The Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority (“HWSETA”) invites all Universities/Universities of technology and private/public Nursing colleges to apply to participate in the implementation of Bursaries for Unemployed persons with disabilities 2025-2026.
Details of the Bursaries project
The Bursary grant is aimed at funding students with disabilities enrolled at universities and universities of technology as well as public and private nursing colleges (HWSETA employer) to improve the supply pipeline of professionals in the health and welfare sector. This approach aligns with the objectives of both the National Development Plan (NDP) and the National Skills Development Plan (NSDP), which prioritize the development of high-level skills to drive economic growth, innovation, and societal advancement.
The HWSETA invites accredited Higher Education and Training institutions to apply for bursary opportunities for students with disabilities studying towards Undergraduate and Post graduate qualifications in the 2025 or 2026 academic year. Students must be studying towards any Health, Social and Veterinary degree and must have a valid letter from a registered Health practitioner confirming the learner’s disability.
Qualifying training institutions may only apply for learners studying against the following categories:
The bursary will fund Tuition, Accommodation, Books, living allowances as other costs associated with studies for persons with disabilities such as assistive devices and transportation.
Qualifying Criteria
Breakdown of Funding Model
| Level | Maximum funding Per Learner |
| Persons with Disabilities (Undergraduate and Postgraduate) | R240 000 |
A 3% project management fee will be factored into the budget based on the number of learners awarded to each institution.
The HWSETA reserves the right to withdraw the approval if:
CLOSING DATE: 13 February 2026
Download Documents
Bursaries for Unemployed persons with disabilities Application form
Applicant Details Form
12 Comments
Abi
31st January 2026Hi, so if you don’t have disability you are not eligible to apply?
Wendy Tembe
3rd February 2026Dear Abi
Please note that HWSETA advertised different funding opportunities, the one you saw is specifically calling specific group of prospective beneficiaries. Kindly note below those who are inclusive and how they are accessible.
Kindly be informed that HWSETA does not recruit students for any funded programmes. HWSETA advertises funding on an annual basis to HWSETA-registered public and private Employers; the Department of Health and Social Development, private hospitals, clinics, and administers partnerships with TVET Colleges and Public Universities in South Africa. The qualification / Learning Programme pursued should fall within the scope of the health and social development sector.
The applications are currently open, closing 20 February 2026.
Please note that once the Employers, TVET Colleges, and Universities are approved for funding, they recruit beneficiaries. The communication and coordination are done through the Employers, Public Universities, and Public TVET Colleges.
Trust, you will find this note in order
Thank you
Regards
SAMNKELO MANOKO
5th February 2026HI I WOULD LIKE TO ASK CAN I APPLY EVEN IF IM DOING BCOM HON IN TAX ? IM LIVING WITH DISABILITY IM LOOKING FOR FUNDING I REALY NEED
Wendy Tembe
12th February 2026Dear Samkelo
Kindly note that your qualification falls outside the HWSETA scope, kindly contact FASSET SETA for funding opportunities.
http://www.fasset.org.za
Trust, you will find this note in order
Thank you
regards
Lulama Msweli
6th February 2026Hi does it means I should fill both of these forms? I filled the first one because I have disability. What documents to attached besides medical letter, id, acceptance letter, Quotation of study fees?
Wendy Tembe
12th February 2026Dear Lulama
Please note that HWSETA does not recruit students directly for any funded programmes. Employers apply on behalf of the students. please revisit the advert for more information.
Trust, you will find this note in order
Thank you
Regards
Ayanda Khumalo
25th February 2026Hey there sorry for bothering you I am Ayanda Khumalo living with disability with his HEAMOPHIL . I would like to know any bursaries that is available for person who is living with disability I have managed to register this year for advance diploma of jewellery design and manufacture . I am looking for fund to pay my university tuition fees.
Wendy Tembe
27th February 2026Dear Ayanda
Thank you for the inquiry, please note that the funding opportunity closed 13 February 2026 and HWSETA should advertise for the next financial year.
Trust, you will find this note in order
Thank you
Regards
Mandisa
10th April 2026Hi, this question is regarding the HWSETA bursary where your employers/the University recruits students. Once a student is funded will it be until they complete their studies and if so do you have to get a certain average/aggregate? If not, is the student supposed to apply each year? The 2nd question is do the HWSETA bursary holders receive pocket allowance and other things? Thank you for your time
Wendy Tembe
14th April 2026Dear Mandisa
Thank you for the inquiry, please note that HWSETA funding models requires the university to apply for funding on behalf of the students per financial year. Meaning the student is funded annually. Then HWSETA also emphasises the continuity with the Universities, meaning they encourage the university to apply for continuing students in the following year.
The bursary allocation is standard, and it is a full bursary for unemployed learners. Students are encouraged to preform well in their academics.
Trust you will find this note in order
Thank you
regards
Maddox
18th May 2026Hi there, I’d like to know if there are any updates regarding the hwseta stipend payments for the current Animal Health(WIL) cohort 2026. I’m hoping to get clarity on the processing status.
Thank you for your time.
Wendy Tembe
26th May 2026Dear Maddox
Thank you for the email, please note that such queries are addressed via email with the relevant contact persons not in this platform.
Please send your query to hwseta@hwseta.org.za
Please provide detailed information of the project, including the province you based.
For onward advise.
Thnak you
regards