The Services Sector Education and Training Authority (Services SETA) is supporting multiple initiatives that serve to ease the path of South Africans through the education system and into the workforce.
The body has allocated R9.3 million to assist 155 CPUT students with historical student debt, R20 million for first-time entering students without NSFAS funding, R90 million for the revitalisation of Community Education and Training colleges, and has launched a national graduate internship scheme for 20,000 unemployed graduates.
The interventions target a range of needs, from students stranded by old debt needing to complete their studies to graduates without work experience seeking their first job.
155 CPUT graduates helped with historical debt
One of the most immediate interventions involves students at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT).
Services SETA has allocated R9.3 million to settle historical student debt for 155 students who have completed their studies but who cannot obtain graduation certificates because of their outstanding balances.
For many students, graduation is the culmination of their studies, and a certificate is often required to demonstrate to future employers that a candidate has successfully completed their qualifications.
This makes the certificate a crucial item, and students who cannot obtain it may find themselves unable to adequately demonstrate their work readiness to employers, despite having completed their studies.
The intervention therefore helps to alleviate a barrier to employment that can arise even after students have completed their studies.
R20 million for first-time entering students
Meanwhile, the body has allocated R20 million to assist students who are entering further education and training for the first time and who do not have National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) funding.
The intervention comes in March 2026 and is targeted at first-time entering students.
The allocation is intended to serve as a form of financial assistance to students who would otherwise be unable to afford to enter further education and training, despite being eligible to do so.
Students should be aware, however, that simply being ineligible for NSFAS funding does not automatically render them eligible for support from Services SETA.
Prospective students should familiarise themselves with the conditions of the relevant funding programmes before registering at a university or college.
R90 million for CET college revitalisation
Another important intervention announced by Services SETA is the allocation of R90 million to the revitalisation of Community Education and Training (CET) colleges.
The funding is provided in partnership with the Department of Higher Education and Training, and is targeted at CET colleges in all nine provinces, with each set to receive R10 million.
CET colleges provide an alternative pathway into further education and training, and the funding is expected to provide much-needed support to an important pillar of South Africa’s post-school education and training sector.
20,000 graduate internships to be offered through The Power of X²
Finally, the body is also supporting a national internship programme targeting unemployed graduates.
Through The Power of X squared (X²), it will assist 20,000 graduates to complete a 24-month internship, with a view to improving their employability prospects.
The intervention recognises the importance of gaining work experience, particularly for graduates who may struggle to find work after completing their degrees.
At the same time, it is important to note that an internship is not necessarily a permanent job.
Graduates should therefore carefully consider the conditions of any proposed internship before accepting it, as well as exploring their options in terms of alternative forms of financial assistance such as bursaries and staff.
Education support interventions target different areas of need
The multiple interventions that have been announced by Services SETA address different areas of need.
For graduates, the historical debt relief initiative can assist in ensuring that they are able to complete their studies and obtain the necessary qualification.
For first-time entering students, the R20 million allocation serves to provide much needed financial assistance.
At the same time, CET college funding addresses the need for alternative post-school education and training, while the graduate internship programme focuses on addressing the need for work experience among graduates.
These interventions therefore reflect a range of needs that can be relevant to different categories of students and graduates, rather than a single area of concern.
Important considerations for students and graduates
South Africans who are considering applying for any of the opportunities that have been announced by Services SETA should be aware that there is a difference between an allocation and an application process.
In other words, the mere announcement of funding does not necessarily mean that applications are currently being accepted.
Before applying to any programme, therefore, it is critical for students and graduates to carefully consider the following factors:
Whether applications are currently open;
Who qualifies for the financial assistance;
What institutions, qualifications or fields of study are included;
What supporting documents are required;
When the closing date for applications is;
Whether the financial assistance takes the form of a bursary, student loan, internship or other type of support;
Whether an allowance or stipend is provided;
And whether any geographical or other eligibility requirements apply.
It is therefore always important to refer to the most updated information regarding any financial assistance programme, rather than relying on potentially out-of-date information.
Why these education support initiatives matter
These initiatives illustrate the various barriers that can prevent South Africans from successfully pursuing their studies or career plans.
A student can have completed their studies but still be unable to obtain their certificate because of outstanding student debt.
Another student may have successfully gained admission to a post-school qualification but find that they cannot afford to fund their studies.
A graduate may have obtained their degree but struggle to find employment because of a lack of work experience.
The interventions from Services SETA can help to alleviate some of these barriers, with the ultimate aim of improving the educational and occupational prospects of the individuals who apply.
The long-term success of the announcements, however, will depend on whether they can meet their stated objectives in terms of supporting education and training for South Africans.
Not all South Africans can apply for all these opportunities
The figures mentioned in the announcement – R9.3 million, R20 million, R90 million and 20,000 internships – relate to separate initiatives, and cannot be combined.
Students or graduates who are considering applying should therefore carefully read through all the information to identify which of these opportunities may be relevant to their circumstances.
It is therefore not accurate to state that every South African student or graduate can apply for any of these opportunities.
A multifaceted approach to skills development
The funding that has been announced by Services SETA reflects its broader approach to supporting skills development, which extends beyond simply funding training courses.
The interventions target students who are entering further education and training, as well as those who are graduating or struggling to find employment after obtaining their qualifications.
South Africans who are considering post-school studies should therefore pay particular attention to the needs that have been identified by Services SETA, and assess which of the available opportunities may be relevant to their individual circumstances.
Sources
Sources: Services SETA; Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT); and the South African Government News Agency, based on the information supplied for this report.
Services SETA official website
Editorial policy
This article was independently written for South African readers using information attributed to Services SETA and the cited institutional sources. It is not a reproduction of the original material.
Funding amounts and beneficiary figures have been reported as supplied or sourced. Where application requirements, deadlines, stipends or other programme details were not provided, they have not been invented.
Disclaimer
The initiatives described in this article are not necessarily open for applications. Programme availability, qualifying criteria, funding arrangements and deadlines can change.
Students and graduates should confirm the latest information with the relevant official institution before applying, paying fees or providing personal documents.
Applicant awareness
Be cautious of websites, social-media accounts or individuals claiming to guarantee Services SETA bursaries, internships, debt assistance or employment.
Never pay someone in exchange for guaranteed selection. Verify the programme and application process through an official source before sharing identity documents, banking details or other sensitive information.
