The Services SETA Bursary Program – Empowering South Africa’s Future Service Sector Leaders
Established in 2000, the Services Sector Education and Training Authority (Services SETA) provides skills development and training within South Africa’s services industry. A key initiative is their bursary program aimed at growing top talent for the sector.
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In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore:
- Overview of Services SETA
- Details of the bursary program
- Types of bursaries offered
- Eligibility criteria and application process
- Program benefits
- Application timelines
- Additional resources
Let’s get started!
About the Services SETA
The Services SETA is one of 21 Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) in South Africa mandated to promote skills development in their respective sectors.
Services SETA specifically focuses on the services industry, which encompasses diverse subsectors like retail, tourism, consulting, transport, and more.
As a skills authority, Services SETA aims to build a capable workforce through initiatives like learnerships, internships, qualifications development and of course, bursaries.
Introduction to the Services SETA Bursary Program
The Services SETA bursary program aims to:
- Attract and fund students pursuing qualifications relevant to the services sector
- Equip graduates with scarce and critical skills needed in the industry
- Increase transformation and diversity within the services workforce
- Provide mentorship and work experience alongside funded studies
By investing in youth skills development, the program helps build a strong talent pipeline for the sector.
Types of Services SETA Bursaries
Services SETA offers two main bursary routes:
Unfunded Bursaries
These assist current students already enrolled in relevant qualifications who require financial support. Open to both employed and unemployed applicants.
Funded Bursaries
These fully fund new students to pursue qualifications linked to scare skills needs identified by Services SETA research. Awarded in partnership with Universities South Africa (USAF). Mostly for unemployed applicants but some opportunities for employer-sponsored students exist.
Eligibility Criteria and Requirements
To qualify for Services SETA bursaries, applicants must:
- Be a South African citizen
- Meet academic requirements set for their program level
- Study toward an undergraduate or postgraduate qualification within the services sector scope
- Unemployed applicants must not already hold another state bursary
- Employed applicants must work within the services industry
Specific additional requirements apply for funded bursaries.
Application and Selection Process
The application process involves:
Unfunded bursaries:
- Applications open: November
- Applications close: December
- Outcome notifications from: January
Funded bursaries:
- Applications open: January
- Applications close: February
- Outcome notifications from: March
To apply:
- Download the relevant application form from the Services SETA website
- Complete all sections accurately and include all supporting documentation
- Submit by the deadline
Selection is conducted based on merit, with top performers qualifying for bursary awards.
Program Benefits and Details
Services SETA bursaries provide:
- Full coverage of all tuition and registration fees
- Allowances for learning materials, equipment and transport
- On-campus accommodation or living allowance
- Meal allowance
- Mentorship and work experience through SETA partners
- Access to industry networks and employment opportunities
Bursaries are awarded annually and can be renewed subject to meeting academic performance criteria.
The program enables students to focus fully on their studies and graduate work-ready.
Additional Resources
Find further information through:
- Services SETA Website: https://servicesseta.org.za
- Services SETA Online Application Portal: https://servicesseta.org.za/oss/
- University of South Africa (USAF): https://usaf.ac.za/
- Relevant university financial aid offices
Conclusion
The Services SETA bursary program enables academically talented youth to access fully-funded education in service sector qualifications.
This empowers students to graduate with specialized expertise, workplace experience and professional networks to excel as future leaders in the industry.
I encourage all eligible students to take advantage of this career acceleration opportunity. Please reach out if any other questions arise!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common queries on the Services SETA bursary:
What level of study does the bursary cover?
Undergraduate and postgraduate degrees/diplomas at universities and TVET colleges.
What are examples of qualifying programs?
Retail business management, hospitality management, logistics, tourism, finance, marketing, HR and more.
How do I apply for an unfunded versus funded bursary?
Separate application forms and processes exist so follow the right one for the bursary type.
When do funded bursaries open for 2024 applications?
The window for funded bursary applications usually runs January to February.
Can I hold another bursary alongside Services SETA funding?
If on a funded bursary, you cannot already have state funding. Unfunded bursaries may allow concurrent awards.
Let me know if you have any other questions!