career goal
how you want to serve communities after graduating

4) Prepare for additional verification
HWSETA may request more information depending on compliance checks.

5) Think long-term
Use this bursary to finish your qualification and start planning:

practical experience
volunteering (where possible)
short courses
building a professional CV early

Career Growth Path After This Bursary (What Comes Next?)

This bursary is not just about getting funding — it’s about building a future that can lead to stable employment and long-term growth.

Depending on your qualification, your career pathway may look like:

If You Study Health-Related Fields:

Graduate / entry-level practitioner roles
Community service placements (where applicable)
Hospital and clinic employment
NGO and public health programme roles
Specialisation opportunities over time

If You Study Social/Welfare Fields:

Social service roles in government departments
NGO programme officer roles
Community development practitioner
Case worker / support service careers
Further postgraduate research and policy work

If You Study Veterinary Fields:

Animal health technician pathways
Research and laboratory roles
Veterinary support services
Agricultural and rural development alignment

The bigger picture is simple: skills + qualifications = more opportunities, and this bursary helps you get there.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1) Can I apply directly as a student?

Not directly. Institutions apply to HWSETA, and they submit learner applications as part of the project.

2) Which institutions qualify?

Universities
Universities of Technology
Public and private nursing colleges (HWSETA employer)
As long as the institution is registered with DHET and accredited.

3) Which qualifications are funded?

Any Health, Social and Veterinary qualification at:

Undergraduate NQF 5–8
Postgraduate research NQF 8–10

4) How much funding does each learner get?

Up to R240 000 per learner, depending on the funding structure and approved budget.

5) What expenses does the bursary cover?

It can cover:

tuition
accommodation
books
living allowances
disability-related costs like assistive devices and transport

6) Do I need proof of disability?

Yes. You must have a valid letter from a registered health practitioner confirming the learner’s disability.

7) What is the deadline?

13 February 2026.

8) Where must applications be sent?

Institutions must email submissions to:
Unemployedbursaries@hwseta.org.za

You can also:

Application Outcome Tracker (anonymous)

No names collected. This helps future applicants understand real-world timelines.

Have you applied for this opportunity?

Total responses: 3

Disclaimers (Important)

Edupstairs is sharing this opportunity for educational and informational purposes.
HWSETA is the official provider of this bursary project and may change requirements or documentation needs at any time.
Applicants must confirm all details with their institution and HWSETA directly.
Submitting an application does not guarantee approval or funding.
Always avoid paying anyone who claims they can “secure” the bursary for you — bursary applications must follow official processes only.

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. USE THE EDUPSTAIRS SCAM DETECTOR TOOL TO SPOT A SCAM BEFORE YOU APPLY

Edupstairs TrustScore™

100 /100

Verified / Low Risk This is an evidence-based risk assessment to help applicants verify opportunities.

OrganisationHealth and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority (HWSETA)

SourceSETA/Government site

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ReferenceHWSETA_BURSARY2026

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