The Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority (“HWSETA”) invites all HWSETA registered employers (Pathology laboratories and Medical Science laboratories) to apply to participate in the Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Grant for 2025-2026.

Details of the Work Integrated learning (WIL) project

The Work Integrated Learning project aims to assist students who are registered and studying through Universities and Universities of Technology studying towards the following qualifications and are currently enrolled for work integrated learning at any HWSETA registered pathology/medical science laboratory employer:

• Bachelor of Health Sciences in Medical Laboratory Science
• Bachelor of Health Sciences in Clinical Technology Science

The HWSETA invites all HWSETA registered laboratories who currently have students studying towards above mentioned qualifications from Universities and Universities of technology and are not receiving any funding for the WIL duration. This opportunity excludes all students funded by the HWSETA through Universities. The employer must ensure that learners will obtain the Work Experience in line with the qualifications requirements and note the following:

• Students who are placed for WIL with employers remain students at the University while they are at the workplace since it is a pre–degree requirement.
• All employers must provide a safe work environment for the learners.
• All students must have insurance cover whilst placed for WIL. This will relate to personal accident cover as well as HIV (needle-stick and bodily fluids) cover in selected programmes.
• The University must determine the contents of the WIL programmes (in consultation with employers and professional body.
• The assessment and certification of WIL is the responsibility of the University in collaboration with employers.
• All students must be provided with workbooks which contain rubrics (a set of printed rules or instructions) and report templates as per the requirements of the qualification.

Employers must note that the HWSETA has funded students directly through Universities and Universities of technology in the same financial year and thus must ensure that the learners applied for in this application exclude those who have already received funding from the HWSETA. Only learners who are not funded by any donor qualify.  Employers must liase with the University to avoid any double dipping. 

Qualifying criteria

• The employer through which the learner will complete their WIL programmes must be fully accredited by the relevant Professional body or council.
• All applications must be submitted by an HWSETA registered employer that is in possession of a valid SDL number (registered with the HWSETA). The employer must have submitted a Workplace Skills Plan and Annual Training Report for the 2025-2026(approved) or 2026-2027(submitted) financial year, to the HWSETA by the due date. (Includes employers who were granted extension).
• The Registration status of the organisation is valid at the time of application and throughout the implementation of the project. A copy of CIPC Registration indicating status of registration not older than one month at the time of application.
• The HWSETA may conduct a site verification visit at its Discretion prior to Approval/Payment of funds.
• All applications must be submitted using the designated email address WIL@hwseta.org.za by the due date in line with the requirements of the grant as indicated under details of the funding, and all the required attachments accompany the application.
• Learners applied for must be studying in 2026.
• No learners over the age of 60 will be accepted.

Breakdown of Funding Available

Employers must note that the learner stipend will be limited to a maximum of R81 000 (R4 500 x 18 months) per learner.

Please note the following employment equity targets which the SETA will consider when allocating the grant to qualifying organisations:

• Priority must be given to persons with a disability.
• At least 90% of all learners funded must be
• At least 60% of all learners funded must be
• At least 80% of all learners must be Youth
• At least 5% of all learners funded must be persons with disabilities.

Please Note: 

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. NB. 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