The Services SETA Bursary Programme has just opened for the 2026/2027 academic year at Durban University of Technology (DUT). If you’re a South African student in a qualifying course and need help covering tuition, books, accommodation and even a laptop, this bursary could be the difference between staying on track and having to pause your studies.
What Is the Services SETA Bursary?
It is a national skills‑development grant that supports students who are studying qualifications tied to the services sector – one of South Africa’s biggest employers. The bursary covers many of the costs that can quickly add up, giving students a smoother learning journey.
Key Details at a Glance
- Institution: Durban University of Technology (DUT)
- Academic Year: 2026/2027
- Funding Type: Bursary
- Closing Date: 03 April 2026
- Eligibility: Registered public‑university students (including returning students funded in 2025)
- Income Requirement: Household income below R1 000 000 per year
- Minimum Academic Requirement (returning students): Pass at least 75 % of modules
- What’s Covered: Tuition, accommodation, meals, textbooks, a one‑time laptop, research & travel (post‑graduate)
- What’s Not Covered: Historical debt, NSFAS debt overlap, interest on fees, non‑academic expenses
Who Should Apply?
If you meet these conditions, you should consider applying:
- South African citizen.
- Currently enrolled at a public university, such as DUT.
- Household earns less than R1 000 000 per year.
- Maintains good academic progress.
For returning students, you must:
- Have passed at least 75 % of your modules.
- Continue in the same qualification.
The bursary is designed for students in the following DUT programmes:
- Diploma in Human Resource Management
- Diploma in Marketing
- Diploma in Business Administration
- Diploma in Public Relations Management
- Bachelor of Journalism
- Diploma in Language Practice (English and Communication)
- Diploma in Business & Information Management
- Bachelor of Health Sciences in Environmental Health
- Diploma in Somatology
- Bachelor of the Built Environment in Urban & Regional Planning
- Bachelor of the Built Environment in Construction Studies
- Diploma in Engineering Technology – Civil Engineering
- Bachelor of the Built Environment – Architecture
- Diploma in Public Management
What You Gain
Beyond the money, the bursary gives you:
- Financial security for tuition, books, and living costs.
- A laptop to support coursework.
- Research and travel grants if you study post‑graduate.
- A chance to stay in a field that can lead to roles such as HR Officer, Marketing Coordinator, Urban Planner, or Environmental Health Practitioner.
How to Apply – Step by Step
- Gather the required documents:
- Certified copy of your South African ID (not older than 6 months).
- Proof of registration at DUT.
- Fee statement for the current semester.
- Affidavit confirming unemployment, if applicable.
- Proof of employment, if you’re employed.
- Log in to the DUT Financial Aid online portal.
- Complete the application form and upload all documents.
- Double‑check that every file is readable and correctly labelled.
- Submit before the closing date: 03 April 2026.
- After submission, keep an eye on your email for any requests for further information.
Practical Tips to Boost Your Chances
- Apply early – the sooner you send in your application, the better your chances.
- Make sure all documents are certified and up‑to‑date; incomplete files are a common reason for rejection.
- Show that you are committed to finishing your qualification – this is key for returning students.
- Keep copies of everything you send, in case the financial aid office needs a re‑submission.
- Respond promptly to any follow‑up questions from the financial aid office.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can first‑year students apply? This bursary mainly supports students already registered in qualifying programmes. Confirm with DUT Financial Aid if the first‑year intake is eligible.
- Is NSFAS funding required first? Yes. Services SETA bursaries usually complement other funding sources, such as NSFAS.
- Do I need academic excellence? Returning students must pass at least 75 % of their modules. For first‑time applicants, maintaining good progress is important.
- Does the bursary include a laptop? Yes. A one‑time laptop allocation may be included.
- Can students outside DUT apply? This specific call is managed through DUT Financial Aid and is only open to DUT students.
Conclusion – Take Action Now
If you meet the eligibility criteria and want a chance to finish your studies without financial stress, the Services SETA Bursary at DUT could be your next step. Prepare your documents, apply before 03 April 2026, and give yourself the best shot at securing this comprehensive support. APPLY FOR THE DUT SERVICES SETA BURSARY PROGRAMME 2026/2027 HERE
