South Africa’s manufacturing and engineering sectors form the backbone of the country’s industrial economy, yet thousands of students who want to enter these fields cannot afford tertiary education. The Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority (merSETA) addresses this gap through its annual bursary programme, funding students at universities and universities of technology across the country. If you are looking for the full merSETA bursary requirements for 2026/2027, this guide covers eligibility criteria, approved fields of study, application documents, and every detail you need to submit a strong application.
merSETA is one of 21 SETAs established under the Skills Development Act of 1998, focused on developing scarce skills across five key subsectors: metals and engineering, auto manufacturing, plastics industries, retail motor and component manufacturing, and new tyre manufacturing. These subsectors represent approximately 44,000 companies employing around 600,000 workers. The bursary programme is merSETA’s primary tool for building the next generation of engineers and technical professionals these industries need.
Who Can Apply for the merSETA Bursary?
Understanding the merSETA bursary requirements starts with knowing who qualifies. The programme targets two categories of applicants. The first is unemployed South African citizens who want to work in the manufacturing, engineering, and related services sector after completing their studies. The second is individuals already employed by a company registered with merSETA who need financial support to complete or further their qualifications.
Both first-year and current students can apply. If you are a continuing student who has partially completed a qualification with satisfactory results but cannot afford to continue, the merSETA bursary is designed for your situation. The programme prioritises previously disadvantaged individuals, with preference given on the basis of gender, disability, and race.
Full merSETA Bursary Requirements for 2026/2027
The merSETA bursary requirements are clear and non-negotiable. Failure to meet any single criterion results in automatic disqualification, so review this list carefully before applying:
- South African citizenship – You must be a South African citizen. Permanent residents and foreign nationals do not qualify.
- Employment status – You must either be unemployed and wish to work in the manufacturing, engineering, and related services sector, OR you must be employed by a company registered with merSETA.
- Matric certificate – You must hold a matric certificate (or equivalent) or a post-matric qualification.
- Institutional admission – You must meet the minimum admission requirements of your chosen tertiary institution.
- Approved qualification – You must be studying or intend to study towards one of the approved National Diploma or Degree qualifications listed by merSETA.
- Recognised institution – You must be registered or planning to register at a recognised South African university or university of technology.
Students who already receive other significant funding – such as bursaries, loans, or scholarships – must declare this information to the Bursary Scheme Manager. Failing to disclose existing funding can lead to disqualification or cancellation of your merSETA bursary requirements approval.
Approved Fields of Study
One of the most important merSETA bursary requirements is studying in an approved field. The programme only funds qualifications that align with the skills needs of the manufacturing and engineering sector. Approved fields differ slightly between universities of technology and traditional universities:
University of Technology (National Diploma and BTech):
- Chemical Engineering (National Diploma / BTech)
- Electrical Engineering – light and heavy current, and electronics (National Diploma / BTech)
- Engineering Metallurgy (National Diploma)
- Industrial Engineering (National Diploma)
- Mechanical Engineering, including Mechatronics (National Diploma)
- Polymer Technology (BTech)
- Production and Operations Management (National Diploma / BTech)
University (BSc Engineering Degrees):
- Chemical Engineering (BSc)
- Electrical Engineering – light and heavy current, and electronic (BSc)
- Industrial Engineering (BSc)
- Mechanical Engineering, including Mechatronics (BSc)
- Metallurgy and Materials Engineering (BSc)
merSETA bursaries are awarded annually to university students and biannually (per semester) to university of technology students studying semester-based courses. If your intended qualification does not appear on this list, it does not meet the merSETA bursary requirements for the current cycle.
What Does the merSETA Bursary Cover?
The merSETA bursary requirements do not only determine who qualifies – they also shape what successful applicants receive. The merSETA bursary provides comprehensive financial assistance that may include tuition fees, registration costs, prescribed textbooks, accommodation, meals, and in some cases a monthly allowance. The exact funding package can vary by institution and programme, so confirm the approved costs with your university’s financial aid office.
Beyond financial support, bursary recipients may gain workplace exposure, internship opportunities, and skills development initiatives through merSETA-affiliated companies. Employers in these sectors strongly favour graduates with hands-on industry exposure. Note that the bursary award cannot be used to pay off outstanding fees from previous academic years.
How to Apply for the merSETA Bursary
Unlike many bursaries where you apply directly to the funder, the merSETA bursary application process runs through your university’s bursary or financial aid office. Here is how to complete the process:
- Contact your university: Visit or email your institution’s bursary or financial aid department and request the official merSETA bursary application form. Not all institutions participate, so confirm availability early.
- Complete the application form: Fill in every section accurately, including personal details, academic history, employment status, and your chosen field of study. Incomplete forms are automatically rejected.
- Gather supporting documents: Prepare certified copies of all required documents (listed below). Missing documentation leads to immediate disqualification.
- Submit before the deadline: Return your completed form and all supporting documents to your university’s bursary office before the institutional closing date. Universities often set internal deadlines that fall before the official merSETA closing date.
You can also request application forms directly from merSETA by emailing bursaries@merseta.org.za with the subject line “merSETA Bursary Application Request” or by calling 086 163 7738.
Required Documents for Your Application
Meeting the merSETA bursary requirements means submitting a complete set of certified supporting documents. Missing even one item can disqualify your entire application. Prepare the following:
- Certified copy of your South African ID document
- Certified copy of your matric certificate (or equivalent qualification)
- Proof of application, acceptance, or registration at a recognised South African university or university of technology
- Latest tertiary academic report or transcript (if you are a continuing student)
- Proof of any other sources of study funding you currently receive
- Proof of household income (where applicable for financial assessment)
- Any additional forms referenced in the specific bursary advertisement from your institution
All copies must be certified by a Commissioner of Oaths, police station, or school principal. Ensure certifications are recent, legible, and clearly stamped with signature and date.
Closing Dates for 2026/2027
The merSETA bursary requirements include strict adherence to closing dates. For the 2025/2026 cycle, the official closing date is 20 February 2026. However, individual universities may set earlier internal deadlines – for example, the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) set its internal deadline at 18 February 2026. Always check with your institution’s financial aid office for their specific submission date.
For university of technology students on semester courses, there may be a second application window around September for second-semester intake. Monitor the merSETA website at merseta.org.za and your university’s notice boards for updated deadlines.
Selection Criteria and Preference
Beyond the basic merSETA bursary requirements, the selection process takes several additional factors into account. Academic merit plays a significant role – students with strong results are more competitive. merSETA also gives preference to previously disadvantaged individuals, applicants with disabilities, and women in engineering and manufacturing fields, in line with South Africa’s transformation agenda.
Employees or direct family members of employees at merSETA-registered companies that contribute to skills development levies may also receive preference. This reflects the programme’s mandate to serve the sector’s workforce pipeline directly.
Tips to Strengthen Your merSETA Bursary Application
Knowing the merSETA bursary requirements is only half the battle – executing a strong application is what gets you funded. Start by contacting your university’s bursary office early, ideally months before the closing date. Request the form, confirm your field of study qualifies, and ask about any institution-specific processes.
Certify all documents well in advance – police stations can have long queues. Double-check that your academic transcript reflects your most recent results, and ensure every section of the form is complete. If you receive other funding, declare it honestly – merSETA verifies this information, and non-disclosure leads to disqualification.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can first-year students apply for the merSETA bursary?
Yes. The merSETA bursary is open to first-year students as well as continuing students. If you are a first-year applicant, you need proof of application or acceptance at a recognised institution. Continuing students must provide their latest academic transcript showing satisfactory results.
Do I apply directly to merSETA?
No. Applications are submitted through your university’s bursary or financial aid office. Contact your institution to request the official application form. You can also email bursaries@merseta.org.za to request a form directly, but submission still goes through your university.
Can I hold a merSETA bursary and NSFAS funding at the same time?
If you receive other significant funding, you must declare it. The merSETA bursary requirements state that students holding other bursaries, loans, or scholarships must inform the Bursary Scheme Manager. Dual funding is assessed on a case-by-case basis and may affect your award.
What happens if I submit an incomplete application?
Incomplete applications are automatically disqualified. This includes missing certified documents, unsigned forms, or failure to provide proof of other funding sources. Always review your submission against the official checklist before handing it in.
Is the merSETA bursary renewable?
The bursary is awarded per academic year or per semester for university of technology students. Returning students can reapply for continued funding, but renewal is not automatic. You must maintain satisfactory academic results and continue meeting all merSETA bursary requirements to qualify for a subsequent award.
Can I study at a private institution?
No. The merSETA bursary is only available for students at recognised public universities and universities of technology in South Africa. Private colleges and unaccredited institutions do not qualify.
Who do I contact for merSETA bursary queries?
Contact the merSETA bursary department directly at bursaries@merseta.org.za or call 086 163 7738. You can also visit the official merSETA website at merseta.org.za for the latest updates, or speak with your university’s financial aid office for institution-specific guidance.
Final Thoughts
The merSETA bursary requirements for 2026/2027 are straightforward, but the application process demands careful preparation and attention to detail. South Africa’s manufacturing and engineering sectors need skilled graduates, and this bursary is designed to connect motivated students with the funding they need to enter these industries.
If you meet the eligibility criteria and your field of study aligns with the approved list, do not delay. Contact your university’s bursary office, gather your certified documents, and submit a complete application before the deadline. The bursary is competitive, but students who prepare thoroughly and submit early give themselves the strongest chance.