Ekurhuleni East TVET College Opens MERSETA Funding for 2026

Ekurhuleni East TVET College (EEC) has officially released an announcement inviting registered students to apply for a MERSETA Funding Opportunity for the 2026 academic year. And the best part? This funding specifically targets priority skills programmes aligned with South Africa’s most in-demand industries — especially in engineering, manufacturing, and related fields.

But there’s one thing you must take seriously: the closing date is 20 February 2026, and the college made it clear that incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Quick Overview

Opportunity Name: MERSETA Funding Opportunity (2026)
Institution: Ekurhuleni East TVET College (EEC)
Who Can Apply: All EEC registered students in qualifying programmes
Closing Date: 20 February 2026
Funding Focus: Priority skills programmes aligned with manufacturing, engineering, and related sectors
Household Income Requirement: R350 001 – R800 000 per year
Important Reminder: Incomplete applications will not be accepted
Where to Enquire: EEC Financial Aid Office (your campus)

MERSETA Funding 2026: Who Qualifies?

According to the official EEC notice, students must meet two key requirements:

1) Financial Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, applicants must have a combined household income between R350 001 and R800 000 per annum.

This is an important bracket because it often includes:

working parents/guardians,
families earning stable income,
but still struggling with education costs.

2) Programme Requirements

The college also stated clearly:
Only students registered in the approved MERSETA priority programmes will be considered.

So even if you meet the income bracket, you must still be studying a course that qualifies.

Approved Programmes (MERSETA Priority Skills at EEC)

EEC confirmed that funding is available for students registered in the following programmes:

Engineering & Technical Programmes

Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Mechatronics
Electronic Engineering
Robotics
Chemical Engineering
Industrial Engineering
Civil Engineering
Power Engineering

Business / Industry / Operations Programmes

Financial Management
Operations Management
Manufacturing

If you’re registered in any of the programmes above, you should strongly consider applying.

Supporting Documents You Must Submit (Very Important)

This is where many students fail — not because they don’t qualify, but because they submit incomplete documents.

EEC clearly stated that incomplete applications will not be accepted, so treat this part seriously.

Here is what you must prepare:

Required Documents List

Declaration of income (Affidavit)
Proof of employment and/or proof of income for both parents/guardians (where applicable)
Fully completed and signed MERSETA application form
Certified copy of a clear ID
- front and back if smart ID card
Certified copies of parent(s)/guardian(s) IDs
Death certificate (if a parent is deceased, where applicable)
Copy of highest qualification (Matric Certificate) (New Students)
Current year proof of registration
Academic transcripts / most recent results (Returning Students)

Pro tip: Put everything in order, staple neatly, and make sure all copies are certified clearly (and not blurred).

How to Apply

Even though the notice focuses on requirements and supporting documents, here’s the smartest way to approach the process:

Step 1: Confirm Your Programme

Make sure your qualification appears on the MERSETA priority skills list above.

Step 2: Check the Household Income Requirement

Combined household income must be R350 001 – R800 000 per year.

Step 3: Collect Supporting Documents Early

Do not wait until the last week. Some documents (like affidavits and certified copies) take time.

Step 4: Get the MERSETA Application Form

Download the MerSETA funding application form here

Step 5: Submit Before the Deadline

Closing Date: 20 February 2026
Submit early to avoid queues and last-minute stress.

How Edupstairs Helps You Prepare

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

Recommended Tools:

Edupstairs Advice (Don’t Skip This)

If you want to stand out and increase your chances, do these things:

1) Apply Early

Early submission shows seriousness and prevents mistakes caused by pressure.

2) Make Your Documents Professional

Certified copies must be clear and readable. Don’t submit faded copies.

3) Organise Your Application Like a File

Use this order:

Application form
Proof of registration
Affidavit
Parent/guardian proof of income
IDs
Academic records
Extra supporting documents

4) Stay Ready for Follow-Ups

Sometimes funding offices contact students for missing items. Be reachable.

5) Don’t Let Fear Block You

Many students lose opportunities simply because they never applied.

Your future is waiting on the other side of effort.

Career Growth Path After This Funding

Funding isn’t just about surviving the academic year. It can open doors.

Here’s what your career path can look like after completing your programme with support like MERSETA funding:

If You’re in Engineering (Mechanical/Electrical/Civil/etc.)

Complete your qualification
Apply for workplace-based learning / internships
Gain industry experience
Become a technician / artisan / technologist (depending on your level)
Grow into roles like:
- Maintenance Supervisor
- Plant Technician
- Electrical Technician
- Mechanical Fitter / Technician
- Control Systems / Automation Support
- Engineering Assistant → Engineering Professional

If You’re in Robotics / Mechatronics

Entry-level automation roles
PLC/Industrial control exposure
Factory systems support
Grow into:
- Automation Technician
- Mechatronics Specialist
- Robotics Operator / Support
- Production Systems Technician

If You’re in Financial Management / Operations Management

Junior finance/admin roles
Supply chain and operations support
Manufacturing admin coordination
Grow into:
- Financial Administrator
- Costing Clerk
- Operations Coordinator
- Logistics / Production Planner
- Supervisor / Junior Manager roles

The bigger picture is this: MERSETA-aligned careers are employable careers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1) Who can apply for this MERSETA funding at EEC?

All EEC registered students who meet the financial eligibility and are registered in a qualifying programme.

2) What is the closing date?

The closing date is 20 February 2026.

3) What household income qualifies?

Applicants must have a combined household income between R350 001 and R800 000 per year.

4) Can I apply if my documents are not complete?

No. The notice clearly states incomplete applications will not be accepted.

5) Where do I submit my application?

You must contact your Financial Aid Office at your campus for the correct submission process.

6) Do returning students need academic records?

Yes. Returning students must submit academic transcripts or most recent results.

7) Does this funding cover all EEC programmes?

No. It only covers the specific MERSETA priority skills programmes listed in the notice.

8) Is this NSFAS?

No. The notice says the funding is aimed at programmes administered by NSFAS, but this is a MERSETA funding opportunity, not the standard NSFAS application.

You can also:

Application Outcome Tracker (anonymous)

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

Have you applied for this opportunity?

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Important Disclaimers

This article is a public information guide based on the official notice shared by Ekurhuleni East TVET College.
Edupstairs is not responsible for final selection decisions.
Meeting the requirements does not guarantee funding approval.
Applicants must confirm the latest instructions directly with the EEC Financial Aid Office.
Always submit true and accurate documents. Any false information may lead to disqualification.

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.

OrganisationEkurhuleni East TVET College

SourceOfficial social media (verified)

Open source link

Apply viaIn-person / Walk-in

ReferenceEEC_MERSETA_BURSARY2026

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