PSIRA Bursary Programme for 2026

The Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA) is giving back to the security sector in a big way. For the 2026 academic year, PSIRA is offering external study bursaries to help registered security officers and their legal children pay for their studies at accredited institutions across South Africa.

If you or your parent works in the private security industry and is registered with PSIRA, this bursary could help you cover a large part of your tuition fees.

Quick Overview

Item	Details
Bursary Name	PSIRA External Study Bursary Programme 2026
Who Can Apply?	Security officers registered with PSIRA and their legal children
Field of Study	Any accredited certificate, diploma or degree at DHET-registered institutions
Study Level	TVET certificate and undergraduate diploma/degree (no postgraduate)
Coverage	Tuition fees only for 2026 academic year (12 months, full-time)
Maximum Amount (TVET)	Up to R25,000 per year (VAT inclusive)
Maximum Amount (University)	Up to R45,000 per year (VAT inclusive)
Provinces Eligible	All provinces in South Africa
Age Requirement	Learners must be 19–35 years
Closing Date	31 December 2025
Submission Email	financial.aid@psira.co.za (To: Senior Manager: Human Capital Management)

About the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA)

The Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA) is the official body that regulates the private security industry in South Africa. It ensures that security companies and security officers are registered, compliant, and professional, helping to improve safety and trust in the sector.

As part of its Corporate Social Investment (CSI) in the security sector, PSIRA supports education through the External Study Bursary Programme, aimed at improving the lives of security officers and their families by helping them access higher education.

What the PSIRA Bursary Covers

PSIRA’s Financial Aid for 2026 is focused on tuition fees for full-time studies:

TVET College Learners

Up to R25,000 per year (VAT inclusive)
For learners studying certificate courses at TVET colleges accredited and registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET).

Use this tool to check if you qualify for TVET College Enrolment for 2026

University / University of Technology Learners

Up to R45,000 per year (VAT inclusive)
For learners pursuing undergraduate diplomas or degrees at registered and accredited higher education institutions.

Important Notes

The bursary only covers tuition fees for the 2026 academic year (a 12-month full-time period).
Postgraduate studies (Honours, Masters, etc.) are NOT funded.
If you were previously funded by PSIRA, you must submit your academic results and a statement of outstanding tuition fees for the new year.

Who Can Apply?

To qualify for the PSIRA Bursary Programme 2026, you must meet all of the following:

Linked to the Private Security Sector
- You are employed as a security officer in the private security industry and registered with PSIRA, OR
- You are the legal child of a security officer who is registered with PSIRA.
Citizenship
- Both the learner and the parent/legal guardian must be South African citizens.
Age
- The learner must be between 19 and 35 years old.
Education Level
- You must have completed Grade 12 (Matric).
- You must be accepted or enrolled at an accredited and DHET-registered institution (TVET college, university, or university of technology) for the 2026 academic year.
Location
- The bursary is open to applicants from all provinces in South Africa.

Application Requirements (Documents You Must Submit)

When applying for the PSIRA Bursary Programme 2026, you must include all of the following:

Fully Completed Application Form
- Use the official PSIRA bursary application form (Below)
Certified ID Copies
- Certified copy of the learner’s ID
- Certified copy of the parent/legal guardian’s ID
- Certification should be recent (typically within the last 3 months).
Proof of Enrolment / Acceptance
- Proof that the learner is enrolled or accepted at an institution for the 2026 academic year, e.g.:
  - Acceptance letter
  - Proof of registration
  - Admission letter
PSIRA Registration Number
- The PSIRA registration number of the parent/guardian who is a security officer must be clearly indicated in the application.
Affidavit (if applicable)
- An affidavit confirming legal guardianship if the learner is under the care of a legal guardian (and not the biological parent).
Birth Certificate
- An abridged birth certificate of the learner, clearly showing legal parentage.
Previously Funded Learners
- If you received PSIRA funding before:
  - Submit your latest academic results, and
  - A statement of account reflecting any outstanding tuition fees for the new year.

Important:

Incomplete or late applications will NOT be considered. Make sure all documents are attached and correctly certified.

Before you Apply, Check the Edupstairs Youth Tools Hub below that can be helpful in your application

How to Apply for the PSIRA Bursary Programme 2026

Follow these steps to submit a proper application:

Step 1: Get the Official Application Form

Obtain the PSIRA External Study Bursary 2026 application form below

Step 2: Complete the Form Carefully

Fill in all required sections:
- Personal details
- Parent/guardian details
- PSIRA registration number
- Study details and institution information

Step 3: Prepare and Certify Your Supporting Documents

Make certified copies of:
- ID documents (learner and parent/guardian)
- Matric certificate or latest results
- Proof of enrolment/acceptance for 2026
- Abridged birth certificate
- Affidavit for legal guardianship (if needed)
- Previous academic results and statement of outstanding fees (if previously funded)

Step 4: Double-Check Your Application

Ensure:
- The application form is fully completed and signed
- All required documents are attached
- The PSIRA registration number is correctly captured

Step 5: Submit via Email

Email the completed application form and supporting documents to:

Email: financial.aid@psira.co.za
Attention: Senior Manager: Human Capital Management

Step 6: Respect the Closing Date

All applications must be submitted on or before 31 December 2025
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

DOWNLOAD THE PSIRA BURSARY APPLICATION FORM HERE

Why This Bursary Matters for Security Officers and Their Families

Break the cycle: Many security officers and their children struggle to afford higher education. This bursary reduces that barrier.
Upgrade qualifications: Security officers can improve their skills, move into better-paying roles or new careers.
Support the next generation: Legal children of security officers can study in any field, as long as it’s at a DHET-registered and accredited institution.
Industry upliftment: When families in the sector are empowered through education, the whole industry benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who exactly can apply for the PSIRA Bursary Programme 2026?

The bursary is open to:

Registered security officers employed in the private security industry, and
Their legal children, provided:
- Both the parent/guardian and learner are South African citizens,
- The learner is 19–35 years old,
- The learner has completed Grade 12, and
- Is accepted or enrolled at an accredited, DHET-registered institution for the 2026 academic year.

Does PSIRA fund any field of study?

Yes, PSIRA will fund any field of study, as long as:

It is done at a registered and accredited TVET college, university, or university of technology, and
It is an undergraduate diploma, degree, or certificate (no postgraduate studies).

Can I apply if I am already studying?

Yes. If you are already enrolled and will continue your studies in 2026, you may apply, provided you meet the age, citizenship, and security-industry-related criteria.
If you were previously funded by PSIRA, you must attach:

Your latest academic results, and
A statement of outstanding tuition fees for the new year.

Can PSIRA fund my postgraduate qualification?

No. The PSIRA Bursary Programme does not fund postgraduate studies such as Honours, Masters, or PhD.
It only covers TVET certificate and undergraduate diploma/degree studies.

Does the bursary cover accommodation, transport or textbooks?

No. According to the details provided, the bursary is aimed at covering tuition fees only.
Other costs (like accommodation, transport, food, and personal expenses) are usually for the account of the learner, unless specified otherwise by PSIRA.

How much can I receive from the bursary?

Up to R25,000 per year (VAT inclusive) for TVET certificate studies, and
Up to R45,000 per year (VAT inclusive) for undergraduate diplomas and degrees.

The final amount awarded is at the discretion of PSIRA and subject to their funding policies and budget.

How will I know if my application is successful?

After you submit your application, PSIRA will review all applications after the closing date. Successful applicants are usually contacted directly using the contact details provided in their application form.
Make sure your cellphone number and email address are correct and active.

CLOSING DATE: 31 DECEMBER 2025

You can also:

Important Disclaimer

Edupstairs is not PSIRA, and we do not receive or process applications for this bursary.
All information in this article is based on the official bursary details provided by PSIRA at the time of publishing.
Applicants must always:
- Verify the latest details directly with PSIRA,
- Use the official application form, and
- Follow instructions as per the original advert or PSIRA website/communication.
Edupstairs provides this information for guidance and awareness only and cannot be held responsible for changes in criteria, closing dates, or decisions made by PSIRA.

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