2027 BANKSETA Unemployed Learners Bursary

BANKSETA (the Banking Sector Education and Training Authority) has opened a Discretionary Grant Funding Window for Unemployed Learners Granted Bursaries for the 2027/28 financial year. The programme supports unemployed South African learners in accessing higher education at public universities and public Universities of Technology (UoTs), from first year through to final year of study.

The bursary is available to both new enrolments (first-year students entering an approved programme) and continuing students (unemployed learners entering their 2nd, 3rd, or final year of study). It is offered in line with BANKSETA’s skills development mandate for the banking and financial services sector.

BANKSETA reimburses actual eligible costs incurred, up to the following maximums per learner per year: tuition fees up to R50 000, study material up to R10 000, accommodation up to R45 000, and a living and meal allowance up to R15 000. The overall cap per learner per year is R120 000 (VAT inclusive). All applications must be submitted through the BANKSETA SIMS platform using the prescribed templates. Applications received after the closing date or through any other channel will not be accepted.