The Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority (“HWSETA”) invites all public Universities and Universities of technology to apply to participate in the implementation of Post Graduate Research Bursaries for Unemployed persons 2025-2026.
Details of the Post Graduate Research Bursaries project
The Bursary is aimed at funding students enrolled at universities and universities of technology to improve the supply pipeline of research 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.
For the 2025-2026 financial year, the HWSETA invites universities and universities of technology to apply for candidates who were registered with the University in 2025 academic year or in the 2026 academic year for Honors, master’s and/or PHD degrees with research focused in the following areas:
- Nursing
- Social Work and Social Science
- Medicine
- Pharmacy
- Radiography
- Biomedical and Clinical Technology
- Veterinary Science
- Emergency Medical Care
- Physiotherapy
- Psychology
- Child and Youth Care
- Orthotics
- Bio-innovation in health (Immunology, Microbiology, Molecular biology, Bioinformatics, Vaccinology, Biomedical engineering, Flow chemistry, Radiobiology, Radiochemistry, Radio Pharmacy, Medicinal Chemists)
- Bio-innovation indigenous knowledge valorisation (Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, Epidemiology, Nutraceuticals, Cosmeceuticals, African traditional medicines)
- Paediatrics
Priority will be given to learners who were funded by the HWSETA for their undergraduate studies as well as learners studying towards their honour’s/Masters/PHD degrees.
Qualifying Criteria
- All Universities or Universities of Technology must be registered as Higher Education and Training institutions with the Department of Higher Education and Training.
- All Universities and Universities of Technology must produce proof of submission of the WSP to the ETDPSETA for the 2025-2026 (approved) or 2026-2027 (submitted) financial year.
- All Universities or Universities of Technology and employers must ensure that all applications are submitted using email address: Unemployedbursaries@hwseta.org.za by the deadline, and all the required attachments accompany the application.
- Learners applied for must be studying in the 2025 or 2026 academic year.
Breakdown of Funding Model
| Level |
Maximum funding Per Learner |
| Post Graduate research bursaries |
R100 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:
- The information provided in the application form is not true and correct; or
- The employer does not adhere to any of the requirements laid down by the HWSETA.
- Registration status of the organisation ceases to exist before or during the implementation of the project.
- By completing this application form, you hereby authorise the HWSETA to collect your personal information for the service offered. Personal information is only used for the purpose of delivering the mandate of the HWSETA. Refer to the HWSETA Privacy Policy on our website.
CLOSING DATE: 06 February 2026
Download Documents
Bursaries for Unemployed Post Graduate Research Application form
Applicant Details Form
10 Comments
Thandeka Hlatshwayo
30th January 2026I would like to be considered for Post-graduate Bursaries, I am currently registered for PHD
Wendy Tembe
30th January 2026Dear Thandeka
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
Ukhona
30th January 2026Good day. I am a fourth year student doing Psychology at WSU. I don’t have funding since my parent is funding me. I will be placed to practicals this year and the university indicates that I do not qualify to be in the list of students that will be registered in a SETA for a stipend when I am placed in any institution for practicals. I seek help as I am funded by a single parent. I want to be guided on how can I apply for funding for my learnership.
Yours Sincerely
Ms. UF Isaiah
Wendy Tembe
3rd February 2026Dear UKhona
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
Zandile
31st January 2026Greetings
I am currently unemployed how can I receive funding for my studies in Post-graduate in Behavioural HIV and AIDS
Wendy Tembe
3rd February 2026Dear Zandile
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
Monwabisi
2nd February 2026Good day, if you are employed on a contractual basis (6 months) possibly ending by April, can i still apply for the bursary or does unemployed mean no source of income/ there is an income threshold.
thank you
Wendy Tembe
3rd February 2026Dear Monwabisi
Kindly inquire with the Employers, when you apply for funding. HWSETA does not recruit learners for any funded programmes, however, please note that if you are currently registered on a funded programme the system might not allow you to apply for another funded programme even if it is a short term. Please seek clarity from the Employers as you apply.
Trust, you will find this note in order
Thank you
regards
Nomfundo
23rd February 2026Hi, I am a postgraduate student at UCT. In late January, I contacted your head office about applying for funding and was advised to go through my institution. However, UCT funding offices redirected me several times and eventually said they are waiting for communication from HWSETA. This has been discouraging as I urgently need financial support to focus on my studies. Could you please advise on the correct process or next steps?
Wendy Tembe
24th February 2026Dear Nomfundo
Thank you for the inquiry, kindly note that HWSETA does not recruit beneficiaries directly for funding in your case a bursary. Feedback after evaluation is provided to the Universities for them to inform beneficiaries. These processes undergo a valuation process before feedback can be provided.
Trust, you will find this note in order
Thank you
Regards