Does a SETA Bursary Include an Allowance? Here’s the Real Breakdown

Understanding What You Really Get from a SETA Bursary

For many students in South Africa, pursuing higher education is a major financial challenge. Between tuition fees, textbooks, accommodation, and transport costs, the dream of studying often comes with a heavy price tag. This is where government-funded bursaries like the Services SETA bursary step in to offer relief.

But a common question remains: does the SETA bursary cover living allowances or just tuition and textbooks? Let’s dig into the details and break down exactly what you can expect.

Thando’s Story: A Look at the Bursary Through a Student’s Eyes

To understand the impact of the Services SETA bursary, let’s look at a real-world example.

Thando, a determined young woman from the Eastern Cape, always wanted to build a career in Human Resources. Although her family was supportive, they simply couldn’t afford university tuition. After researching various funding options, she applied for the Services SETA bursary.

When she received her approval letter, the relief was immense. Her tuition would be fully covered — a life-changing moment. However, questions remained:

• Would she get help with rent?
• Would transport be covered?
• What about meals and everyday expenses?

These are the same concerns most applicants face. So, what does the SETA bursary actually offer?

What the SETA Bursary Covers — And What It Might Not

Tuition and Textbooks: Fully Covered

Let’s start with the good news. If you’re awarded the Services SETA bursary, your tuition fees are paid in full. That includes registration and course-related costs for universities, TVET colleges, and accredited private institutions.

Additionally, all prescribed textbooks are also covered. This means you won’t need to worry about shelling out money for academic materials — the bursary takes care of that completely.

Allowances: Possible, But Not Guaranteed

Here’s where things get a little more complicated. While SETA bursaries do offer allowances, they aren’t guaranteed for every recipient. Whether or not you receive additional support depends on two main factors:

1. How much funding remains after tuition and textbooks are paid.
2. The level of priority your needs are given in the bursary system.

Let’s break this down even further.

Types of Allowances You May Qualify For

1. Additional Study Materials

If your course requires tools beyond standard textbooks — such as lab kits, uniforms, or technical equipment — these may be covered, but only if funds are available.

2. Accommodation Support

If you study far from home and require accommodation, this could be one of the top priorities for additional funding. To receive this, you’ll need to provide documentation like a rental agreement or a formal residence letter.

3. Transport Assistance

Students who commute from off-campus locations might qualify for a transport allowance. However, this is based on location, need, and available funds. Urban students living at home may not receive this support.

4. Meal or Living Allowance

This is usually the last type of allowance to be considered. If there’s funding left over after tuition, books, accommodation, and transport, a meal or living allowance might be awarded. This is often limited and highly competitive.

How Allowances Are Decided and Distributed

Once your bursary application is approved, the process of distributing allowances follows a specific order:

1. Tuition and textbooks are covered first.
2. SETA evaluates remaining funds.
3. Allowances are then allocated based on importance — starting with accommodation, followed by transport, meals, and finally study extras.

Each applicant is reviewed on a case-by-case basis. For instance, a rural student attending school in an urban area may have their accommodation prioritized over someone who stays at home.

Pro tip: Apply early and submit all supporting documents to improve your chances of qualifying for allowances.

Can You Count on the Bursary for Living Costs?

This is perhaps the most critical question. And the answer is: not always.

The SETA bursary is primarily designed to remove the biggest barrier to education — tuition. Once that’s handled, anything beyond that depends on available funding and the urgency of your needs.

So while some students, like Thando, may receive full support including accommodation and transport, others might only get tuition and books.

That’s why it’s wise to plan ahead. Consider additional options such as:

• Applying for NSFAS (if eligible)
• Seeking help from family or community groups
• Exploring part-time jobs, where possible

What You Need to Apply for SETA Allowances

To be considered for any of the extra financial assistance, make sure your application includes the following:

• Proof of residence
• Letter of admission from your institution
• Official fee statement
• Proof of accommodation (if applicable)
• Certified copy of your ID
• Bank details (for payment purposes)
• Motivation letter, if requested

Also, stay responsive. Answer SETA’s emails or messages quickly, and ensure all your documents are complete and clear.

Are SETA Allowances Paid Monthly?

In most cases, no. Allowances are typically paid per academic term or semester, not monthly. You may receive a lump sum intended to cover that term’s needs.

This system means you’ll need to manage your money carefully. Many students run out of funds midway through the term simply because they didn’t budget well.

Helpful tip: Open a separate bank account just for bursary funds. Track your spending to make sure the money lasts until your next disbursement.

Common Mistakes Students Make — and How to Avoid Them

1. Applying Late

Many students wait until the last minute. Unfortunately, this often leads to missed opportunities — especially when it comes to getting allowances. Always apply as early as possible.

2. Missing Documents

Incomplete or incorrect paperwork is one of the most common reasons applications are rejected. Double-check that all your documents are accurate and up to date.

3. Assuming the Bursary Covers Everything

This is a dangerous assumption. While some students get a full package, others don’t. Plan for the possibility that you may need to cover part of your living expenses yourself.

SETA Bursary vs NSFAS: What’s the Difference?

Both aim to support students, but they work differently.

• SETA bursaries are typically merit- and needs-based, and focus on specific fields such as marketing, HR, or hospitality.
• NSFAS supports financially disadvantaged students more broadly and includes more comprehensive allowances like food, transport, and personal care.

Remember: you can’t accept both. If you qualify for both bursaries, you’ll need to choose one.

Final Thoughts: Is a SETA Bursary Worth It?

Without a doubt. Even if you don’t receive allowances, getting your tuition and books paid for is a massive win. That alone can open doors to education that would otherwise remain closed.

And when additional allowances are available, they can ease your financial burden dramatically. Just ask Thando — the SETA bursary didn’t just get her into university. It helped her stay and succeed.

Quick Reference: SETA Bursary Benefits

Need Help Applying?

If you’re unsure how to complete your application or what documents to submit, visit your school’s financial aid office or career center. You can also reach out to the Services SETA bursary office for direct support.