The Wholesale and Retail Sector Education and Training Authority (W&RSETA) has officially opened its 2026 Continuing Bursary Funding Window for unemployed students already funded during the 2025 academic year. This funding opportunity is aimed at helping qualifying students continue and complete their studies without interruption.
Check if you Qualify for this Bursary before you Apply
For many South African students, bursary funding can mean the difference between dropping out and graduating. The W&RSETA bursary scheme continues to play an important role in supporting students enrolled at TVET colleges and Higher Education Institutions (HETs), especially those pursuing qualifications linked to the wholesale and retail sector.
This article explains everything students and institutions need to know about the W&RSETA 2026 Continuing Bursary Scheme, including eligibility requirements, application procedures, deadlines, and important funding details.
Quick Overview
| Opportunity | W&RSETA 2026 Continuing Bursary Scheme |
| Organisation | Wholesale and Retail SETA (W&RSETA) |
| Funding Type | Continuing Student Bursary |
| Who Can Apply | Institutions on behalf of continuing bursars |
| Eligible Students | Students funded by W&RSETA in 2025 |
| Study Institutions | TVET Colleges and Higher Education Institutions |
| Application Method | Online via W&RSETA Stakeholder Portal |
| Closing Date | 30 May 2026 |
| Funding Year | 2026 Academic Year |
| Application Website | www.wrseta.org.za |
What Is the W&RSETA Continuing Bursary Scheme?
The 2026 bursary funding window is specifically for students who already received W&RSETA funding during the 2025 academic year and are continuing with their studies in 2026.
This means:
- It is not a new bursary application for first-time students
- It is intended for continuing bursars
- Institutions apply on behalf of students
- Funding supports academic progression into the next level of study
The scheme ensures that students who performed well and remain academically active can continue their qualifications without financial disruption.
Who Qualifies for the W&RSETA 2026 Continuing Bursary?
According to the official funding notice, only certain students qualify.
Eligible students must meet the following requirements:
- Must have been funded by W&RSETA during the 2025 academic year
- Must be continuing into the next level of their qualification in 2026
- Must still be enrolled or planning to enrol for the 2026 academic year
- Must not have already applied for continued funding
The funding also includes students who:
- Started studies during the second semester of 2025
- Will continue into the second semester of 2026
However, continued funding for second-semester students will only be confirmed after submission of academic results.
Important: Individual Students Cannot Apply Directly
One of the most important details in the bursary notice is that individual students are not allowed to submit applications directly to W&RSETA.
Applications must instead be submitted by:
- TVET colleges
- Universities
- Bursary administrators
- Institutions that already had MOAs with W&RSETA in 2025
This means students should immediately contact their:
- Financial aid office
- Student support office
- Bursary administrator
- Faculty administration
to confirm whether the institution is processing continuing bursary applications.
How the Application Process Works
Applications must be completed online through the W&RSETA Stakeholder Portal.
Application Steps
Step 1: Institution Accesses the Stakeholder Portal
Institutions must log into the stakeholder portal here
Step 2: Select the Correct Funding Window
Applicants must select: “2026 Unemployed Continuing Bursary Project”
Step 3: Upload Required Documents
Institutions must upload supporting documents including:
- Previous MOA with W&RSETA
- Student lists funded under the 2025 MOA
- Academic results
- Continuing status of each student
- Reconciliation of funds disbursed during 2025
Step 4: Submit Before the Deadline
The official closing date is: 30 May 2026
Late applications may not be considered.
Additional Documents Required After Approval
Successful institutions will later need to submit additional supporting documents for each student.
These include:
- 2025 Statements of Fees
- 2025 Statements of Results
These documents are required after acceptance of the Award Letter to confirm funding allocations.
How Funding Allocations Will Work
According to the official notice, funding allocations will be issued through Award Letters generated from the W&RSETA MIS system by no later than 30 June 2026.
After this:
- Institutions must register bursars on the MIS
- W&RSETA will approve bursar registrations
- Contracts will then be finalised
Funding payments will only be processed once:
- Contracts are concluded
- A compliant Grant Claim form is submitted
- A valid invoice is received
What Expenses Could the Bursary Cover?
While the notice does not provide a detailed funding breakdown, SETA bursaries commonly assist with:
- Tuition fees
- Registration fees
- Learning materials
- Academic support costs
Funding amounts may differ depending on:
- Qualification type
- Institution
- Existing MOA agreements
- Approved funding rates
The notice states that funding rates for 2026 will follow the initial contract arrangements from the previous agreement with W&RSETA.
Provinces and W&RSETA Contact Details
Students and institutions needing assistance with MIS access or application submissions can contact their provincial office.
Provincial Contacts
Eastern Cape
- Contact Person: Mzamo Matyobeni
- Contact Number: 043 726 3281
Western Cape
- Contact Person: Ashley Goliath
- Contact Number: 021 561 6500
KwaZulu-Natal
- Contact Person: Angel Gambushe
- Contact Number: 031 277 0500
Gauteng North
- Contact Person: Lekgethile Mothoa
- Contact Number: 012 430 4930
Gauteng South & North West
- Contact Person: Jephrey Nene
- Contact Number: 011 656 0085
Limpopo & Mpumalanga
- Contact Person: Sipho Khosa
- Contact Number: 015 291 2237
Free State & Northern Cape
- Contact Person: Senzenina Moroe
- Contact Number: 051 444 0766
What Students Should Do Right Now
If you were funded by W&RSETA in 2025 and are continuing your studies in 2026, do not wait until the last minute.
Immediate actions:
- Contact your institution’s financial aid office
- Confirm your academic results are updated
- Ensure your registration status is active
- Ask whether your institution has started processing applications
- Prepare supporting documents if requested
Many students lose funding opportunities simply because institutions cannot finalise applications before deadlines.
Edupstairs Advice
One of the biggest mistakes students make is assuming bursary continuation is automatic. In many cases, institutions still need to submit formal applications and updated documentation for each student.
Edupstairs strongly advises students to:
- Follow up regularly with bursary offices
- Keep copies of academic results
- Maintain good academic performance
- Respond quickly to institution requests
- Monitor official W&RSETA communication channels
Students should also avoid relying on social media rumours regarding bursary approvals. Always verify information through official institutional channels or the W&RSETA website.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can new students apply for this bursary?
No. This funding window is only for students who were funded by W&RSETA in 2025 and are continuing in 2026.
- Can students apply individually?
No. Applications must be submitted by institutions or approved bursary administrators.
- What is the closing date?
The application deadline is 30 May 2026.
- What happens after approval?
Successful institutions will receive Award Letters and must complete bursar registrations through the MIS system.
- Will second-semester students qualify?
Yes, but funding confirmation depends on submission of academic results.
- Where can institutions apply?
Applications must be submitted online through the W&RSETA stakeholder portal on the official website.
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- Visit the Edupstairs blog for daily updates
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Disclaimer
This article is for informational and educational purposes only. Funding decisions, eligibility verification, and bursary approvals remain subject to official W&RSETA processes and institutional requirements. Applicants should verify all information through official W&RSETA communication channels.
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