For many South African students, a TVET college is the most practical route into a career. Instead of spending years searching for funding while already enrolled, students can choose vocational and occupational programmes that prepare them for careers in engineering, construction, information technology, business, hospitality, transport, mining and the artisan trades.

But choosing a TVET college is only the first step. The bigger question for many families is: How will I pay for my studies?

There is no single answer because TVET students can access different types of funding. NSFAS is the major government funding option, but it is not the only possibility. Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), municipalities, trusts, mining-sector organisations and private companies also operate bursary or education-funding programmes that can include TVET students.

This guide focuses on 10 funding opportunities that have clear links to TVET students. Where a 2027 application date has not yet been announced, that is stated clearly instead of presenting an old deadline as a new one.

1. NSFAS TVET College Bursary

Who it is for: Eligible students at public TVET colleges
2027 opening date: Not officially announced as of 1 September 2026
2027 closing date: Not officially announced as of 1 September 2026
Main requirement: South African citizenship, financial need, an eligible programme and an eligible public TVET college

For most students, NSFAS should be the first funding option to investigate.

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme provides government bursary funding to eligible students studying at public TVET colleges. NSFAS says TVET applicants can qualify where they meet the financial and other eligibility requirements and have been admitted or received a firm offer from a college. The current household-income threshold is up to R350,000 per year, with a higher threshold applying to applicants with disabilities.

NSFAS funding can cover registration, tuition fees and learning materials, with applicable support for living expenses, personal care, transport or accommodation depending on the student’s circumstances and the funding rules.

What can TVET students study?

NSFAS identifies a range of TVET study areas, including engineering studies, engineering and related design, electrical infrastructure, civil engineering construction, information technology and computer science, management, marketing, finance, office administration, hospitality, tourism, safety in society and transport and logistics.

Do not assume that every course with a similar name is automatically funded. Check the exact qualification with the college before registering.

How do you know if you qualify?

Start by checking:

• Are you a South African citizen?
• Are you applying to or studying at a public TVET college?
• Is your programme approved for NSFAS funding?
• Does your household income fall within the applicable threshold?
• Do you meet the academic and progression requirements if you are a returning student?
• Have you disclosed previous studies and funding accurately?

Students should use the official NSFAS application channels and monitor their myNSFAS account for updates.

Important: Do not publish a 2027 NSFAS deadline until NSFAS officially announces it.

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2. MQA Bursary

Provider: Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA)
TVET eligibility: Yes
2027 application dates: Not yet officially confirmed
Best suited to: Students pursuing mining and minerals-related fields

The MQA bursary is one of the more important alternatives to NSFAS because the organisation explicitly confirms that its bursary is available to students enrolled at universities, universities of technology and TVET colleges.

The bursary is linked to skills needed in the mining and minerals sector, meaning it is not a general “study anything” bursary.

For unemployed applicants, published MQA criteria have included South African citizenship, Matric, financial need, unemployment and study at a public university, university of technology or TVET college in an eligible field. Previous published criteria have also included a household-income ceiling of R600,000 per year for unemployed applicants.

Who should consider it?

A TVET student should investigate MQA if the intended qualification is connected to mining, minerals, engineering or another field included in the MQA funding framework.

MQA’s official bursary page currently contains information relating to its funding programmes, but students should wait for the 2027 advertisement before assuming that the 2026 conditions or dates remain unchanged.

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3. MICT SETA Bursary

Provider: MICT SETA
TVET eligibility: Yes
2027 dates: Not yet announced
Best suited to: Information and communication technology, media and related MICT-sector studies

Students studying technology-related programmes should not overlook MICT SETA.

The MICT SETA confirms that it provides bursaries to South African citizens studying full-time in fields falling within its sectors. Its bursary programme operates through partnerships with NSFAS and most TVET colleges and universities.

This makes it particularly relevant to TVET students pursuing eligible programmes connected to the media, information and communication technologies sector.

How can you check if you qualify?

Do not decide based only on the words “IT” or “computer studies” in your course name.

Check:

1. Whether your TVET college participates in the relevant MICT SETA arrangement.
2. Whether your exact programme falls within an MICT SETA-supported field.
3. Whether the specific funding window is open.
4. Whether you meet the citizenship, academic and financial requirements in that year’s advert.

MICT SETA has also published funding windows involving TVET students who require work-integrated learning, so students should distinguish between a bursary for study costs and a TVET placement/WIL funding intervention.

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4. FASSET TVET Bursary

Provider: FASSET
TVET eligibility: Yes, for specified programmes and categories
2027 dates: Depends on the specific FASSET programme
Best suited to: Finance, accounting, actuarial and related fields

FASSET is another important funding source because its official bursary information specifically identifies a TVET college learner bursary.

The programme targets learners studying at public TVET colleges, particularly in FASSET-related qualifications, with funding also linked to actuarial science and IT-related qualifications.

There is an important catch: not every FASSET bursary is open to every TVET student.

For example, FASSET’s employed bursary requires the learner to be employed by a FASSET-registered employer or organisation, studying a qualification linked to FASSET’s scarce skills and registered at a public HET or TVET college. Its published conditions have capped funding at R50,000 per learner for one academic year and cover tuition and textbooks.

FASSET has announced a 2027 Employed Bursary programme, but its application window closed on 17 August 2026.

Therefore, students should not describe this as an open 2027 bursary now. They should monitor FASSET for the next applicable funding opportunity.

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5. SASSETA Bursary

Provider: SASSETA
TVET eligibility: Yes, for eligible programmes and applicants
2027 dates: Check the latest SASSETA advert
Best suited to: Safety, security and related sector fields

The Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority (SASSETA) also operates bursary programmes.

Its published eligibility information includes South African citizenship, an age range of 18 to 35 and possession of a Grade 12 certificate or higher qualification.

SASSETA bursary funding can cover expenses such as registration, tuition, books, meals and accommodation, depending on the applicable programme.

However, students should read the specific annual advert because SASSETA funding is sector-focused.

A student studying an unrelated course should not assume that simply being enrolled at a TVET college makes them eligible.

SASSETA has also published a 2026/27 unemployed bursary application, demonstrating that TVET-related funding remains part of its learner-support activities.

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6. merSETA TVET Bursary Funding

Provider: merSETA
TVET eligibility: Yes, through its funded programmes
2027 dates: Funding windows are published according to merSETA’s annual grant cycle
Best suited to: Manufacturing, engineering and related technical fields

merSETA is particularly relevant to students pursuing technical careers.

Its 2026/27 discretionary grant documentation specifically includes bursaries for unemployed TVET learners, with a maximum amount of up to R100,000 per learner for the stated TVET/partial-HEI bursary category. It also identifies bursary funding for employed learners at TVET colleges.

There is an important difference between this and NSFAS.

A merSETA funding window may operate through institutions, employers, training providers or partnerships, rather than functioning as a simple bursary where every student completes an individual online application.

The 2026/27 guidelines also state that TVET colleges and other providers must meet accreditation requirements for funded occupational programmes.

What should a student do?

If you are studying an engineering, manufacturing or technical programme, ask your college’s financial aid or student-support office whether your programme is included in a current merSETA-funded project.

Do not pay an individual or website claiming to “register you for a merSETA bursary” without verifying the opportunity.

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7. PN Foundation Bursary

Provider: Patrick Nndwamato Foundation
TVET eligibility: Yes — specifically aimed at college/TVET artisan studies
2027 programme: Published for 2027
Previous closing date: 30 April 2026

The PN Foundation bursary is particularly relevant to students who want to become artisans.

Its 2027 bursary information identifies fields such as plumbing, electrical work, tailoring and carpentry, among other hands-on artisan trades. Most importantly for TVET students, the programme specifically says applicants should have applied to a college or TVET institution and that university studies are not covered.

The published minimum requirements include:

• South African citizenship
• Completed Matric
• Intention to study an artisan trade
• Application to a college or TVET institution
• A genuine interest in hands-on skills
• Not already receiving a PN Foundation bursary

The published 2027 listing shows a closing date of 30 April 2026, meaning that particular application window has already passed.

Students interested in the next intake should monitor the foundation rather than assuming that the 2026 deadline will be repeated.

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8. SANParks Community Bursary

Provider: South African National Parks (SANParks)
TVET eligibility: Yes
2027 application period: 17 July 2026 to 21 August 2026
Current status: Closed

This is a useful example of why students should check bursaries beyond NSFAS.

SANParks opened its 2027 Community Bursary Programme, and the eligibility information specifically included students pursuing qualifications at TVET colleges. The programme was aimed at eligible youth entering post-Matric study, with financial-need and community-related requirements.

The 2027 application window opened on 17 July 2026 and closed on 21 August 2026.

That means this opportunity is closed for the 2027 intake as of 1 September 2026.

Students who missed it should still keep SANParks on their annual bursary watchlist because programmes like this can return for subsequent academic years.

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9. Khobab Wind Farm Bursary

Provider: Khobab Wind Farm
TVET eligibility: Yes
2027 study eligibility: Yes
Closing date: 30 September 2026
Location restriction: Loeriesfontein, Northern Cape

This bursary is worth highlighting because it demonstrates how a student can qualify academically but still be ineligible because of where they live.

Khobab Wind Farm’s bursary programme accepts applications from students at South African public and accredited private institutions, including TVET colleges. Students commencing their studies in 2027 can be considered. However, applicants must live in Loeriesfontein and must be South African citizens.

Funding may cover study-related costs including tuition, registration, examinations, accommodation, meals and learning materials, with the value determined individually.

The current application season runs from 1 June to 30 September 2026, making this one of the opportunities students can still investigate for 2027.

Who should apply?

Only consider it if you satisfy the location requirement.

If you live outside Loeriesfontein, the fact that you attend a TVET college does not make you eligible.

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10. City of Cape Town Bursary

Provider: City of Cape Town
TVET eligibility: Yes
2027 closing date: 17 August 2026
Current status: Closed

The City of Cape Town’s external bursary programme is another genuine TVET funding opportunity.

The City’s official information confirms that financial support is available to residents of Cape Town who are registered for full-time study at accredited institutions in South Africa, including TVET colleges.

For the 2027 intake, the application deadline was 17 August 2026.

Applicants were required to meet conditions including Cape Town residency, full-time study, an eligible field identified by the City and, for Grade 12 applicants, a 65% average requirement. Applicants could not already have another form of financial assistance such as NSFAS.

The City says successful applicants should be contacted by 15 January 2027; if there is no response by then, applicants should regard the application as unsuccessful.

Again, this is an example of why students must read the actual eligibility criteria instead of assuming that “TVET bursary” means everyone at a TVET college qualifies.

Which TVET bursaries are still open for 2027?

As of 1 September 2026, students should pay particular attention to opportunities whose application windows remain open.

Potentially still open

Khobab Wind Farm Bursary
Closing date: 30 September 2026
Restriction: Applicants must live in Loeriesfontein.

StudyTrust-administered opportunities
StudyTrust says its 2026 application platform opened on 1 June and that most bursary and scholarship applications close on 30 September 2026, although individual programmes can have different deadlines. Students must check the individual bursary’s eligibility before applying.

Already closed for the 2027 intake

SANParks Community Bursary — closed 21 August 2026.

City of Cape Town Bursary — closed 17 August 2026.

PN Foundation Bursary — published deadline was 30 April 2026.

FASSET 2027 Employed Bursary — closed 17 August 2026.

2027 dates not yet officially confirmed

For programmes such as NSFAS, MQA and MICT SETA, students should not copy dates from the 2026 cycle and label them as 2027 deadlines. Their official pages should be checked when the new application windows are announced.

How to choose the right TVET bursary

Finding ten bursaries does not mean you should apply for all ten.

Instead, create a shortlist based on your circumstances.

If you need general financial support

Start with NSFAS.

If you want an artisan career

Investigate opportunities such as the PN Foundation Bursary and other artisan-focused programmes.

If you are studying mining-related subjects

The MQA Bursary should be on your list.

If you are studying IT or communications

Check MICT SETA funding and confirm whether your specific programme is included.

If you are studying finance or accounting

Look closely at FASSET and its specific TVET bursary categories.

If you live in a particular community

Search for community and municipal bursaries such as Khobab Wind Farm, SANParks Community Bursary and the City of Cape Town Bursary, but pay close attention to residency requirements.

Documents TVET students should prepare

A bursary application can fail for a surprisingly simple reason: missing documentation.

Before applications open, prepare clear copies of:

• South African ID
• Matric certificate or latest school results
• TVET college acceptance or registration letter
• Full academic record if you are already studying
• Proof of household income where required
• Proof of residence
• Course information or quotation where required
• Disability documentation where applicable
• Motivation letter if requested
• Any other documents specifically listed by the bursary provider

Never submit false information.

If a bursary asks about household income, previous qualifications or other financial assistance, answer honestly. Funding organisations can verify information.

Can you apply for NSFAS and another bursary?

You can investigate and apply for multiple opportunities where their rules allow it. However, receiving another bursary can affect your NSFAS funding or your eligibility for another programme.

Some funders explicitly state that applicants must not already have other financial assistance. The City of Cape Town, for example, states that applicants should not already have another form of financial assistance, including NSFAS.

Therefore, never assume that winning two bursaries means you can simply keep both.

Read the conditions and disclose other funding when asked.

What if you cannot find a bursary for your course?

If you cannot find a suitable opportunity among the TVET funding options above, visit our bursary funding section for more bursaries, application requirements and updated closing dates.

Do not immediately conclude that you cannot afford TVET college.

Speak to the financial aid office at your college.

Some funding is channelled through colleges, SETAs, employers, sector programmes or partnerships rather than advertised as a simple public bursary application.

This is particularly important with SETA funding. merSETA’s 2026/27 funding framework, for example, includes TVET-related bursaries, work-integrated learning and other interventions that may operate through institutional or sector arrangements rather than as a normal student application.

Final advice for students planning to study in 2027

The biggest mistake is to search for “TVET bursary 2027” once applications have already closed.

Start earlier.

Choose your TVET course first. Confirm that the qualification is accredited and eligible for the funding you are targeting. Check the household-income requirements. Find out whether the bursary accepts public TVET students. Then prepare your documents before the application window opens.

Most importantly, do not trust a closing date simply because it appears on a social-media poster or an old article.

Funding dates change every year.

For the 2027 academic year, some opportunities have already closed, some remain open, and several major funding programmes have yet to publish their final 2027 application dates. That distinction matters.

For most financially needy students at public TVET colleges, NSFAS remains the first funding option to investigate. But students in mining, IT, finance, security, engineering, artisan trades and specific communities should also investigate the sector and community bursaries covered in this guide.

A TVET education can lead to a practical career, but getting the opportunity often starts with understanding the funding rules before you apply.

Always verify the final requirements and dates with the bursary provider before submitting an application.