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:

1. Undergraduate Studies – NQF Level 5 to NQF Level 8 (Higher Certificate, Diploma, Advanced Diploma and Degree).
2. Post Graduate Research studies – NQF Level 8 to NQF Level 10 limited to Health, Welfare and Veterinary related qualifications (Honours, Masters and Doctorate/PhD). 

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

• All Institutions must be registered as Higher Education and Training institutions with the Department of Higher Education and Training. If Private, Proof accreditation must be submitted.
• All Institutions 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

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. 

1. 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: 13 February 2026

Download Documents
Bursaries for Unemployed persons with disabilities Application form
Applicant Details Form