The Wholesale and Retail Sector Education and Training Authority (W&RSETA) has officially opened applications for its 2026 Continuing Bursary Funding Window, giving financially supported students a chance to continue their studies in 2026.
This bursary opportunity is specifically aimed at students who already received W&RSETA funding during the 2025 academic year and need support to continue their qualification next year.
For many South African students, continued funding can make the difference between completing a qualification or being forced to pause their studies because of financial pressure.
The bursary programme supports students studying at TVET colleges and higher education institutions linked to the wholesale and retail sector.
Quick Overview
| Opportunity | W&RSETA 2026 Continuing Bursary Scheme |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Wholesale and Retail SETA (W&RSETA) |
| Funding Type | Continuing Student Bursary |
| Eligible Students | Students funded by W&RSETA during 2025 |
| Study Institutions | TVET Colleges and Higher Education Institutions |
| Application Method | Online through W&RSETA Stakeholder Portal |
| Closing Date | 30 May 2026 |
| Funding Year | 2026 Academic Year |
| Application Website | www.wrseta.org.za |
What Is the W&RSETA Continuing Bursary Scheme?
The W&RSETA Continuing Bursary Scheme is designed to help students continue their qualifications without interruption.
Unlike first-time bursary applications, this funding window is only for students who were already funded by W&RSETA in 2025.
The programme supports academic progression into the next level of study during the 2026 academic year.
This means the bursary is intended for:
- Continuing bursars
- Students progressing into the next year of study
- Students still registered or planning to register in 2026
- Students who have not already submitted a continuation application
The bursary also includes students who started their studies during the second semester of 2025 and will continue into the second semester of 2026.
However, second-semester continuation funding will depend on academic results.
Who Qualifies for the W&RSETA 2026 Continuing Bursary?
According to the official funding notice, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Must have received W&RSETA funding during 2025
- Must continue studying in 2026
- Must remain academically active
- Must be enrolled at a recognised institution
- Must not already have submitted a continuation request
This funding opportunity is not open to new bursary applicants.
Important: Students Cannot Apply Directly
One of the most important details in the funding notice is that individual students cannot submit applications directly to W&RSETA.
Applications must be submitted by:
- Universities
- TVET colleges
- Approved bursary administrators
- Institutions that already had Memorandums of Agreement (MOAs) with W&RSETA in 2025
Students should immediately contact their:
- Financial aid office
- Student support office
- Faculty administration
- Bursary administrator
This is important because institutions are responsible for processing and uploading applications through the W&RSETA system.
How the Application Process Works
Applications must be submitted online through the W&RSETA Stakeholder Portal.
Step 1: Institution Accesses the Portal
Institutions must log into the official W&RSETA stakeholder portal.
Step 2: Select the Correct Funding Window
Institutions must choose:
“2026 Unemployed Continuing Bursary Project”
Step 3: Upload Supporting Documents
Required documents include:
- Previous MOA with W&RSETA
- Student lists funded during 2025
- Academic results
- Proof of continuing student status
- Reconciliation of funds disbursed during 2025
Step 4: Submit Before the Deadline
Applications must be submitted before:
Closing Date: 30 May 2026
Late submissions may not be considered.
Additional Documents Needed After Approval
Successful institutions may later be required to submit:
- 2025 Statements of Fees
- 2025 Statements of Results
These documents help finalise funding allocations.
How Funding Allocations Will Work
W&RSETA confirmed that funding allocations will be issued through Award Letters generated from the MIS system by 30 June 2026.
After this process:
- Institutions must register bursars on the MIS
- W&RSETA will approve registrations
- Contracts will be finalised
- Funding payments will then be processed
Payments will only be made after:
- Contracts are completed
- A compliant Grant Claim form is submitted
- A valid invoice is received
What Could the Bursary Cover?
Although the notice does not provide a detailed funding breakdown, W&RSETA bursaries commonly assist with:
- Tuition fees
- Registration fees
- Learning materials
- Academic support costs
Funding amounts may differ depending on:
- Qualification type
- Institution
- Existing funding agreements
- Approved funding rates
W&RSETA Provincial Contact Details
Students and institutions needing assistance can contact their provincial W&RSETA office.
Eastern Cape
- Contact Person: Mzamo Matyobeni
- Contact Number: 043 726 3281
Western Cape
- Contact Person: Ashley Goliath
- Contact Number: 021 561 6500
KwaZulu-Natal
- Contact Person: Angel Gambushe
- Contact Number: 031 277 0500
Gauteng North
- Contact Person: Lekgethile Mothoa
- Contact Number: 012 430 4930
Gauteng South and North West
- Contact Person: Jephrey Nene
- Contact Number: 011 656 0085
Limpopo and Mpumalanga
- Contact Person: Sipho Khosa
- Contact Number: 015 291 2237
Free State and Northern Cape
- Contact Person: Senzenina Moroe
- Contact Number: 051 444 0766
What Students Should Do Immediately
If you received W&RSETA funding during 2025 and plan to continue studying in 2026, do not wait until the last minute.
Students should:
- Contact their financial aid office immediately
- Confirm academic results are updated
- Ensure registration status is active
- Ask whether the institution has started processing applications
- Prepare any supporting documents requested
Many students lose funding opportunities simply because institutions cannot complete applications before the deadline.
Tips to Improve Your Chances of Continued Funding
To improve your chances of bursary continuation:
- Maintain good academic performance
- Respond quickly to requests from your institution
- Keep copies of results and registration proof
- Follow up regularly with bursary offices
- Monitor official W&RSETA communication channels
Students should also avoid relying on social media rumours regarding bursary approvals.
Always confirm information through official institutional channels or the W&RSETA website.
Why This Bursary Matters
South Africa continues to face high levels of student financial pressure, especially among TVET and university students.
Continuing bursary support helps students avoid interruptions that can delay graduation and future employment.
The wholesale and retail sector remains an important contributor to the South African economy, creating opportunities in:
- Retail management
- Supply chain
- Wholesale operations
- Logistics
- Business administration
- Customer service
- Merchandising
- Finance and operations
For students already funded through W&RSETA, this continuation window could help them stay on track toward completing their qualifications and improving their long-term employability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can new students apply for this bursary?
No. This funding window is only for students who already received W&RSETA funding in 2025.
Can students apply directly?
No. Applications must be submitted by institutions or approved bursary administrators.
What is the closing date?
Applications close on 30 May 2026.
Will second-semester students qualify?
Yes, but continued funding depends on academic results.
Where are applications submitted?
Applications are submitted online through the W&RSETA Stakeholder Portal.
What should students do first?
Students should immediately contact their institution’s bursary or financial aid office.
Explore More Opportunities:
Final Thoughts
The W&RSETA 2026 Continuing Bursary Scheme offers important financial support for students already funded during the 2025 academic year.
With many students struggling to continue their studies because of financial challenges, this funding window can help qualifying bursars remain enrolled and complete their qualifications.
Students should act quickly, stay in contact with their institutions, and ensure all required academic and registration information is up to date before the 30 May 2026 closing date.
Mbalizuke Nkosi is the editorial voice behind YouthScope.co.za, a South African youth-focused platform dedicated to providing reliable information on opportunities, education, and career development. The platform serves students, graduates, job seekers, and young professionals by delivering accurate, timely, and easy-to-understand content.
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