Learnerships, Internships, and Bursaries with Real Impact
The Health and Welfare Sector plays a vital role in South Africa’s development. If you’re an ambitious young person hoping to work in healthcare, social work, or veterinary services, the HWSETA Skills Development Programmes 2025/2026 could be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.
Whether you’re interested in a bursary to fund your studies, a learnership to gain practical experience, or an internship to launch your career, HWSETA has something for you. Opportunities are available in urban and rural areas across Gauteng, the Western Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal.
What is HWSETA?
The Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority (HWSETA) exists to promote learning and employment in three critical areas: health, social development, and veterinary services.
Funded by the Department of Higher Education and Training, HWSETA is dedicated to developing skilled professionals who can meet South Africa’s healthcare and social needs. The programmes they offer are tailored to help young people enter and thrive in careers that directly serve communities.
What is the Purpose of These Programmes?
HWSETA’s initiatives are not just educational — they’re transformational. These programmes are designed to:
- Implement the Sector Skills Plan
- Improve access to quality training and qualifications
- Promote inclusion of persons with disabilities
- Support the National Skills Development Strategy
- Build partnerships across public and private sectors
Ultimately, they aim to create a well-trained, ethical, and compassionate workforce that can serve society’s most pressing health and social needs.
Overview of the HWSETA Programmes
Each programme is structured to include classroom learning, practical experience, and formal assessments. Successful candidates will receive nationally recognized NQF qualifications and certificates.
Learnerships
Qualification Level: NQF 2–7 (e.g., Nursing, Social Auxiliary Work)
Duration: 12–18 months
Eligibility: Grade 12 with Mathematics and Science
Funding: R3,000–R5,000 monthly stipend
Bursaries
Qualification Level: Undergraduate/Postgraduate (e.g., MBChB, Veterinary Science, Social Work)
Duration: 1–6 years
Eligibility: Grade 12 with Maths and Science + university acceptance
Funding: Up to R100,000 (includes tuition, books, accommodation)
Internships
Qualification Level: NQF 6–8 (e.g., Community Health Work, Veterinary Science)
Duration: 12–24 months
Eligibility: Diploma or Degree
Funding: R3,000–R5,000 monthly stipend
Skills Programmes
Qualification: Short Courses (e.g., Phlebotomy, Animal Health)
Duration: 1–6 months
Eligibility: Grade 12 with Mathematics and Science
Funding: Partial funding (no stipend)
These programmes are delivered through HWSETA-accredited providers and offer high-impact, real-world learning.
What You’ll Be Doing in Each Programme
Your role will depend on the programme you choose, but all paths involve both practical and theoretical learning.
Learnership Participants:
- Support daily healthcare, social, or veterinary operations
- Attend structured classroom training
- Complete hands-on workplace assessments
- Follow strict ethical and safety standards
Bursary Recipients:
- Maintain solid academic performance
- Submit regular progress reports
- Take part in research or community projects
Interns:
- Assist professionals in hospitals, NGOs, or veterinary clinics
- Contribute to patient care, animal welfare, or outreach programmes
- Attend mentorship sessions and development workshops
What Are the Benefits?
HWSETA’s programmes offer more than just training — they open doors to long-term employment and personal growth:
- Stipends: Between R3,000 and R5,000/month for learnerships and internships
- Bursary Funding: Up to R100,000 for eligible students
- Accredited Qualifications: From NQF Level 2 to 8
- Career Advancement: Opportunities in public health, social services, and veterinary care
- Mentorship Access: Learn from seasoned experts in your field
These benefits make HWSETA programmes among the most valuable skills development opportunities available in South Africa.
Do You Qualify?
Before applying, review the general eligibility requirements:
- Must be a South African citizen with a valid ID
- Aged 18 to 35 for bursaries and learnerships (no age limit for internships)
- Must have Grade 12 with Mathematics and Science
- Must be unemployed or working within the health, social, or veterinary sectors
- Must not have previously completed the same HWSETA programme
- Must have a clean criminal record (background checks are conducted)
Who Gets Preference?
Although all eligible candidates are welcome, HWSETA gives preference to:
- Previously disadvantaged individuals (Black, Coloured, Indian, women, persons with disabilities)
- Residents of rural areas or the provinces of Gauteng, Western Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal
- Candidates who show strong commitment to finishing the programme and working in the sector
What Skills Do You Need?
While the programmes will help you build industry-specific skills, certain foundational qualities are essential:
- Strong communication skills, both verbal and written
- Genuine interest in health, social services, or animal care
- Empathy and people skills (especially important in care roles)
- Basic numeracy and computer literacy
- Ethical and responsible behaviour, particularly in clinical environments
These attributes will help you succeed and make a positive difference in the lives of others.
How to Apply for HWSETA Programmes
Applications for the 2025/2026 intake close in early 2026 (typically March for bursaries). Follow the steps below to apply correctly:
What to Include:
- CV with your updated contact details
- Certified copies of your ID and qualifications
- University acceptance letter (for bursary applicants)
- Proof of residence, certified within the past 6 months
- Clearly state the programme you’re applying for (e.g., Internship: Community Health Work)
Submission Methods:
- Email: info@hwseta.org.za
- Hand Delivery: 17 Bradford Road, Bedfordview, Johannesburg
- Postal: Private Bag X15, Gardenview, 2047
Please note: Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted. There are no application fees, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted within 60 to 90 days after the closing date. If you do not receive feedback, consider your application unsuccessful.
Contact Details for More Information
Email: info@hwseta.org.za
Phone: +27 11 607 6900
Physical Address: 17 Bradford Road, Bedfordview, Johannesburg
Postal Address: Private Bag X15, Gardenview, 2047
Website: www.hwseta.org.za