HWSETA 2026 Disability Bursary Programme – Apply Now to Secure Your Future Career
Health & Welfare Bursary for Unemployed Students with Disabilities – 2025‑2026
Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority (HWSETA) invites suitable applicants to apply for their bursary program.
The closing date for applications is 13 February 2026.
What is the HWSETA Bursary?
HWSETA has started a new bursary fund that helps people with disabilities who are looking for a job. The scholarship covers tuition, room & board, books, living costs, transport, and special equipment that students need to study.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Bursary name | HWSETA Bursary Programme for Unemployed Persons with Disabilities (2025‑2026) |
| Who can get it | Students with a disability who study health, welfare, social or veterinary subjects |
| Levels covered | • Undergraduate (NQF 5‑8 – Higher Certificate to Degree) • Postgraduate research (NQF 8‑10 – Honours to PhD) |
| Where | • Universities • Universities of Technology • Nursing colleges (public or private) that are HWSETA employers |
| Maximum support | Up to R240 000 per student |
| Email for application | Unemployedbursaries@hwseta.org.za |
| Deadline | 13 February 2026 |
How the Bursary Helps You
The money can pay for:
- Tuition fees
- A place to stay while studying
- Books and other study materials
- Living allowance (food, utilities, etc.)
- Special devices or tools that make learning easier (e.g., wheelchairs, screen‑readers)
- Extra transport costs
If you qualify, this fund can cover a large part of your academic expenses.
Who Can Apply?
This bursary is a bit different from the ones where you apply on your own.
- Your school or college must first ask HWSETA to join the programme.
- The school then submits the names of eligible students to HWSETA.
- You, as a student, only need to be enrolled for the 2025 or 2026 academic year.
What to do if you’re a student:
- Talk to the bursaries or finance office at your university, tech college, or nursing school.
- Ask if the school is part of the HWSETA project and if they can add you to their application list.
Which Subjects Qualify?
You must be studying a degree or diploma in one of these areas:
- Nursing, Public Health, Social Work, Psychology, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Speech Therapy, Radiography, Pharmacy, Medicine, Veterinary Science, Animal Health, or community‑development programmes.
All of these fall under the health, welfare, social or veterinary umbrella.
Study Levels That Count
- Undergraduate – NQF levels 5 to 8 (Higher Certificate to Degree)
- Postgraduate research – NQF levels 8 to 10 (Honours, Masters, PhD)
If you’re enrolled in any of these levels during 2025 or 2026, you’re in the running.
Eligibility Checklist
For Students
- Have a disability.
- Be enrolled in a health, welfare, social or veterinary programme.
- Study in 2025 or 2026.
- Provide a valid letter from a registered health practitioner confirming your disability.
- Attend a university, university of technology, or a nursing college (public or private).
For Institutions
- Be registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET).
- If private, show proof of accreditation.
- Email the application to Unemployedbursaries@hwseta.org.za with all required files.
- Submit before the deadline.
How to Apply (Step‑by‑Step)
- Check your course – Make sure it’s in one of the supported subjects.
- Get your disability letter – Ask a doctor or registered health practitioner to write a letter confirming your condition.
- Talk to your school’s bursary office –
- “Is the school applying for this bursary?”
- “Can I be added to the list of applicants?”
- “What paperwork do I need to give you?”
- Send all documents – Make sure everything is signed, certified, and ready.
- School submits the application to HWSETA via email.
- Wait for news – HWSETA might ask for more info or documents.
- Mark your calendar – 13 February 2026 is the last day to send the application.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Don’t assume the school will apply automatically – confirm it.
- Submit your documents early – missing or outdated paperwork can sabotage your chances.
- Write a brief motivation: why you chose the field, what you want to achieve, and how you will help others after graduation.
- Be ready for extra verification – HWSETA may need more information.
- Think ahead: use the bursary to finish your degree, build a CV, and explore internships or volunteer work.
Career Paths After the Bursary
The bursary is not just a one‑off. It can launch a long‑term career:
- Health fields – hospitals, clinics, NGOs, public health projects, or specialized roles.
- Social/Welfare fields – government social services, NGO officer positions, case workers, or further research in policy.
- Veterinary fields – animal‑health technicians, labs, veterinary support, or rural development work.
The bigger picture: skills + education = more opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I apply on my own? – No, the school must submit the application to HWSETA.
- Which schools can participate? – Any university, university of technology, or nursing college registered with DHET and accredited.
- What programmes are funded? – Any health, social or veterinary qualification at NQF levels 5‑8 (undergrad) or 8‑10 (postgrad).
- How much money? – Up to R240 000 per student, depending on the budget.
- What expenses does it cover? – Tuition, accommodation, books, living allowance, disability tools, and transport.
- Proof of disability? – Yes, a valid letter from a registered health practitioner.
- Deadline? – 13 February 2026.
- Where to send the application? – Email Unemployedbursaries@hwseta.org.za from your institution.
Important Notes
- The information is shared for educational purposes.
- HWSETA may change rules or paperwork at any time – always double‑check with your school or directly with HWSETA.
- No application is guaranteed; only official submission counts.
- Never pay anyone to “secure” the bursary – follow the official process.
Learn More & Apply
To see more details about the bursary, visit the HWSETA website or email Unemployedbursaries@hwseta.org.za.
Risk Assessment
The programme is verified and low‑risk. Always verify details on official sites before sharing personal information.
Remember – the deadline is 13 February 2026. Start early, gather your documents, and talk to your bursary office today!
